$ value of embezzlement needed to prosecute

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$ value of embezzlement needed to prosecute

How much money consititutes grand embezzlement vs. petit embezzlement? If an employee is suspected of embezzlement what proof must be gathered before confronting the employee? We are a small business and cash strapped to hire investigative resources, any suggestions?

Asked on June 23, 2009 under Criminal Law, Michigan

Answers:

GW, Member, Michigan and Hawaii Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 14 years ago | Contributor

1. It's a bit more complicated than that:

(2) If the money or personal property embezzled has a value of less than $200.00, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 93 days or a fine of not more than $500.00 or 3 times the value of the money or property embezzled, whichever is greater, or both imprisonment and a fine.

(3) If any of the following apply, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 1 year or a fine of not more than $2,000.00 or 3 times the value of the money or property embezzled, whichever is greater, or both imprisonment and a fine:

(a) The money or personal property embezzled has a value of $200.00 or more but less than $1,000.00.

(b) The person violates subsection (2) and has 1 or more prior convictions for committing or attempting to commit an offense under this section or a local ordinance substantially corresponding to this section.

(c) The person violates subsection (2) and the victim is a nonprofit corporation or charitable organization under federal law or the laws of this state.

(4) If any of the following apply, the person is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 5 years or a fine of not more than $10,000.00 or 3 times the value of the money or property embezzled, whichever is greater, or both imprisonment and a fine:

(a) The money or personal property embezzled has a value of $1,000.00 or more but less than $20,000.00.

(b) The person violates subsection (3)(a) or (c) and has 1 or more prior convictions for committing or attempting to commit an offense under this section. For purposes of this subdivision, however, a prior conviction does not include a conviction for a violation or attempted violation of subsection (2) or (3)(b).

(c) The person violates subsection (3)(a) and the victim is a nonprofit corporation or charitable organization under federal law or the laws of this state.

(5) If any of the following apply, the person is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 10 years or a fine of not more than $15,000.00 or 3 times the value of the money or property embezzled, whichever is greater, or both imprisonment and a fine:

(a) The money or personal property embezzled has a value of $20,000.00 or more but less than $50,000.00.

(b) The person violates subsection (4)(a) or (c) and has 2 or more prior convictions for committing or attempting to commit an offense under this section. For purposes of this subdivision, however, a prior conviction does not include a conviction for a violation or attempted violation of subsection (2) or (3)(b).

(c) The person violates subsection (4)(a) and the victim is a nonprofit corporation or charitable organization under federal law or the laws of this state.

(6) If the money or personal property embezzled has a value of $50,000.00 or more but less than $100,000.00, the person is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 15 years or a fine of not more than $25,000.00 or 3 times the value of the money or property embezzled, whichever is greater, or both imprisonment and a fine.

(7) If the money or personal property embezzled has a value of $100,000.00 or more, the person is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 20 years or a fine of not more than $50,000.00 or 3 times the value of the money or property embezzled, whichever is greater, or both imprisonment and a fine.

http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?mcl-750-174

Because you say you are a small business, I assume we're not dealing with a union. In that case, a Michigan employment relationship is at-will and can be terminated without cause at any time. Unless the employee embezzled enough to make it worth trying to get the money back, your best bet is probably to simply terminate the employee without much fanfare.

 


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