Embezzlement

Embezzlement is a type of white collar crime that is defined as someone unlawfully taking assets that have been entrusted to them but belong to someone else. Generally speaking, embezzlement can involve money but it also may include assets, property, or other valuables. An example of someone who may be suspected or accused of embezzlement may be an employee that has access to company assets. Embezzlement cases, along with white collar crime cases, are generally very complex due to the investigations and detailed documents involved. 

Someone accused of embezzlement might be accused specifically of transferring or using assets like money, real estate, or company/employer property for personal use. This crime can be both large and small and does not necessarily have to be strictly constrained to the private sector. Public sector embezzlement might look like local, state, or federal employees or contractors being charged with unlawfully using disbursed funds from contracts or projects for personal gain. 

Punishments for embezzlement are not restrained to criminal or civil court. Monetary restitution and incarceration can be on the table depending on the charge and trial. Although white collar crimes, including embezzlement, are seen as non-violent (and they usually are) incarceration can still be a consequence.