Massachusetts Embezzlement Laws

Embezzlement falls under the general category of larceny or theft. 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. Since this has specific elements that aren't necessary to commit theft, most states - including Massachusetts - address embezzlement in separate statutes.

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.

Massachusetts Embezzlement Laws at a Glance

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.

Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.

Massachusetts Embezzlement Laws: Related Resources

For more information and resources related to this topic, please click on the links below.

• Massachusetts Criminal Laws
• Massachusetts Criminal Statute of Limitations
• Fraud and Financial Crimes
• Property Crimes

Charged With Embezzlement in Massachusetts? Get Legal Help

A conviction for violating Massachusetts embezzlement laws can have a lasting negative impact on your life and, depending on the statute, can lead to several years behind bars. For this reason, it's best to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney if you're facing charges. An attorney can evaluate the prosecution's case against you, if one even exists, and can aid in your defense, including possibly negotiating a plea deal.