Facing embezzlement charges in Allentown, Pennsylvania, can feel overwhelming. The legal system moves quickly, and the consequences of jail time, financial penalties, and long-term damage to your reputation can affect every part of your life. At McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., our Allentown criminal defense lawyer understands the urgency and the pressure that follow an arrest for a white-collar crime like embezzlement.
Our role is to help you navigate what comes next. We do that by explaining the law, identifying every possible legal option, and protecting your rights at each stage of the legal process. An arrest is not a conviction. Jail is not automatic. We believe in taking immediate, calculated action to challenge the allegations and work toward an outcome that limits the impact on your career, your finances, and your future.
If you’ve been accused of embezzlement, now is the time to focus on your defense. Call McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., for a free consultation. Our Allentown embezzlement lawyer is ready to defend you.
If you’ve been arrested for embezzlement in Allentown, you may be uncertain about what the charge really means or how it differs from other theft-related offenses. Embezzlement cases often involve detailed financial records, internal audits, and accusations that can arise from misunderstandings or disputed transactions. We help you make sense of the charges and prepare for what’s ahead by starting with the legal definition and building from there.
Embezzlement occurs when someone who has lawful access to money or property misappropriates it for their own use, per 18 Pa. C.S.A. §3927. In Pennsylvania, embezzlement falls under the state’s general theft statutes. That means prosecutors don’t need to prove force or physical theft—only that you had legal access and used that position to take something you were not entitled to.
These cases are often categorized as white-collar crimes because they typically involve workplace or fiduciary settings. Employers, bookkeepers, finance managers, and others in positions of trust are frequently accused of embezzling funds or assets.
Embezzlement allegations often arise from routine business practices. Some of the most common accusations include the following:
The accusations can come from an internal audit, a tip from another employee, or an outside regulatory agency. Once reported, law enforcement may pursue a criminal investigation and file charges quickly.
Most embezzlement charges in Allentown are filed under Pennsylvania state law. However, some cases fall under federal jurisdiction, especially when they involve:
Federal embezzlement charges carry their own sentencing guidelines, and federal prosecutors tend to pursue them aggressively. Whether your case stays in Lehigh County court or enters the federal system, the stakes are high, and the legal strategy must be adjusted accordingly.
The consequences of an embezzlement conviction in Pennsylvania can extend well beyond the courtroom. Jail, fines, and a criminal record are all possible outcomes, but they’re not the only ones. We help our clients understand the legal penalties and the broader effects so they can make informed decisions at every stage.
Embezzlement charges in Pennsylvania are categorized based on the value of the money or property allegedly stolen:
Certain factors can elevate a case, such as embezzling from a government agency, elderly person, or nonprofit organization.
Pennsylvania’s sentencing laws consider prior convictions and the gravity of the offense. Even a first-time offender may face incarceration if the amount embezzled is high or the theft is part of a pattern of misconduct. Sentencing options include:
We work to negotiate terms that protect your freedom and limit court supervision whenever possible.
Legal penalties are only one part of what a conviction brings. Embezzlement can affect your future in ways that the judge won’t put on the record:
Understanding these risks is essential. We look at every aspect of your situation to develop a strategy that limits exposure to both legal and non-legal consequences.
If you’ve been arrested for embezzlement in Allentown, the legal process begins quickly. Law enforcement and prosecutors work to build their case while you’re left to navigate unfamiliar procedures and high-stakes decisions. We guide our clients through each phase so that they understand what’s happening and how to respond.
Most embezzlement cases begin with a complaint from an employer, financial institution, or auditor. If the police believe there’s enough evidence, they may issue a warrant for your arrest or contact you to turn yourself in. Once arrested, you will be taken into custody, fingerprinted, and photographed. Bail may be set depending on the severity of the charge and whether you have a prior record.
Some individuals are contacted by law enforcement before formal charges are filed. In these cases, speaking with an attorney before answering questions can make a critical difference in the outcome. We always advise that you avoid making statements until you’ve spoken with legal counsel.
Your first court appearance, called an arraignment, typically happens within a few days of arrest. During this hearing, the charges will be formally read, and you’ll enter a plea. The court may also address bail and scheduling. A preliminary hearing may follow, where a judge decides if the case has enough evidence to move forward.
We use this early phase to evaluate the prosecution’s case and identify weaknesses in the evidence. In some cases, we can challenge the sufficiency of the charges or argue for dismissal based on procedural errors.
Prosecutors rely heavily on financial records, emails, spreadsheets, internal audits, surveillance footage, and digital communications to prove their case. They may also subpoena witnesses or documents. If you had access to financial systems, bank accounts, or payroll platforms, that access may become a central part of the case against you.
We conduct our own investigation, which includes reviewing documentation, identifying alternate explanations for the transactions, and questioning whether the prosecution can actually prove intent to defraud.
