Embezzlement Lawyer in Somerset County, NJ — Your Defense Strategy
Embezzlement in Somerset County is a serious white-collar crime prosecuted under New Jersey law, often as theft by deception or misappropriation of funds. If you are under investigation or charged, securing an experienced embezzlement lawyer Somerset County is critical. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for clients facing these financial allegations in the Superior Court of NJ, Somerset Vicinage.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Somerset Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
New Jersey Embezzlement Law and Defenses
Embezzlement, while not a standalone statute in New Jersey, is prosecuted under theft statutes (N.J.S.A. 2C:20-1 et seq.) as a form of theft by deception or unlawful taking. It involves the fraudulent conversion of property entrusted to you. Charges range from disorderly persons offenses for smaller amounts to indictable crimes (felonies) for larger sums, with penalties escalating to significant prison time and fines. A skilled misappropriation of funds defense lawyer Somerset County can challenge the prosecution’s case by arguing lack of intent, disputing the value of the alleged loss, or demonstrating authorization for the transactions.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of New Jersey’s theft statutes, visit the New Jersey Legislature website for S3207. For information on the Somerset County court handling these cases, see the Superior Court of NJ, Somerset Vicinage official site.
Facing Embezzlement Charges in Somerset County Court
Embezzlement cases in Somerset County are heard in the Superior Court, Criminal Division, located at 20 North Bridge Street in Somerville. These are contested cases often involving forensic accounting. Prosecutors from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office build cases with financial records, witness statements, and digital evidence. An experienced white collar crime defense lawyer Somerset County from our firm knows that early intervention is key, often during the investigation phase before formal charges are filed.
- Secure immediate legal counsel upon learning of an investigation or charge.
- Your attorney will conduct a thorough review of all financial records and communications.
- We engage with the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office to present mitigating facts or challenge the evidence.
- If charges proceed, we file pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- We prepare a strong defense strategy for trial or negotiate a favorable resolution.
Potential Penalties for Embezzlement in New Jersey
In Somerset County, embezzlement penalties depend on the value of the property involved, ranging from a disorderly persons offense to a first-degree indictable crime with decades in prison.
| Offense Level (By Value) | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $200 | Disorderly Persons | Up to 6 months | Up to $1,000 | Criminal record, restitution |
| $200 – $500 | 4th Degree Crime | Up to 18 months | Up to $10,000 | Felony record, restitution, forfeiture |
| $500 – $75,000 | 3rd Degree Crime | 3-5 years | Up to $15,000 | Felony record, restitution, forfeiture |
| $75,000 – $500,000 | 2nd Degree Crime | 5-10 years | Up to $150,000 | Felony record, restitution, forfeiture |
| Over $500,000 | 1st Degree Crime | 10-20 years | Up to $200,000 | Felony record, restitution, forfeiture |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Embezzlement Defense
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to financial defense. Our founder, Mr. Sris, has a background in accounting and information systems, providing a unique advantage in dissecting financial evidence and building a technical defense against embezzlement and misappropriation of funds charges.
Our Approach to Embezzlement Cases
Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We approach each embezzlement case with a detailed forensic review, aiming to challenge the state’s evidence on intent, value, and authorization. We have successfully defended clients against serious financial allegations in courts across multiple states.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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) 763-1924
By appointment only.
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Somerset County, including Somerville, Bridgewater, Franklin Township, Bound Brook, Hillsborough, Warren Township, Watchung, Bernardsville, and Bedminster. We offer 24/7 phone consultations — call (888) 437-7747 — with meetings by appointment only.
Embezzlement Defense FAQs in Somerset County
What is the difference between embezzlement and theft in New Jersey?
It depends on the relationship to the property. Theft generally involves taking property you have no right to, while embezzlement involves the fraudulent conversion of property lawfully entrusted to you. Both are prosecuted under New Jersey’s theft statutes (N.J.S.A. 2C:20-1) but the circumstances of the alleged act are different.
Can I go to jail for a first-time embezzlement charge in Somerset County?
Yes. Jail time is possible, especially if the amount alleged qualifies as an indictable crime (3rd degree or higher). However, a skilled embezzlement lawyer Somerset County can seek alternatives like Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) for first-time offenders, which can lead to dismissal after supervision.
What should I do if I’m being investigated for embezzlement at work?
Do not speak to your employer, law enforcement, or colleagues about the matter without an attorney. Immediately contact a misappropriation of funds defense lawyer Somerset County. We can advise you on your rights, potentially interact with investigators on your behalf, and work to prevent charges from being filed.
What defenses are available against embezzlement charges?
Common defenses include lack of criminal intent (you believed you were authorized), mistake of fact, insufficient evidence to prove the value or the conversion, or that the funds were a loan or authorized compensation. A white collar crime defense lawyer Somerset County will analyze all records to identify the strongest defense.
Does New Jersey have cash bail for embezzlement charges?
No. New Jersey abolished cash bail in 2017. Pretrial release for indictable crimes like embezzlement is determined by a judge based on a Public Safety Assessment risk score, not your ability to pay money. Your attorney can argue for your release with conditions.
For more information on related legal matters in our area, see our pages on New Jersey Criminal Defense, or explore defenses in nearby counties like Hunterdon County and Morris County. For other legal needs in Somerset County, consider our Business Law or Civil Litigation services.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
If your case reaches beyond Somerset County, our page on embezzlement charges across New Jersey sets out what to look for at each stage.
Your case in Somerset 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 Somerset County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Somerset Vicinage (13th Vicinage), 20 North Bridge Street, Somerville, NJ 08876, telephone (908) 231-7000, 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 Somerset 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: Somerset County NJ lawyers directory · Embezzlement Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Embezzlement Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Embezzlement Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.