[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"site-shell":3,"site-search-modal-empty-8":171,"page:cases/embezzlement":173,"public-chat-settings":293},{"source":4,"siteName":5,"tagline":6,"contactEmail":7,"contactPhone":8,"contactPhoneTollFree":9,"address":10,"mapsQuery":17,"ratingValue":18,"ratingSource":19,"primaryCta":20,"secondaryCta":23,"chatCta":26,"announcement":30,"google":32,"navigationPrimary":34,"navigationLegal":149},"defaults","Stephen D Aarons","Santa Fe Criminal Defense Lawyer","info@aarons.law","(505) 984-1100","(888) 984-1120",{"street":11,"city":12,"state":13,"stateFullName":14,"zip":15,"full":16},"2019 Galisteo St. Ste H1","Santa Fe","NM","New Mexico","87505","2019 Galisteo Street, Suite H1, Santa Fe, NM 87505-2106","https://www.google.com/maps/place/Stephen+D+Aarons,+Attorney+at+Law/@35.6564853,-105.9549988,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x87220cb8d5a8c3c9:0x331b6810ecf42476!8m2!3d35.6564853!4d-105.9524239!16s%2Fg%2F1tn067lx?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDMyMy4xIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D",0,"",{"label":21,"url":22},"Call Now","tel:+15059841100",{"label":24,"url":25},"Contact","/contact",{"label":27,"url":28,"statusLabel":29},"Start Chat","#start-chat","24/7",{"enabled":31,"text":19,"ctaLabel":19,"ctaUrl":19,"startAt":19,"endAt":19},false,{"analyticsMeasurementId":33,"tagManagerId":19,"searchConsoleVerification":19,"tagManagerAuth":19,"tagManagerPreview":19},"G-XPE216QNM4",[35,127,133,139,145],{"id":36,"group":37,"label":38,"path":39,"externalUrl":19,"openInNewTab":31,"displayOrder":40,"children":41,"groups":42},"primary-1","primary","Cases","/cases",1,[],[43,58,70,82,97,112],{"label":44,"items":45},"DWI & DUI",[46,49,52,55],{"label":47,"path":48},"DWI / DUI Defense","/cases/dwi",{"label":50,"path":51},"First-Offense DWI","/cases/dwi/dwi-first-offense",{"label":53,"path":54},"Interlock License","/cases/dui/interlock-license",{"label":56,"path":57},"DUI Penalties","/cases/dui/mandatory-minimum-penalties-for-dui",{"label":59,"items":60},"Violent Crimes",[61,64,67],{"label":62,"path":63},"Domestic Violence","/cases/domestic-violence",{"label":65,"path":66},"Murder & Homicide","/cases/murder-homicide",{"label":68,"path":69},"Assault & Battery","/cases/violence-assault-battery",{"label":71,"items":72},"Drug & Financial",[73,76,79],{"label":74,"path":75},"Drug Offenses","/cases/drug-offenses",{"label":77,"path":78},"Embezzlement","/cases/embezzlement",{"label":80,"path":81},"Fraud","/cases/fraud",{"label":83,"items":84},"Sex & Cyber Crimes",[85,88,91,94],{"label":86,"path":87},"Sexual Offenses","/cases/sexual-offenses",{"label":89,"path":90},"Internet Sex Crimes","/cases/internet-sex-crimes",{"label":92,"path":93},"Victim – Child","/cases/victim-child",{"label":95,"path":96},"Internet Crimes","/cases/internet-crimes",{"label":98,"items":99},"Other Offenses",[100,103,106,109],{"label":101,"path":102},"Firearm Offenses","/cases/firearm-offenses",{"label":104,"path":105},"Probation Violation","/cases/probation-violation",{"label":107,"path":108},"Reconsideration of Sentence","/cases/reconsideration-of-sentence",{"label":110,"path":111},"Federal Crimes","/federal-crimes",{"label":113,"items":114},"Record Clearing",[115,118,121,124],{"label":116,"path":117},"Expungement","/expungement",{"label":119,"path":120},"Do I Qualify?","/expungement/do-i-qualify",{"label":122,"path":123},"Fees & Costs","/expungement/fees",{"label":125,"path":126},"Waiting Times","/expungement/waiting-times",{"id":128,"group":37,"label":129,"path":130,"externalUrl":19,"openInNewTab":31,"displayOrder":131,"children":132},"primary-2","Process","/process",2,[],{"id":134,"group":37,"label":135,"path":136,"externalUrl":19,"openInNewTab":31,"displayOrder":137,"children":138},"primary-3","News","/news",3,[],{"id":140,"group":37,"label":141,"path":142,"externalUrl":19,"openInNewTab":31,"displayOrder":143,"children":144},"primary-4","About","/about",4,[],{"id":146,"group":37,"label":24,"path":25,"externalUrl":19,"openInNewTab":31,"displayOrder":147,"children":148},"primary-5",5,[],[150,156,161,166],{"id":151,"group":152,"label":153,"path":154,"externalUrl":19,"openInNewTab":31,"displayOrder":40,"children":155},"legal-1","legal","Privacy Policy","/privacy",[],{"id":157,"group":152,"label":158,"path":159,"externalUrl":19,"openInNewTab":31,"displayOrder":131,"children":160},"legal-2","Terms of Use","/terms",[],{"id":162,"group":152,"label":163,"path":164,"externalUrl":19,"openInNewTab":31,"displayOrder":137,"children":165},"legal-3","Disclaimer","/disclaimer",[],{"id":167,"group":152,"label":168,"path":169,"externalUrl":19,"openInNewTab":31,"displayOrder":143,"children":170},"legal-4","Accessibility","/accessibility",[],{"query":19,"total":18,"results":172},[],{"source":4,"slug":174,"canonicalPath":78,"title":175,"status":176,"seoTitle":177,"seoDescription":178,"ogImage":19,"sections":179},"cases/embezzlement","Embezzlement | Stephen