What is embezzlement in Michigan?
The quick answer is, taking money or property belonging to your employer and using it for your own purposes outside of work. An example is taking money from your employer that you are not entitled to take. Another example is taking merchandise or helping another person take money or merchandise from your employer.
What are the possible punishments for embezzlement in Michigan?
Punishment ranges from misdemeanors to felonies. Some misdemeanors have a maximum punishment of 93 days in jail; however, some felonies embezzlement charges in Michigan carry up to 20 years in prison. This is in addition to fines, restitution, among other things.
What are the levels of embezzlement in Michigan?
Misdemeanors
Embezzlement of property under $200 is a misdemeanor crime in Michigan. It carries a maximum of 93 days in jail and a $500 fine or 3 times the value of the money or property taken, whichever is greater.
Embezzlement of property between $200 and $1,000 is a misdemeanor crime in Michigan. It carries a maximum of 1 year in jail and $1,000 fine or 3 times the value of the money or property taken, whichever is greater.
*The same possible punishment applies to a second offense for embezzlement under $200, and first offense embezzlement under $200 from a non-profit or charitable organization.
Felonies
Embezzlement of property between $1,000 and $20,0000 is a felony crime in Michigan. It carries a maximum of up to 5 years in prison and a fine of $10,000 or 3 times the value of the money or property, whichever is greater.
** The same possible punishment applies to a second offense of embezzlement between $200 and $1,000, and first offense embezzlement between $200 and $1000 from a non-profit or charitable organization
Embezzlement of property between $20,000 and $50,000 is a felony crime in Michigan. It carries a maximum of up to 10 years in prison and a $15,000 fine or 3 times the value of the property or money, whichever is greater.
*** The same possible punishment applies to a second offense of embezzlement between $1,000 and $20,000, and first offense embezzlement between $100 and $20,000 from a non-profit or charitable organization.
Embezzlement of property between $50,000 and $100,000 is a felony crime in Michigan. It carries a maximum of up to 15 years in prison and a $25,000 fine or 3 times the value of the property or money, whichever is greater.
Embezzlement of property $100,000 is a felony crime in Michigan. It carries a maximum of up to 20 years in prison and a $50,000 fine or 3 times the value of the property or money, whichever is greater.
As you can see there are many different levels of embezzlement in Michigan. A lot depends on the value of the property or money taken, and from whom it was taken.
If you or someone you know is charged with embezzlement, then call me at (734) 887-6079 for a free consultation. I help people in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Pittsfield Township, Milan, Saline, Manchester, Dexter, Chelsea, Plymouth, Northville, among the other communities in Washtenaw, and Wayne counties.
