{"id":373092,"date":"2016-03-31T21:35:14","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:35:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/illinois-law\/illinois-embezzlement-laws.html"},"modified":"2018-03-06T11:05:25","modified_gmt":"2018-03-06T16:05:25","slug":"illinois-embezzlement-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/illinois-law\/illinois-embezzlement-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Illinois Embezzlement Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Illinois Embezzlement Laws<\/h1>\n
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Embezzlement is a white collar crime<\/a>, which can be punishable in Illinois by lengthy prison sentences, fines, and restitution. In some cases it can also be prosecuted under federal law. Embezzlement occurs when a person entrusted with another’s property uses it for personal gain. This differs from regular theft or larceny<\/a> which can be committed by anyone regardless of their position.<\/p>\n

Embezzlement is most common in an employment setting where employees are often entrusted with company property such as cash registers or merchandise. Embezzlement can also be much more elaborate as when a stockbroker skims millions of dollars from a client’s account. The common element in these situations is that the embezzler has been entrusted to handle another’s assets or property.<\/p>\n

Property Types: Tangible or Intangible<\/h2>\n

Embezzlement can involve tangible or intangible property. Tangible property usually refers to material items, such as office supplies, jewelry, pieces of equipment, or company cars. Intangible items might be stocks, bonds, fraudulent billing schemes, or even money.<\/p>\n

Defining Embezzlement under Illinois Law<\/h2>\n

In Illinois, embezzlement charges are often brought under the general theft statute<\/a>. A person knowingly commits theft\/embezzlement when:<\/p>\n