D Aarons","published","Embezzlement Defense | Stephen D Aarons","Embezzlement defense in New Mexico. Misuse of entrusted funds, document-heavy cases.",[180,187,194,204,223,234,243,263,283],{"id":181,"type":181,"displayOrder":40,"payload":182},"hero",{"eyebrow":183,"title":77,"description":184,"primaryCtaLabel":21,"primaryCtaUrl":22,"secondaryCtaLabel":185,"secondaryCtaUrl":130,"imageUrl":19,"variant":186},"Criminal Defense","Embezzlement charges involve allegations of misusing money or property that was entrusted to you. These cases are often document-heavy, fact-intensive, and prosecuted long after the alleged conduct occurred. While frequently non-violent, embezzlement offenses can carry serious felony penalties and lasting professional consequences.","What Happens Next","compact",{"id":188,"type":189,"displayOrder":131,"payload":190},"disclaimer","rich_text",{"eyebrow":19,"title":191,"paragraphs":192,"variant":188},"Important",[193],"This is general information, not legal advice. If an arrest happened recently or you believe you are under investigation, do not explain anything to law enforcement before speaking with counsel.",{"id":195,"type":189,"displayOrder":137,"payload":196},"overview",{"eyebrow":197,"title":198,"paragraphs":199},"Overview","Embezzlement cases often turn on intent, accounting records, and how financial authority was defined.",[200,201,202,203],"Embezzlement occurs when someone lawfully possesses money or property and is accused of converting it for unauthorized use. Unlike theft, embezzlement cases usually arise in employment, business, or fiduciary relationships. Many cases involve disputes over authority, consent, record-keeping, or intent rather than outright taking.","The state alleges that an individual was entrusted with money or property and intentionally used it in a way that exceeded or violated that authority. The alleged value of the property determines whether the charge is a misdemeanor or felony.","Common fact patterns: employee accused of misusing company funds; business partner or officer accused of improper withdrawals; disputes over expense reimbursement or compensation; accounting discrepancies discovered during audits; allegations arising after termination or business disputes.","Embezzlement cases often begin with an investigation rather than an immediate arrest. Charges may be filed months or years after the alleged conduct. Once charged, the case proceeds in criminal court, often alongside civil litigation or restitution demands.",{"id":205,"type":206,"displayOrder":143,"payload":207},"key-points","feature_grid",{"eyebrow":19,"title":208,"description":19,"numbered":209,"items":210},"Key points",true,[211,214,217,220],{"label":212,"title":213,"description":19},"Entrusted","Embezzlement involves entrusted money or property",{"label":215,"title":216,"description":19},"Employment","Charges often arise from employment or business relationships",{"label":218,"title":219,"description":19},"Amount","Penalties depend on the amount allegedly taken",{"label":221,"title":222,"description":19},"Intent","Intent is a central issue in most cases",{"id":224,"type":189,"displayOrder":147,"payload":225},"penalties",{"eyebrow":226,"title":227,"paragraphs":228,"variant":233},"Penalties & Exposure","What the state is seeking",[229,230,231,232],"In an embezzlement case, the state typically seeks a conviction that may include probation or incarceration, restitution, fines, and a permanent criminal record. Penalties increase as the alleged dollar amount rises.","Lower-level embezzlement may be charged as a misdemeanor. Higher dollar amounts result in felony charges. Large-scale cases can involve substantial prison exposure.","Courts frequently order restitution requiring repayment of the alleged loss. Restitution obligations may continue long after probation or incarceration ends.","Embezzlement convictions can affect: employment and professional licensing; business ownership and fiduciary roles; credit and financial reputation; immigration status in some cases.","alt",{"id":235,"type":189,"displayOrder":236,"payload":237},"defenses",6,{"eyebrow":238,"title":239,"paragraphs":240},"How These Cases Are Defended","Common defense themes",[241,242],"Lack of criminal intent; authority or consent to use funds; accounting or record-keeping errors; disputes over valuation of property; statute of limitations issues.","These cases frequently turn on whether the state can prove intent beyond a reasonable doubt and whether the alleged conduct exceeded lawful authority. Ambiguity in financial arrangements can significantly affect outcomes. Embezzlement cases are often won or lost on documents and financial context rather than witness testimony.",{"id":244,"type":244,"displayOrder":245,"payload":246},"faq",7,{"eyebrow":247,"title":248,"description":249,"items":250},"Common Questions","Frequently asked","Quick answers to the questions we hear most often. Every case is