Legal Question in Criminal Law in Virginia

Embezzlement charge

I have been charged with embezzlement from a previous employer. I have been falsely accused of this crime. There are many shady points about this case. There were deposits taken out of a safe, that was locked, but the keys to the safe were easily accesible to more then 6 other employees. I do have a past criminal record. My question is what is the probability of convicting soley on circumstantial evidence, and will they be able to bring up my past record in court in front of the jury? I plan on fighting this charge till the end. Would you have any suggestions on choosing a jury trial, or just a judge? Thank you.


Asked on 11/17/06, 6:27 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: Embezzlement charge

No, a jury would be preferable to a judge to adjudicate this particular matter under the circumstances which you've described.

There is nothing wrong with merely circumstantial evidence if it's credible evidence. Many defendants are convicted every day in courts across this country soley on circumstantial evidence.

Your past record of convictions could be brought up at the trial of your case, only if you took the stand and "opened the door" so to speak, by

allowing to be introduced issues related to your character.

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Answered on 11/18/06, 12:21 pm


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