{"id":373970,"date":"2018-06-29T11:46:51","date_gmt":"2018-06-29T16:46:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/massachusetts-law\/massachusetts-embezzlement-laws.html"},"modified":"2018-07-02T14:07:44","modified_gmt":"2018-07-02T19:07:44","slug":"massachusetts-embezzlement-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/massachusetts-law\/massachusetts-embezzlement-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Massachusetts Embezzlement Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Massachusetts Embezzlement Laws<\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Embezzlement falls under the general category of larceny or theft<\/a>. The reason embezzlement is its own crime is because it occurs when someone steals property or money while they're in a position of responsibility over the money or property. For example, if a banker took money from various accounts held at the bank, it would be considered embezzlement<\/a>. Since this has specific elements that aren't necessary to commit theft, most states – including Massachusetts – address embezzlement in separate statutes.<\/p>\r\n

Massachusetts has a variety of statutes that address embezzlement, which are separated by the circumstances surrounding the embezzlement. For example, embezzling property at a fire is addressed in its own statute while embezzlement by brokers, banks employees, or city officers are all addressed separately. It's important to be aware that the details surrounding the embezzlement are what determine which statute is violated, which in turn determines the possible penalties.<\/p>\r\n

Massachusetts Embezzlement Laws at a Glance<\/h2>\r\n

If you're looking for answers to a question about the law, the best source of information is usually the statute itself. But, many times the language of the statute is in "legalese," which can take more time to decipher than you'd like to spend. That's why it can also be helpful to read a summary of the law without the legal jargon. In the following chart, you'll find a summary of the key provisions of embezzlement laws in Massachusetts, as well as links to the relevant statutes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Statute(s)<\/b><\/td>\r\n

Massachusetts General Laws, Part IV, Title I, Chapter 266:<\/p>\r\n

Elements of Embezzlement<\/b><\/td>\r\n

In order to be convicted of embezzlement, it must be proven that the defendant:<\/p>\r\n

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  • Was in a position of trust and given possession of the personal property\/money;<\/li>\r\n
  • Took the property for their own use without the property owner's consent; and<\/u><\/li>\r\n
  • Did this with the intention of permanently depriving the owner of the property.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Penalties<\/b><\/td>\r\n

The penalties for violating Massachusetts embezzlement laws will vary depending on the specific statute that's violated. However, some statutes are punished as a larceny with the following penalties:<\/p>\r\n

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  • If the value of the stolen property is over $250 dollars, it's punishable by up to five years in prison OR<\/u> a fine of up to $25,000 and up to two years in jail.<\/li>\r\n
  • If the value of the stolen property is $250 or less, it's punishable by up to one year in jail or a fine up to $300.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Related Statute(s)<\/b><\/td>\r\n

Massachusetts General Laws, Part IV, Title I, Chapter 266:<\/p>\r\n