different — call for a private consultation.",[251,254,257,260],{"question":252,"answer":253},"When should I contact a lawyer after an arrest?","As soon as possible — ideally before speaking with law enforcement about the facts of the case. The right to remain silent is one of the most important protections available. Statements made before consulting counsel can be used against you and are very difficult to walk back later.",{"question":255,"answer":256},"Do I have to answer questions from law enforcement?","Generally, no. You have the right to remain silent. While you must provide identifying information in certain situations, you are not required to discuss the details of your case. Politely invoking your right to remain silent and requesting an attorney is not an admission of guilt — it is a constitutional right.",{"question":258,"answer":259},"What happens at an arraignment?","An arraignment is typically your first formal court appearance after charges are filed. The judge informs you of the charges and you enter a plea. Bond conditions and conditions of release are often set at this stage. Having counsel present at arraignment can influence bail decisions and early case direction.",{"question":261,"answer":262},"Can charges be dismissed or reduced?","Yes, in many cases. Charges may be dismissed or reduced depending on evidence issues, constitutional violations, plea negotiations, or other legal factors. No outcome can be guaranteed, but early defense preparation significantly expands the range of available options before key procedural deadlines pass.",{"id":264,"type":265,"displayOrder":266,"payload":267},"related","promo_cards",8,{"eyebrow":268,"title":19,"cards":269},"Related Practice Areas",[270,274,277,279,281],{"title":271,"body":272,"ctaLabel":273,"ctaUrl":48},"DUI","Drug or combination impairment charges. Dual court and MVD proceedings. Outcomes often hinge on testing procedure.","Learn more",{"title":275,"body":276,"ctaLabel":273,"ctaUrl":48},"DWI","Alcohol impairment with prior convictions. Mandatory minimums escalate with each offense. Early action matters.",{"title":74,"body":278,"ctaLabel":273,"ctaUrl":75},"Possession, distribution, and trafficking. Penalties range widely. Search-and-seizure issues frequently central.",{"title":62,"body":280,"ctaLabel":273,"ctaUrl":63},"State-controlled prosecution. Immediate no-contact orders, firearm restrictions, and custody implications.",{"title":104,"body":282,"ctaLabel":273,"ctaUrl":105},"Technical or substantive violations. Can result in revocation and exposure to original sentence.",{"id":284,"type":285,"displayOrder":286,"payload":287},"cta","cta_band",9,{"eyebrow":288,"title":289,"description":290,"primaryCtaLabel":291,"primaryCtaUrl":22,"secondaryCtaLabel":292,"secondaryCtaUrl":39},"Talk to counsel before the state defines your case for you.","Early decisions often control everything that follows.","If you are under investigation or facing charges, a short, private consult can clarify exposure, options, and next steps. Free consultation. 24-hour answering service. Payment plans available in many cases.","Call 505-984-1100 Now","Browse All Cases",{"enabled":31,"followUpEnabled":209,"title":294,"assistantName":294,"eyebrow":27,"description":295,"welcomeHeadline":296,"welcomeBody":297,"inputPlaceholder":298,"statusLabel":299,"suggestedPrompts":300,"form":304,"review":315},"Aarons Law Chat","Calm first-step guidance for urgent criminal defense questions.","Tell me what is happening.","Keep it general at first. If the situation is urgent, recent, or someone is in custody, call (505) 984-1100.","Tell us what happened in broad terms. Avoid confidential details for now.","Available 24/7",[301,302,303],"Someone was arrested last night. What should we do first?","Can you explain what happens after a DWI arrest in New Mexico?","I need the office to review this chat and follow up directly.",{"enabled":209,"triggers":305,"headline":311,"description":312,"submitLabel":313,"successMessage":314},[306,307,308,309,310],"contact me","call me","follow up","consultation","talk to a lawyer","Request office follow-up","Share a few details and the office can review the chat and follow up directly.","Send Follow-Up Request","Your follow-up request has been sent to the office.",{"enabled":209,"triggers":316,"threshold":143,"geoPreference":209,"clickTracking":209,"askHeadline":325,"askDescription":326,"positiveHeadline":327,"positiveDescription":328,"negativeHeadline":329,"negativeDescription":330,"reviewSites":331},[317,318,319,320,321,322,323,324],"leave a review","write a review","review","feedback","testimonial","google review","yelp","avvo","How would you rate your experience?","Choose a rating so we can route you to the right next step.","Thank you for the kind words!","Would you mind sharing your experience on one of the review platforms below?","We are sorry to hear that.","Tell us what happened and the office can review it directly.",[]]