Embezzlement Lawyer in Passaic County, NJ — Your Defense Against Misappropriation of Funds Charges
Embezzlement in Passaic 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 restitution. If you are accused of misappropriation of funds, you need an experienced embezzlement lawyer Passaic County. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for clients in Paterson, Clifton, and throughout Passaic County. Call (888) 437-7747 for a 24/7 consultation.
Understanding Embezzlement Charges in New Jersey
Embezzlement, often prosecuted as theft by unlawful taking or misapplication of entrusted property, involves the fraudulent conversion of property by someone to whom it was lawfully entrusted. In New Jersey, these charges are governed by statutes like N.J.S.A. 2C:20-2 and can be classified as a disorderly persons offense, a third-degree, second-degree, or even first-degree crime depending on the value of the property and the defendant’s role.
Last verified: March 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Passaic Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience. We understand that an embezzlement charge can threaten your career, reputation, and freedom. An experienced embezzlement lawyer Passaic County from our team can analyze the state’s evidence, challenge the intent element, and work to protect your future.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of New Jersey’s theft statutes, refer to the New Jersey Legislature website for N.J.S.A. 2C:20-2. For court procedures and forms in Passaic County, visit the New Jersey Courts website for the Passaic Vicinage.
Local Court Process for Embezzlement Cases in Passaic County
Embezzlement cases in Passaic County are heard in the Law Division of the Superior Court in Paterson. The process is demanding, involving pre-indictment investigations, grand jury presentations, and rigorous discovery phases. Prosecutors in the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office often pursue these cases aggressively, given their financial nature.
- Initial Appearance & Complaint: You will be served with a complaint and have an initial appearance in Superior Court.
- Grand Jury Presentation: For indictable offenses, the prosecutor will present evidence to a grand jury to secure an indictment.
- Pre-Trial Conferences & Discovery: Your attorney will attend case management conferences and engage in discovery, reviewing all financial records and experienced reports.
- Motion Practice: Critical motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges may be filed based on procedural errors or lack of probable cause.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Your lawyer will negotiate with prosecutors for a favorable plea or prepare for a jury trial to contest the charges.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, your attorney will advocate for minimal penalties. Post-conviction relief or appeals may be pursued if errors occurred.
Potential Penalties for Embezzlement in New Jersey
In Passaic County, embezzlement penalties under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-2 range from probation for disorderly persons offenses to 20 years in prison for first-degree crimes, plus full restitution and substantial fines.
| Offense Degree | Value Threshold (Approx.) | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Disorderly Persons | Under $200 | Up to 6 months jail | Up to $1,000 | Restitution, criminal record |
| Fourth Degree | $200 – $500 | Up to 18 months prison | Up to $10,000 | Restitution, felony record |
| Third Degree | $500 – $75,000 | 3-5 years prison | Up to $15,000 | Restitution, felony record |
| Second Degree | $75,000+ | 5-10 years prison | Up to $150,000 | Restitution, severe felony record |
| First Degree | Extreme cases | 10-20 years prison | Up to $200,000 | Restitution, most severe felony record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Embezzlement Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and a track record of more than 4,739 case results firm-wide, we bring substantial resources to your defense. Our founder, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor who understands how the state builds financial crime cases from the inside.
Our Approach to Embezzlement Defense
We attack embezzlement charges by challenging the core element of criminal intent. Did you intend to permanently deprive the owner of the funds, or was there a misunderstanding or permission? We meticulously review financial records, employment agreements, and audit trails. We work with forensic accountants to counter the state’s professionals. In many cases, we negotiate for pre-trial intervention (PTI) or a reduction to a lesser offense to avoid a felony conviction. For instance, our team has successfully argued for the dismissal of charges where the evidence of fraudulent intent was weak, and we have secured favorable plea agreements that avoided prison time.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Passaic County Embezzlement Defense Lawyers
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 Passaic County courts, accessible via I-80, Route 46, and Route 23. We are a trusted embezzlement lawyer near Paterson, Clifton, Wayne, and throughout Passaic County. 24/7 phone consultations are available — meetings are by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Embezzlement Defense in Passaic County
What is the difference between embezzlement and theft in New Jersey?
Yes, there is a key difference. Theft generally involves taking property without permission. Embezzlement, a form of theft, involves someone who was lawfully entrusted with property (like an employee or fiduciary) fraudulently converting it for their own use. This distinction is central to the charges and the defense.
Can I go to jail for a first-time embezzlement charge in NJ?
It depends on the degree of the charge. For a third-degree offense (value $500-$75,000), the law allows 3-5 years in state prison. However, a skilled white collar crime defense lawyer Passaic County can often negotiate for alternatives like Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) or probation, especially for first-time offenders, to avoid jail time.
What are common defenses against embezzlement charges?
Common defenses include lack of intent (you believed you had permission or it was a loan), mistaken identity, insufficient evidence, entrapment, or duress. Challenging the prosecution’s forensic accounting is also a critical strategy in misappropriation of funds defense.
How long does an embezzlement case take in Passaic County?
From investigation to resolution, an embezzlement case in Superior Court can take 12 to 24 months or longer. The timeline depends on the issues in dispute, evidence volume, and whether the case proceeds to trial. Early intervention by an attorney can sometimes lead to a quicker resolution.
Will I have to pay restitution if convicted?
Yes, almost certainly. Restitution—repaying the stolen funds—is a mandatory part of sentencing for an embezzlement conviction in New Jersey. Your attorney can negotiate the amount and a feasible payment plan as part of any plea agreement.
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 contact an embezzlement lawyer Passaic County. We provide 24/7 consultations for this exact situation.
Internal Resources
For more information on related legal matters, visit our New Jersey Civil Litigation hub page. If you are facing related charges, consider reading about business law defense in Passaic County or federal criminal defense in Passaic County.
Page Last verified: March 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for the most current legal guidance regarding embezzlement defense.
For the full picture beyond Passaic County, our page on embezzlement cases in New Jersey covers the process end to end.
Your case in Passaic 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 Passaic County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Passaic Vicinage (11th Vicinage), 77 Hamilton Street, Paterson, NJ 07505, telephone (973) 247-8000, 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 Passaic 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: Passaic County NJ lawyers directory · Embezzlement Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Embezzlement Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Embezzlement Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.