Bergen County Embezzlement Lawyer — What Are Your Defense Options?
Embezzlement in Bergen County is a serious white-collar crime prosecuted under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-2, Theft by Unlawful Taking, with penalties including prison and heavy fines. If you are accused of misappropriation of funds, securing a skilled embezzlement lawyer in Bergen County is critical. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides focused defense for these charges. Contact us at (888) 437-7747 for a 24/7 consultation.
New Jersey Embezzlement Law and Penalties
In New Jersey, embezzlement is prosecuted under the general theft statute, N.J.S.A. 2C:20-2. The severity of the charge depends on the value of the property or funds allegedly taken. The statute defines theft as the unlawful taking or exercise of control over property with the purpose to deprive the owner thereof. When this act is committed by someone in a position of trust, such as an employee, officer, or fiduciary, it constitutes embezzlement.
Last verified: March 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings decades of combined experience to defending financial allegations.
Official Legal Resources
- N.J.S.A. 2C:20-2 (official New Jersey theft statute)
- Superior Court of New Jersey, Bergen Vicinage website
Defending an Embezzlement Case in Bergen County Court
Embezzlement cases in Bergen County are heard in the Law Division of the Superior Court in Hackensack. These are indictable offenses (felonies), meaning the process begins with a grand jury. Prosecutors from the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office handle these cases, which often involve financial records. A strong defense requires an attorney who can analyze accounting documents, challenge the state’s valuation of the alleged loss, and question the intent to deprive.
- Initial Arraignment & Pretrial Conferences: You will be formally advised of the charges. Your attorney will file motions, including those to suppress evidence or dismiss the indictment.
- Discovery & Investigation: The state provides its evidence. Your defense team will conduct its own investigation, which may involve hiring a forensic accountant to review the state’s case.
- Plea Negotiations: Many cases are resolved before trial. Your attorney will negotiate with the prosecutor, potentially seeking a reduction to a lesser charge or a favorable plea agreement.
- Trial Preparation: If no agreement is reached, your attorney will prepare for trial, including selecting a jury, preparing witnesses, and developing a strategy to create reasonable doubt.
- Sentencing (if applicable): If convicted, your attorney will advocate at sentencing for alternatives to incarceration, such as probation, restitution, and community service.
Potential Penalties for Embezzlement in New Jersey
In Bergen County, embezzlement penalties are determined by the degree of the theft, which is based on the value of the property involved, with sentences ranging from probation to over ten years in state prison.
| Degree of Theft | Value (Approx.) | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd Degree | $75,000+ | 5-10 years | Up to $150,000 | Restitution mandatory; permanent felony record. |
| 3rd Degree | $500 – $74,999 | 3-5 years | Up to $15,000 | Restitution; loss of professional licenses. |
| 4th Degree | $200 – $499 | Up to 18 months | Up to $10,000 | Restitution; collateral employment impacts. |
| Disorderly Persons | Under $200 | Up to 6 months (county jail) | Up to $1,000 | Restitution; misdemeanor record. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Financial Crime Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have a combined 120+ years of legal experience handling contested cases, including white-collar crimes like embezzlement. We understand that these charges threaten not only your freedom but also your reputation and livelihood. Our approach involves a meticulous review of financial records, collaboration with forensic professionals, and strategic negotiation to protect your future.
Discuss Your Case with an Embezzlement Lawyer
If you are under investigation or have been charged, immediate action is important. An experienced embezzlement lawyer in Bergen County can intervene during the investigation phase, protect your rights, and begin building your defense. We offer 24/7 phone consultations to discuss your situation.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Bergen County Embezzlement Defense Team
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
Local: (732) 651-3900
By appointment only.
Our New Jersey location serves clients at Bergen County courts in Hackensack, accessible via I-80, the NJ Turnpike, and Route 17. We provide a dedicated white collar crime defense lawyer in Bergen County for clients in Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, Bergenfield, Garfield, Mahwah, Ramsey, and Lyndhurst.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Embezzlement Defense
What is the difference between embezzlement and theft?
Yes, there is a key difference. Embezzlement is a specific type of theft where the person accused had lawful access to the money or property but then allegedly converted it for their own use, violating a position of trust. General theft involves taking property without any right of possession.
Can I go to jail for a first-time embezzlement charge in NJ?
It depends on the degree of the charge. For a disorderly persons offense (under $200), jail is possible but not mandatory. For indictable offenses (3rd degree and above), state prison is a potential sentence. An attorney can negotiate for alternatives like probation, especially for first-time offenders.
What are common defenses to an embezzlement charge?
Common defenses include lack of intent (you believed you were entitled to the funds), authorization or consent from the owner, insufficient evidence to prove the alleged value, mistaken identity, or accounting errors. A thorough review of financial records is essential to identify the best defense strategy.
Is restitution mandatory in an embezzlement case?
Yes. New Jersey courts almost always order restitution as part of the sentence in an embezzlement conviction. The court will determine the amount you must pay back to the victim. In some cases, negotiating a restitution agreement can be part of a favorable plea resolution.
Should I speak to investigators without a lawyer?
No. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Anything you say can be used against you. Politely decline to answer questions and immediately request to speak with your embezzlement lawyer. This protects your rights from the very start of the investigation.
Related Practice Areas: Bergen County Business Lawyer | Bergen County Federal Criminal Lawyer
Other Locations: Atlantic County Civil Litigation Lawyer | Burlington County Civil Litigation Lawyer
State Overview: New Jersey Civil Litigation Lawyer
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
The same rules apply outside Bergen County, and our page on embezzlement charges across New Jersey walks through each stage.
Your case in Bergen County, New Jersey
Indictable charges are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division; disorderly-persons offenses are heard in the municipal court where the charge was filed. In Bergen County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage (2nd Vicinage), 10 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601, telephone (201) 527-2700, open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Court procedures change; confirm the current schedule on the official vicinage website or with the clerk before you file or appear.
The governing law for this topic is the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice, N.J.S.A. Title 2C. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Bergen County matters from its New Jersey location at 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724; meetings are by appointment. Request a New Jersey consultation at (888) 437-7747 or (609) 983-0003.
Related New Jersey pages: Bergen County NJ lawyers directory · Embezzlement Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Embezzlement Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.