What do I do if my employer accuses me of theft and terminates me?
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What do I do if my employer accuses me of theft and terminates me?
Asked on February 27, 2013 under Criminal Law, California
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
If your employer has filed a criminal complaint, then you need to seek the advice of an experienced criminal law attorney. They can best guide as as to what to do next once there hear the deails of your case. In the meantime, if the police contact you, do not speak with them unless you have legal counsel present.
As far as your employer is concerned, it had a right to fire you whether or not the charge is true. That is unless your termination violated company policy, the terms of an emloyment contract or union agreement. The reason is that "at will"employees can be fired for this reason, any reason or no reason at all (with or without notice). However, if the charge is dismissed or you are acquitted of the charge, then you were fired "without cause" and may be eligible to collect unemployment benefits.
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