What can I do if my employer accuses you of stealing?
What Can I Do if My Employer Wrongfully Accuses Me of Theft?
- Verify the Exact Charge. Ask to talk privately with your supervisor and a representative from human resources to discuss the theft allegation.
- Refute the Accusation.
- Prepare Your Defense.
- Present Your Evidence.
- Secure Legal Help.
What to do if you are falsely accused of stealing?
If you are under investigation for stealing, do not speak to anyone, especially the police, at your home, work, or other venue, without having an attorney present. Police have been trained to get you to say incriminating or inconsistent statements, which can be held against you in a court of law.
Can you sue your job for accusing you of stealing?
Yes, you certainly can. If your employer makes a false accusation against you that hurts your reputation, you can sue for defamation.
Can you be fired on suspicion of stealing?
As an employer, you should not tolerate employee theft in your workplace. For minor theft, such as an employee taking stationary, you should investigate your suspicions and then issue a verbal or written warning. If you discover more significant theft, you may have grounds to terminate the employment.
What happens if you get caught stealing at work?
The company you stole from could charge you with gross misconduct and fire you immediately. Or you could face suspension, without pay, while the company conducts an investigation, in which case you could still be terminated or face a major demotion or transfer. And yeah — you may also face criminal charges as well.
Can you accuse someone of stealing without proof?
You can be charged with theft without evidence because you can control or transfer property without a paper trail. For example, you might steal a car and leave it with a junkyard that proceeds to break the vehicle into pieces.