Legal Question in Criminal Law in Montana

Your help would be greatful

I am a former accountant for the company investigating my actions with the books. I had the owner sign checks that were in turn written to me for accruals and overtime without their knowledge. I also used company credit cards for my own personal use. I am willing to pay back all amounts and willing to seek help for my actions. They have the local sherif dept conducting an investigation. I have contacted the sherif dept to seek information, they are to get back to me next Tues. What actions can I take to rectify this awful situation. The company owners will not speak to me. I have never been charged with anything before and as of yet no charges have been filed. I am at a loss and need help. I am a wife and mother of 3 and have no real reason for doing what I did, other than, I was stupid with anger and felt it was due to me. I know I had no right to take advantage of my position and situation, and want to rectify this. What can I do and what can happen to me if they press charges, the amount exceeds $5,000.00. Any help would be greatful.


Asked on 9/21/02, 1:46 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Bryan Tipp Tipp & Buley, P.C.

Re: Your help would be greatful

DO NOT SPEAK TO ANYONE UNTIL YOU HAVE TALKED TO AND RETAIN AN ATTORNEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There is nothing that you can tell your former employer or law enforcement that will in any way help you. Anything you do say will probably hurt you. Call a criminal defense lawyer IMMEDIATELY!!

If you have no prior offenses, the likelihood is that this matter can be resolved in Montana without actual prison time, and perhaps with the ability to ultimately have the matter dismissed from your record, however you can not accomplish this alone.

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Answered on 9/22/02, 11:27 am
Charles Aspinwall Charles S. Aspinwall, J.D., LLC

Re: Your help would be greatful

Immediately contact a criminal law praticioner in your community for an initial confidential consultation. You have described a potential prison offense, and an experienced attorney can explain the alternatives to you, which could include restitution and probation.

Borrow from whatever source enough funds to repay your ex-employer's losses, using whatever means you must, because the money will go a long way to ensuring lenient first-offender treatment by the criminal justice system.

Speak with no one about any of this until you have consulted a lawyer, then follow his advice and you can come out of this with minimum impact.

Good luck.

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Answered on 9/21/02, 2:15 pm


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