Question: Can I be charged with theft of funds if I did not know about the shortage?

Question: Can I be charged with theft of funds if I did not know about the shortage? I was working at a store as a check out clerk.  I worked there for about six months.  Then all of the sudden I was called in by my manager to speak about missing funds from the register.  They ultimately claimed that there was a repeated history of funds missing from my register.  This had been brought up before but it came and went without issue.  Although I felt a little uneasy about it, I moved on and assumed they did as well.  But after this I received a paper that said I have to go to Court and I am charged with Theft.  I don’t understand how I can be charged with anything here.  I didn’t take anything.  

Answer: Theft is a specific intent crime. If you did not have any awareness of any missing funds, then that would be a good defense to any theft charge. You should speak to an attorney to discuss the case in more detail should charges be filed.

What court is your case in and when is the first Court date set for?  If theft charges are filed and you are in Los Angeles County, Ventura County, San Bernardino County or Orange County, feel free to contact me at 818-336-1384 to discuss further.  I look forward to speaking with you.  

Phil Hache,

Criminal Defense & DUI Attorney
www.PhilHacheLaw.com
Handling DUI and Criminal matters throughout Courts in Southern California including Van Nuys, CA, San Fernando, CA, Burbank, CA Glendale, CA Pasadena, CA Metropolitan Court, Bellflower, CA, Alhambra, CA, Malibu, CA, Compton, CA, Santa Clarita, CA, Airport Court, Chatsworth, CA Inglewood, CA, Los Angeles, CA and other Courts.