Understanding Corporate Theft in Nebraska
Corporate theft—also called embezzlement, employee theft, or fraudulent appropriation—is the act of misusing or stealing resources from a business or employer. That can mean money, physical property, trade secrets, or even digital assets.
In West Omaha, these cases are prosecuted aggressively, especially if the loss is significant or involves breach of trust. Whether you’re a mid-level employee or a high-ranking executive, the penalties are real—and so is the damage to your professional future.
Is Corporate Theft a Crime in West Omaha?
Yes. Under Nebraska law (Neb. Rev. Stat. §28-512), corporate theft is classified under theft by unlawful taking, misapplication of entrusted property, or fraud. These crimes are felonies or misdemeanors depending on the value and type of the property stolen.
And in Douglas County, prosecutors are quick to charge aggressively when the alleged victim is a business, corporation, or government office.
Types of Corporate Theft You Can Be Charged With
Here’s what may be considered corporate theft under Nebraska law:
- Stealing cash from a register or petty cash box
- Falsifying business expense reports
- Unauthorized use of a corporate credit card
- Skimming funds through accounting manipulation
- Diverting client payments into personal accounts
- Taking inventory, equipment, or data without permission
- Issuing fake invoices or payroll adjustments
- Downloading proprietary software or confidential files
Even if the amount seems small—or you thought it was a “gray area”—the law often treats it as theft if intent can be proven.
Why These Cases Are More Common Than You Think
Many people charged with corporate theft didn’t start with criminal intent. What begins as a misunderstanding, a financial hardship, or even an unapproved workaround can lead to allegations of felony theft.
At Stockmann Law, we’ve represented:
- Retail employees accused of manipulating discounts
- Office workers alleged to have misused company cards
- Mid-level managers charged with embezzling bonuses
- Warehouse workers arrested over inventory losses
These aren’t hardened criminals. These are people who made a mistake, were falsely accused, or simply got caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.
White Collar vs. Blue Collar: How Corporate Theft Is Framed
Don’t be misled by TV dramas. Corporate theft isn’t always Wall Street-level embezzlement. Prosecutors file charges against any employee, at any level, who they believe wrongfully obtained company property.
The legal system doesn’t care about your job title—only about the dollar value of the loss and the evidence of intent.
Common Scenarios That Lead to Charges
Some of the most common ways corporate theft cases begin:
- Internal audits uncover accounting discrepancies
- HR or supervisors review security footage
- A coworker reports suspicious behavior
- Inventory checks reveal loss trends
- A terminated employee is accused as retaliation
- IT uncovers digital transfers or downloads
If you’ve been approached about one of these issues, you’re likely already under investigation—even if no one has said the word “criminal” yet.
Penalties for Corporate Theft in West Omaha
In West Omaha, corporate theft is treated as a serious offense under Nebraska law. The consequences vary depending on the value of the stolen property, with charges ranging from misdemeanors to felony-level offenses.
Generally, theft under a certain threshold is classified as a misdemeanor, while higher-value thefts are charged as felonies. As the value increases, so does the severity of the charge and the potential legal consequences. Corporate theft involving large sums may result in long-term legal supervision, criminal records, and significant disruption to both personal and professional life.
These laws are actively enforced by West Omaha prosecutors and courts, and those found guilty may face lasting consequences beyond the courtroom, including loss of employment, reputational damage, and barriers to future opportunities. Legal guidance is strongly recommended for anyone facing investigation or charges related to corporate theft in the area.
When a Workplace Dispute Becomes a Criminal Case
Sometimes, what starts as a performance issue or HR investigation spirals into criminal charges. For example:
- You’re accused of violating policy—HR refers it to law enforcement
- You try to explain yourself—but it’s used against you later
- You sign a termination agreement—then receive a summons to court
Do not assume it’s “just a job matter.” The second you hear words like “audit,” “discrepancy,” or “unauthorized,” call an attorney. We’ve saved clients from arrest just by stepping in early.
Is Intent Required for a Conviction?
