People who seek employment with nonprofit organizations generally have pure intentions. Sure, there are social climbers who just want to brag about their nonprofit work on social media, but even when they do this, the nonprofit organization is structured in such a way that its revenues go to providing its services and paying for its operating costs, not to turn a profit and enrich shareholders.
Despite this, the same kinds of financial crimes can happen at nonprofit organizations as at for-profit corporations. Embezzlement is embezzlement, regardless of the business structure of the employer from whom the employee is stealing. However, the line between embezzlement and an authorized transaction with company funds is not always as clear as it seems.
For example, an employee might be able to persuade the jury that they cannot be sure whether they had the employer’s permission to spend the money, and that is enough to get an acquittal, because in a criminal case, the burden of proof is on the prosecution. If you are an employee of a nonprofit organization and you are under investigation for allegedly stealing from your employer, contact a Texas white collar crime lawyer.
Your Personal Phone Can Snitch to Your Employer About What You Do When You Are Not on Duty
It can be a recipe for disaster when a company credit card is linked to a personal phone. First, it disrupts your work-life balance. Even while you doom scroll at home, your employer’s credit card lurks in your mobile wallet, beckoning you to make purchases you cannot afford. It is even worse when, like so many employees, you are financially distressed, to the point that banks will no longer lend to you, and your buy now pay later (BNPL) installment payments take up most of your paycheck. It is understandable if the temptation to use your employer’s debit card for personal purchases is palpable. A need for financial security and assistance, though, does not make you a criminal.
Recently, it was reported that an employee of a nonprofit organization is facing charges for embezzlement in connection with transactions she allegedly made with her employer’s debit card, which was stored on her phone. The employer became suspicious about money missing from the organization’s account. An investigation ensued, primarily targeting the employee’s phone.
Content on one’s phone can be incriminating, but not necessarily tell the full story of a particular situation. Even in the case above, there could be more valid reasons for why certain purchases were made. When allegations of financial crimes are being made against you, an attorney can also conduct an investigation into your case and find those details that make for a sound defense explaining why you are not guilty of wrongdoing. Remember, being accused of unlawful activity does not mean you are guilty.
Contact the Law Office of Patrick J. McLain, PLLC About Criminal Defense Cases
A Dallas criminal defense lawyer can help you if you are facing criminal charges for making unauthorized transactions on a debit card issued to you by your employer for work-related purchases. Contact the Law Office of Patrick J. McLain, PLLC in Dallas, Texas to discuss your case.