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.