Yes—but prosecutors can infer intent from circumstantial evidence. That might include:
- A pattern of activity
- Attempts to cover it up
- Logins to restricted systems
- Discrepancies in financial records
The good news? Intent is hard to prove without a confession. And that’s why we always advise: do not talk to your employer or HR without an attorney.
How Prosecutors Build Corporate Theft Cases
Prosecutors rely on:
- Internal reports from employers
- Security camera footage
- Bank and payroll records
- Digital footprints (emails, logins, transfers)
- Witness statements from coworkers
- Confessions made during HR meetings
They may use subpoena power to access your phone, accounts, or social media. Once the case is built, it becomes your word versus the evidence—unless you have legal defense pushing back.
Why You Shouldn’t Talk to HR Without a Lawyer
HR may say, “This isn’t criminal.” But that’s not their call. Anything you say in that meeting can be:
- Handed over to the police
- Used to justify your arrest
- Taken out of context in court
We’ve had clients who thought they were explaining an honest mistake—only to find themselves booked into Douglas County Jail days later.
Defending Corporate Theft Charges: What Works
Stockmann Law builds a strategic defense using:
- Forensic accounting reviews to dispute alleged losses
- Intent analysis to argue against criminal behavior
- Character evidence to show lack of motive
- Suppression motions for unlawfully obtained statements
- Negotiation to reduce charges or avoid jail
Every case is different. But every client deserves a defense grounded in experience and strategy.
How Stockmann Law Fights for Your Career and Freedom
At Stockmann Law, we’ve helped corporate clients:
- Avoid arrest after internal investigations
- Get charges dismissed before trial
- Negotiate non-jail outcomes for first-time offenses
- Expunge records post-conviction
- Prevent media exposure and job loss
Our goal is simple: protect your record, your reputation, and your future.
Case Study: Corporate Theft Charge Dismissed in Omaha
Scenario: Client was accused of using company funds for personal purchases over a 6-month period.
Action: We disputed the audit’s findings, proved the purchases were authorized under vague policies, and showed the company never enforced its guidelines consistently.
Result: Charges dropped before trial. No criminal record.
Don’t Let a Job Mistake Become a Criminal Record
You may think you can fix it quietly. But when a business files a police report, the process is no longer in your control.
Don’t wait for an arrest. If you’re under investigation—or suspect you might be—call Stockmann Law immediately.
When Corporate Theft Charges Go Federal
If theft involves:
- Government contracts
- Federal funds
- Multistate fraud
- Wire or mail transfers
you could be charged in federal court. Federal sentencing is harsh, and conviction rates are high. We have experience handling both Nebraska state cases and federal white-collar crimes.
What to Do if You're Under Investigation
- Don’t talk to anyone about the allegations—not coworkers, friends, or your boss
- Don’t delete or alter any records
- Don’t sign any exit agreements without review
- Call Stockmann Law for a confidential consultation
The earlier we get involved, the better chance we have of resolving the case before it ruins your career.
FAQs
Is corporate theft a felony in Nebraska?
Yes, depending on the amount taken. Under Nebraska law, theft over $1,500 is classified as a felony and can result in serious criminal charges.
Can I be charged even if I returned the money?
Yes. Returning the money may be considered during sentencing, but it does not erase the original offense or prevent charges from being filed.
Can my employer press charges without telling me first?
Yes. Employers are not required to inform you before contacting law enforcement. They can report suspected theft directly to the police.
Do I need a lawyer if it’s just an internal HR matter?
Yes. Internal investigations by HR departments often lead to criminal charges later. Having legal counsel from the start can protect your rights.
How soon should I get legal help?
Immediately. The earlier you speak with an attorney, the better your chances of responding effectively and protecting yourself during the investigation.
Conclusion
Corporate theft cases in West Omaha are serious—and becoming more common in an age of digital records, internal audits, and shrinking company tolerance for loss.
Whether you’re being investigated, have been accused, or were already charged, you need a defense team that understands both the law and the corporate world.
At Stockmann Law, we know how to stop cases before they escalate, defend aggressively if charges are filed, and protect your future at every step.
Call (402) 884-1031 or visit nebraskainterstatedrugdefense.com for a confidential consultation today.
