Embezzlement / Theft / Financial Misconduct

California Embezzlement and Employee Theft

At Hartnett, Smith & Associates in Redwood City, California, we represent clients accused of embezzlement, elder fraud, real estate fraud, mortgage fraud, and foreclosure fraud. We advocate for you before charges are even filed to help mitigate the situation.

Clients come to us facing accusations and possible criminal charges of stealing from their employer, including appropriation of business materials and secrets. Usually, they have already been fired and their embezzlement case is in the hands of law enforcement. At Hartnett, Smith & Associates, our job is to immediately contact the police and the prosecutor assigned to the embezzlement case. Many times, it is merely a misunderstanding and we try to work out the problem before embezzlement charges are filed. If our client is facing arrest, we will work hard to negotiate some type of surrender without bail. Our objective is to prevent an embarrassing and perhaps very public arrest and keep you out of jail.

The elderly are often targets for fraud, especially those that have significant wealth. We defend clients accused of elder fraud in the criminal courts, as well as in civil cases such as bitter battles among heirs involving allegations of undue influence over an elderly family member.

Our practice also includes defense against charges of "mortgage flipping” and foreclosure fraud. Mortgage consultants sometimes prey upon homeowners seeking to refinance, effectively stripping all equity from their homes. District attorneys take these crimes seriously and prosecute them aggressively. In civil court, our attorneys will help you avoid foreclosure and hold those “consultants” responsible.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with a lawyer regarding accusations of theft or financial misconduct, please contact us.