Embezzlement Lawyer Prince William County, VA

If you are facing an allegation of embezzlement in Prince William County, Virginia, the situation is serious. A conviction under Virginia Code § 18.2‑111 can lead to a permanent felony record, incarceration, and lasting damage to your career and reputation—especially when the property involved is valued at $1,000 or more, making it grand larceny. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel provide focused defense representation for clients in Prince William County General District Court and Prince William County Circuit Court. The firm has documented 141 case results in Prince William County, with 118 charges dismissed or resulting in a not‑guilty finding and 19 reduced—a 98% favorable outcome rate. Results may vary. If you have been charged or are under investigation, call (888) 437‑7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

What Embezzlement Means in Prince William County

Embezzlement is the wrongful taking or misuse of property or money that has been entrusted to a person by an employer, principal, or another party. Under Virginia law, it is not a separate offense but is punished as larceny according to Va. Code § 18.2‑111. That means the severity of the charge depends on the value of the property involved. If the amount is $1,000 or more, the allegation is grand larceny—a felony. If under $1,000, it is petit larceny—a Class 1 misdemeanor.

In Prince William County, misdemeanor embezzlement cases are heard in the General District Court at 9311 Lee Avenue in Manassas. Felony cases begin with a preliminary hearing in that same court before moving to the Prince William County Circuit Court for trial. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Prince William County prosecutes these matters, and local court practices can affect how a case is handled. Experienced defense counsel who regularly appears in these courts understands scheduling norms, the tendencies of the prosecutor’s office, and which pretrial motions are most effective—local insight that can make a difference in the resolution of the case.

Just as important, a conviction for embezzlement carries collateral consequences that extend far beyond the courtroom. A felony record can affect employment, professional licensure, security clearances, and even immigration status. Because of this, retaining a defense attorney who works to limit the immediate and long-term impact of a charge is essential.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Embezzlement Cases

At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel approach every embezzlement matter by first scrutinizing the evidence the Commonwealth intends to use. Often, these cases involve financial records, internal company documents, and digital transactions. The defense team works with forensic accountants and investigators to identify discrepancies, missing authorizations, or accounting errors that may undermine the prosecution’s case. A key defense in many embezzlement matters is the absence of intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property—an essential element of larceny. If the evidence does not clearly establish that the accused acted with fraudulent intent, the charge may be subject to reduction or dismissal.

Beyond challenging the evidence, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel engage with the Commonwealth’s Attorney early in the process to explore resolution options. In some cases, full restitution and a demonstration of good faith can lead to a deferred disposition or an amendment to a lesser charge, avoiding a felony conviction. When a trial is necessary, the team draws on decades of courtroom experience—Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, and Of Counsel who include a former Virginia State Trooper and a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney—to present a thorough defense. Every step is taken to protect the client’s record and future.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. A former prosecutor, he has practiced criminal defense since 1997 and handles serious felony matters throughout Virginia, including Prince William County. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova) and maintains bar admissions in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York.

Mr. Sris is joined by an accomplished Of Counsel team. One Of Counsel member is a former Virginia State Trooper who served for 15 years and now brings firsthand law enforcement experience to defense strategy. Another Of Counsel member is a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney who prosecuted criminal cases in both District and Circuit Courts. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary. The entire team works from the firm’s Fairfax Location, serving clients across Prince William County with conferences available by appointment. Call (888) 437‑7747 to discuss your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is embezzlement under Virginia law?

Embezzlement is the wrongful taking or misuse of money or property that has been lawfully entrusted to a person by an employer or another party. Under Virginia Code § 18.2‑111, it is punished as larceny. The seriousness of the charge hinges on the value of the property involved. If the value is $1,000 or more, the offense is grand larceny, a felony. Below that amount, it is petit larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor.

What are the penalties for embezzlement in Prince William County?

The penalty for embezzlement in Virginia follows the larceny classification. Petit larceny, if the value is under $1,000, carries up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. Grand larceny, for amounts of $1,000 or more, is a felony punishable by one to 20 years in prison, though a jury may also impose up to 12 months in jail. A conviction also results in a permanent criminal record that can affect employment and professional licenses.

Do I need a lawyer for an embezzlement charge in Prince William County?

Yes, because an embezzlement charge carries potential incarceration and a lasting criminal record. Even a misdemeanor conviction can damage your career and reputation. An experienced attorney can evaluate the evidence, challenge the prosecution’s proof of intent, and negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a reduced charge or diversion. Self‑representation is risky, especially given the complex financial and legal issues these cases often involve.

How does a defense attorney challenge an embezzlement allegation?

A defense attorney looks for weaknesses in the prosecution’s case regarding ownership, authorization, and intent. Common defenses include showing that the accused honestly believed they had a right to the property, that the alleged victim consented, or that there was no intention to permanently deprive the owner. The defense may also use forensic accounting to uncover mistakes in the company’s records and challenge the chain of custody of financial evidence.

What should I do if I am under investigation for embezzlement?

If you are under investigation, you should not speak with anyone about the matter until you have consulted an attorney. Even casual statements to coworkers or investigators can be used against you later. Preserve all relevant documents, emails, and financial records, and contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. Early intervention can sometimes prevent a charge from being filed or lead to a more favorable resolution if charges are brought.

Why choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for an embezzlement case in Prince William County?

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings extensive combined legal experience, a former prosecutor’s insight, and a track record of 141 documented case results in Prince William County courtrooms. The firm’s attorneys appear regularly at the General District Court and Circuit Court, know the local prosecutors and procedures, and work to limit the impact of a charge on a client’s record and future. For a confidential consultation, call (888) 437‑7747.

Also serving: Fairfax County, Stafford County, and Loudoun County.

Additional official resources: Virginia Code Title 18.2, Prince William County General District Court, Virginia Judicial System.

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary.

Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.