---
title: "What is embezzlement in Rhode Island?"
description: "Embezzlement in Rhode Island is the fraudulent taking of money or property by someone in a position of trust with the owner, typically an employee, bookkeeper, or fiduciary. The charge is more..."
url: https://www.chadbanklaw.com/faq-items/what-is-embezzlement-in-rhode-island/
date: 2026-05-24
modified: 2026-05-24
author: "The Law Office of Chad F Bank"
type: avada_faq
lang: en
---

# What is embezzlement in Rhode Island?

Embezzlement in Rhode Island is the fraudulent taking of money or property by someone in a position of trust with the owner, typically an employee, bookkeeper, or fiduciary. The charge is more serious than ordinary theft because it involves a breach of trust on top of the underlying taking. Penalties scale with the amount embezzled: under $1,500 is a misdemeanor with up to 1 year jail; over $1,500 is a felony with up to 10 years prison; very large amounts can trigger consecutive sentences. Most embezzlement defendants are otherwise law-abiding professionals facing potential career destruction. Early defense intervention can sometimes prevent charges from being filed.