Those accused of misappropriating resources from their employers often face charges based on company financial records. Workers facing embezzlement charges may be at risk of not just prosecution but an obligation to reimburse their employer via an order of restitution. Fighting those charges is crucial to protecting that employee’s reputation, freedom and finances.
Those hoping to fight embezzlement charges may need the help of a specialized professional. The state may also bring in certain professionals when developing an embezzlement case. Forensic accountants can often play important roles in embezzlement cases.
What does a forensic accountant do?
A forensic accountant helps analyze financial records thoroughly. They can track what happens to the resources at a company by going over internal records with a fine-tooth comb. They could also review the financial records of the party accused to connect major financial moves, like purchasing a house, to alleged incidents of embezzlement.
Forensic accountants can help make sense of complex financial records. In many embezzlement cases, an employer or the state agency prosecuting the case may have retained the services of a forensic accountant to determine if a crime occurred and connect questionable financial activity to a specific individual.
Forensic accountants can help defendants too
Occasionally, neither state authorities nor employers work with forensic accountants to analyze records. They may base charges on circumstantial evidence or claims by other parties. Regardless of whether or not the state worked with a forensic accountant, a defendant accused of embezzlement may want to hire one as part of their defense team.
A forensic accountant could potentially uncover Financial records that help exonerate the defendant. They could identify an alternate suspect who may have had access to accounts or may have conducted transfers.
They could help establish where the allegedly embezzled funds went and could provide insight that makes it clear that the person accused was not the party actually embezzling from the organization. Instead of assuming that embezzlement charges are impossible to fight, defendants might benefit from having a professional they hire to perform a secondary review of all relevant financial records.
Fighting white-collar criminal charges often requires a thorough analysis of state evidence. Those who have the right assistance when responding to criminal charges can improve their chances of avoiding a conviction and the various penalties that a conviction may inspire.