Not every embezzlement case goes to trial. In fact, many are resolved through negotiated plea deals, especially for first-time offenders or when the evidence is limited. A plea agreement might reduce the charge from a felony to a misdemeanor or eliminate the risk of jail time. In other cases, a trial may be necessary to challenge the accusations head-on.
We represent you in either setting. Whether the right move is to negotiate or go to court, we prepare thoroughly so that you’re not caught off guard or pressured into decisions without understanding the impact.
Every embezzlement case is different, but the stakes are always high. A conviction can affect your freedom, finances, and future. We build every defense strategy around the details:
At McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., our criminal defense lawyer helps our clients by challenging assumptions and protecting your rights at every step:
In every scenario, we’re working toward the same goal: protecting your record, your livelihood, and your future.
At McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., we use every resource available to defend against embezzlement charges. Our experience inside the system, combined with our case-specific strategy, gives us a strong foundation for advocating on your behalf. We don’t wait for the prosecution to act—we move quickly to build your defense and work toward a resolution that protects you.
When you’re accused of embezzlement, your legal representation matters. The steps you take after an arrest and the lawyer you hire are important. We understand that your career, reputation, and future may be on the line. That’s why we take a direct, responsive approach to every case we handle:
An arrest does not guarantee a conviction. Even serious embezzlement charges can lead to reduced penalties or dismissal, depending on the facts. We work to separate you from the accusation and to highlight any weaknesses in the prosecution’s theory. In some cases, we negotiate alternatives to jail, including diversion programs, reduced charges, or restitution agreements that avoid long-term consequences.
We don’t assume the worst. We prepare for the best achievable outcome, using evidence and legal strategy to protect your record and your life outside the courtroom.
We know that financial uncertainty can add stress to an already difficult situation. That’s why we offer clear, consistent pricing from day one. The cost of your defense will not change based on how long your case takes or how complex it becomes. No hidden fees. No surprise bills. Just a clear agreement that allows you to focus on your defense.
You shouldn’t have to chase down your lawyer or wait days for updates about your case. We maintain regular contact and provide clear information at every stage. From court dates to filing deadlines, we explain what’s happening, what’s next, and what your options are. You’ll always know where your case stands.
We also answer calls 24/7. If you’re arrested on a weekend or questioned by law enforcement after hours, we’re available to help.
We believe in responsive representation, but that access begins once you formally become our client. After you’ve signed on, attorney David McKenzie is available through phone, text, email, and social media messaging. If you need to reach us, you can. We make sure you’re supported, informed, and confident in your legal defense.
Clients value how we handle their cases, and that’s reflected in our ratings. McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., holds a 10/10 AVVO rating, a 5-star Google review score, and recognition from the American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys for client satisfaction. These honors reflect the trust our clients place in us, not just for results but for how we treat them throughout the legal process. We invite you to read their testimonials and decide for yourself.
An accusation of embezzlement can trigger panic, confusion, and a rush to explain what happened. However, the steps you take immediately after learning about the allegation can have a lasting impact on your case. We help clients take control of the situation by focusing on actions that protect their rights and avoid making matters worse:
Law enforcement or corporate investigators may contact you under the pretense of asking for “clarification.” They may already believe you’re guilty or be gathering information to support charges. Anything you say, even if you’re trying to explain or deny the accusation, can be used against you. We advise that you say nothing until you’ve consulted with legal counsel. That’s not avoidance. It’s exercising your right to a defense.
In many embezzlement cases, the key facts live in spreadsheets, bank records, emails, and internal documents. Do not delete anything. Instead, save copies of records that may be relevant to your case. If you have access to transaction logs, time entries, correspondence, or internal policies, preserve them as they may provide important context or contradict the accusation.
The earlier we get involved, the more options we have to shape the direction of your case. If you haven’t been charged yet, we may be able to intervene before formal charges are filed. If charges are already in place, we can begin building your defense, protecting your access to evidence, and handling all communication with investigators or prosecutors. Early legal representation helps you avoid missteps and build a strong foundation for your defense.
If you’re facing embezzlement charges in Allentown or if you’ve been contacted by law enforcement or your employer about a financial investigation, now is the time to act. These cases often move quickly, and the decisions made early on can affect the rest of the process. At McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., we offer a free consultation so you can understand your rights, your risks, and your legal options before taking the next step.
During the consultation, we’ll listen to your concerns, review the facts, and explain how Pennsylvania law applies to your situation. We’ll walk you through potential outcomes and outline how we approach defending embezzlement charges at every stage—from initial investigation through trial or negotiation.
This first conversation is confidential and comes with no obligation. It’s your opportunity to ask questions and make informed decisions with the help of experienced legal guidance. Contact McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., today for your free consultation and begin building your defense with clarity and confidence.
