Accused of Embezzlement or Workplace Theft in South Florida?

Being accused of embezzlement can affect employment, professional relationships, and financial records—especially in high-trust positions like accounting, banking, retail, or corporate management. In Miami and Broward County, prosecutors treat white-collar crimes like workplace theft seriously. Even a first-time accusation can result in felony charges, prison time, and lifelong consequences.

At Beaton Law Firm, we understand that not every workplace dispute is a crime. We investigate the full story—examining internal audits, surveillance footage, employment history, and financial records—to determine whether the allegations are legitimate or inflated. Our firm has defended professionals, employees, and business owners facing embezzlement charges, often resolving cases before formal charges are even filed.

Florida law defines embezzlement as the fraudulent taking of property by someone entrusted to manage or oversee it. That means you could face charges simply for a miscommunication over company funds or inventory. these cases require a careful review of the records, authority, and alleged intent to challenge intent, ownership, and the reliability of employer accusations.

Whether you’re under internal investigation or have already been arrested, consider obtaining legal advice before responding to an employer or investigator. Early review can clarify the evidence, restitution questions, and available procedural options. Preserve the records and note any deadline before responding.

Separate a Workplace Dispute From a Criminal Allegation

The defense should identify the property involved, the authority the employee had, the specific transaction, and the evidence offered to show intentional conversion. Internal policies, access permissions, audit methods, approvals, and communications may provide context. A disagreement over an account or inventory record is not automatically proof of criminal intent.

Preserve the Employment and Financial Record

Keep policies, audit notices, schedules, invoices, account statements, messages, and communications with the employer or investigator. Do not alter files or provide a rushed explanation. Counsel can review any subpoena or interview request and coordinate with appropriate professionals when a civil or employment proceeding overlaps.

Review the Source Records and Timeline

A careful review should focus on the authority over property, business procedures, approvals, entries, and underlying records. A property or business dispute can involve ownership, access, authorization, value, and the timing of events. Preserve original records so each claimed fact can be compared with its source.

Organize Ownership and Authorization Records

Keep source records about ownership, access, value, authorization, and the event timeline together. Identify who created each item and whether it was contemporaneous or a later summary. For this article, the factual review should connect the authority over property, business procedures, approvals, entries, and underlying records to the original material and its date.

Apply the Review to the Actual Record

For this matter, keep the authority over property, business procedures, approvals, entries, and underlying records connected to the complete source material rather than a shortened excerpt or later summary. Note the date and origin of each item, and retain any response or production confirmation with the underlying file.