Embezzlement Lawyer Hudson County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Embezzlement in Hudson County is a serious white-collar crime prosecuted under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-9, involving the misappropriation of funds by someone entrusted with them. If you are under investigation or charged, you need an experienced embezzlement lawyer Hudson County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Our firm, founded in 1997, provides a strong defense against these charges. Call (888) 437-7747 for a 24/7 consultation.
New Jersey Embezzlement Law and Penalties
In New Jersey, embezzlement is not a standalone statute but is prosecuted under the general theft statutes, primarily N.J.S.A. 2C:20-9 (theft by failure to make required disposition of property received). The law applies when a person obtains property upon agreement to make a specified payment or disposition and knowingly deals with the property as their own, failing to make the required payment. The severity of the charge depends on the value of the property involved.
Last verified: March 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Hudson Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
- N.J.S.A. 2C:20-9 (official New Jersey Legislature)
- Superior Court of NJ, Hudson Vicinage
Defending Embezzlement Charges in Hudson County
Defending against embezzlement allegations requires a detailed understanding of financial records and intent. In Hudson County Superior Court, these cases are heard in the Criminal Division. Prosecutors often rely on paper trails, making early attorney involvement critical to challenge the state’s interpretation of transactions and intent.
- Initial Consultation & Case Assessment: Contact our firm as early as possible. We will review the allegations, any evidence you have, and explain the charges against you.
- Investigation & Evidence Review: Our team will conduct a thorough investigation, subpoena financial records, and work with forensic accountants if necessary to analyze the state’s evidence.
- Pre-Indictment Negotiations: Before formal charges are filed in an indictment, we may engage with prosecutors to present mitigating factors or challenge the sufficiency of evidence.
- Formal Defense & Motions: If indicted, we file pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on legal defects. We prepare a defense strategy focused on lack of intent, authorization, or mistaken accounting.
- Trial or Resolution: We are prepared to take your case to trial to defend your innocence. If a plea agreement is in your best interest, we negotiate for reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or diversion programs.
- Sentencing & Appeals: If convicted, we advocate for minimal penalties. We also handle appeals to the Appellate Division if legal errors occurred during your trial.
Potential Penalties for Embezzlement in New Jersey
In Hudson County, embezzlement penalties are based on the value of the misappropriated funds, ranging from a disorderly persons offense to a second-degree crime with significant prison time.
| Offense Degree | Value of Property | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Disorderly Persons Offense | Under $200 | Up to 6 months | Up to $1,000 | Criminal record, possible restitution |
| Fourth-Degree Crime | $200 – $500 | Up to 18 months | Up to $10,000 | Felony record, restitution, professional license loss |
| Third-Degree Crime | $500 – $75,000 | 3-5 years | Up to $15,000 | Felony record, significant restitution, loss of public office |
| Second-Degree Crime | Over $75,000 | 5-10 years | Up to $150,000 | Felony record, mandatory restitution, severe professional consequences |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Firm’s Experience in White-Collar Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and more than 4,739 documented case results firm-wide, our team understands the high stakes of white-collar crime allegations. We approach each embezzlement case with a meticulous, evidence-driven strategy to protect your rights, reputation, and future.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Our firm has a documented record of achieving favorable outcomes for clients facing serious charges. While specific results in Hudson County for embezzlement are not publicly listed, our firm-wide approach focuses on thorough investigation and aggressive advocacy. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Hudson County Embezzlement Defense Team
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Hudson County. We are a white collar crime defense lawyer Hudson County resource for Jersey City, Hoboken, North Bergen, Union City, West New York, Secaucus, Bayonne, Kearny, Harrison, Weehawken, and Guttenberg.
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) 509-5697
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only. Our location is accessible via the NJ Turnpike, Route 1/9, Route 3, Lincoln Tunnel, and Holland Tunnel, serving clients at the Hudson County Courthouse in Jersey City.
Frequently Asked Questions: Embezzlement Defense
What is the difference between embezzlement and theft?
Yes, there is a key difference. Theft generally involves taking property without permission. Embezzlement, a form of theft, occurs when someone lawfully entrusted with property or funds (like an employee, trustee, or officer) illegally converts it for their own use. This breach of trust often leads to more severe penalties.
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 third or second-degree crimes involving larger sums, state prison time is a likely sentencing component, even for first-time offenders, due to the breach of trust inherent in the crime.
What are common defenses to embezzlement?
Common defenses include lack of criminal intent (you believed you were authorized), mistake of fact or accounting error, duress, entrapment, or that you had a claim of right to the property. An experienced misappropriation of funds defense lawyer Hudson County can identify which defense strategy applies to your specific situation.
Is restitution mandatory in embezzlement cases?
Yes. New Jersey courts almost always order restitution—repayment of the misappropriated funds—as part of the sentence in an embezzlement conviction. The amount is determined by the court, and payment is a condition of probation or parole. An attorney can negotiate the terms of repayment.
Should I speak to investigators without a lawyer?
No. You should never speak to law enforcement or company investigators about an embezzlement allegation without an attorney present. Anything you say can be used against you. Politely decline to answer questions and immediately contact a defense lawyer to protect your rights.
Related Legal Resources
- New Jersey Civil Litigation Lawyer – Our state hub page.
- Civil Litigation Lawyer Bergen County – Defense in a neighboring county.
- Business Lawyer Hudson County – Related business legal services.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for the most current legal guidance regarding your embezzlement case.
If your case reaches beyond Hudson County, our page on embezzlement charges across New Jersey sets out what to look for at each stage.
Your case in Hudson 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 Hudson County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Hudson Vicinage (3rd Vicinage), 583 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07306, telephone (201) 748-4400, 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 Hudson 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: Hudson County NJ lawyers directory · Embezzlement Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Embezzlement Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.