In the movie “Wall Street,” the character Lou Mannheim, played by Hal Holbrook, advises Charlie Sheen’s Bud Fox that “the main thing about money, Bud, is that it makes you do things you don’t want to do.” While these words often ring true, perhaps it would be more accurate to say that it is the need for money that can make us do things that we would rather not do.
Bud Fox is a character to whom many people can relate. He is smart, driven and educated. But early in the movie he makes a single choice that leads him down a path that ends with his arrest. Bud does not act out of malice or with intent to harm, but rather because he has a need to prove himself as being worthy and capable of achieving success.
Similar scenarios are not uncommon. For example, if an individual finds they have a need to make ends meet at the end of the month, they may use funds taken from an employer to cover their debts. This single decision can set off a string of events which may eventually lead to charges of embezzlement.
Embezzlement is a very common form of white collar crime. Anyone, from a chief executive officer to a store clerk, could find themselves facing charges for this crime.
The fact is that everyone has needs. Sometimes good people make mistakes in attempting to satisfy those needs. Circumstances can cloud anyone’s judgement. The important thing to remember is that if your mistakes end up having legal repercussions, you will likely need help in preparing your defense.
You can learn more on this firm’s outlook on defense strategies for embezzlement and other white collar crimes at this site’s white collar crime page.