If you’re under investigation for embezzlement or already facing charges, you’re probably wondering what this means for your future. You need to know, “Is embezzlement a felony?” What kind of penalties come with it? How can it impact your life long-term?

Embezzlement charges can feel overwhelming, especially when the legal system is so hard to understand. Whether you’ve been accused of taking money from an employer or mismanaging funds in a position of trust, knowing how Hawai‘i law treats these cases can make a huge difference.

We’ll break down what counts as embezzlement, whether it’s charged as a felony, and what steps you can take to protect yourself.

Facing Embezzlement Charges? Top Strategies From an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney

If you’re being accused of embezzling money or other property, you may feel like the ground just dropped out from under you. 

In Hawai‘i or in federal court, these charges carry serious consequences, and understanding your options is the first step in building a strong defense.

Whether you’re in downtown Honolulu, working in a nonprofit on Oʻahu, or handling funds for a local business, facing felony embezzlement charges is not something to take lightly. 

Let’s go over how the law works in Hawai‘i and under federal statutes, and the most effective defense strategies you can use.

Understanding Embezzlement Under Hawai‘i Law

Embezzlement occurs when someone intentionally misappropriates money or property they were legally entrusted with. 

It’s a form of theft, but with a twist: the person accused usually had a fiduciary relationship or access through a job or position of trust.

Is Embezzlement a Felony in Hawai‘i?

In Hawai‘i, embezzlement charges fall under the state’s theft laws. Whether it’s a felony depends on the value and type of property embezzled.

You may be facing a:

• Misdemeanor if the value of the property taken is lower than $750
• Class C felony if the property is worth over $750
• Class B felony if the property is worth over $20,000 or taken from a charitable organization

Each level carries increasing jail time, fines, and long-term consequences. A felony conviction can affect your future employment, housing, and ability to obtain loans.

Defending Embezzlement Cases in Hawai‘i

A criminal defense lawyer may challenge the prosecution’s case by showing:

• You lacked intent to steal
• There was a good faith belief the funds were for your use
• You had insufficient evidence connecting you to the property embezzled
• The prosecution cannot prove the elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt

Some embezzlement cases may involve working toward a plea bargain or trying to pay restitution to avoid harsher penalties.

Embezzlement cases move fast. The sooner you reach out, the more options you have to protect your future and reduce the impact of these charges.

Call the Law Office of Caroline M. Elliot at (808) 570-6003 for a free consultation. Let’s work together to build a strong defense.

Federal Embezzlement Charges: What You Need to Know

If the crime involves federal funds, public office, or a federal agency, you may be dealing with a federal embezzlement conviction. This is prosecuted in federal court and carries much more severe penalties than state charges.

When Embezzlement Becomes a Federal Crime

You may face federal charges if the allegations involve:

• A financial advisor or employee at a federally insured bank
• Stealing money from a federal program
• Misusing property legally entrusted to you by a federal agency
• Embezzlement from a tribal, military, or government-run institution

Federal law doesn’t treat these as minor offenses. You’re looking at years in prison, especially if the amount of stolen property is significant.

Common Federal Defense Strategies

A defense attorney may challenge the federal prosecution by:

• Arguing the property wasn’t for your own benefit
• Demonstrating insufficient evidence of intent or theft
• Highlighting poor accounting or recordkeeping errors instead of criminal intent
• Raising doubts about whether you had control over the funds

Federal courts tend to be less forgiving. Building your case around reasonable doubt and leveraging every legal option matters.

Why a Strong Defense Matters

A felony charge or felony embezzlement conviction can follow you for life. You could face:

• Jail time or prison, depending on the value of property embezzled
• A permanent criminal record that limits job opportunities
• Large fines or requirements to pay restitution
• Damage to your reputation in your professional community

You may also be facing community service, probation, or restrictions tied to a plea bargain. 

Even petty theft charges or allegations of using others’ money for personal expenses can spiral into serious offense territory if not handled right.

If you’re facing such charges in Hawai‘i or federal court, a strong legal defense isn’t optional; it’s essential. 

Talk with a criminal defense attorney who understands both state and federal courtrooms and can guide you through each step.

An Experienced Attorney Helps You Find Your Best Outcome

When you’re facing embezzlement charges in Hawai‘i or federal court, your future can feel uncertain. That’s where we step in to protect your rights, guide your decisions, and help you move forward with clarity.

You Don’t Have to Face Serious Charges Alone

Whether your case involves a small business on Oʻahu or a federal investigation tied to a government job, embezzlement is a serious offense. But serious charges do not mean a hopeless situation.

We listen closely to your story and look at every detail that might help build your defense. You deserve a strong, thoughtful strategy tailored to your case.

What We Do to Help You

We approach every embezzlement case with the goal of finding your best legal outcome. That might include:

• Reviewing how the property was managed and whether it was truly for your own use
• Questioning the strength of the prosecution’s case
• Identifying missing or weak evidence
• Working to reduce charges or jail time
• Negotiating to pay restitution in exchange for a better resolution
• Helping you avoid a felony conviction if the facts support it

Every case is different. We don’t use cookie-cutter defenses. We build your strategy around what matters most to your future.

You Need a Local Ally in the Legal System

Here in Hawai‘i, understanding the courts, the local prosecutors, and even the cultural values behind certain charges can make a huge difference.

We know what matters to judges in Honolulu, how local businesses operate, and how trust plays a role in many embezzlement cases.

Our team also understands how important your job, reputation, and future are to you. We take the time to go deep into your case and treat it like it’s our own.

Talk to Us Today

Embezzlement cases move fast. The sooner you reach out, the more options you have to protect your future and reduce the impact of these charges.

Call the Law Office of Caroline M. Elliot at (808) 570-6003 for a free consultation. Let’s work together to build a strong defense.