Embezzlement Lawyer Alexandria, VA

When you face an embezzlement charge in Alexandria, Virginia, the stakes are high. A conviction can lead to jail time, a permanent criminal record, and lasting damage to your reputation and career. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Concentrates on defending individuals against criminal allegations in Alexandria courts, with a focus on protecting your rights from the initial investigation through trial. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of the firm, has practiced since 1997 and brings perspective as a former prosecutor to every case he handles. Reach our Arlington location at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation about your embezzlement matter. Our firm appears regularly at the Alexandria General District Court and Alexandria Circuit Court, located at 520 King Street, and we understand how the Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes financial crimes in this jurisdiction. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

What Embezzlement Means in Alexandria, Virginia

Embezzlement is defined as the wrongful taking or conversion of money or property that has been entrusted to a person by another, typically an employer, client, or business partner. Unlike larceny, embezzlement involves property that was initially in the defendant’s lawful possession. Under Va. Code § 18.2-111, any person who fraudulently uses, disposes of, conceals, or embezzles money, bills, notes, checks, or other personal property that they received for another is guilty of larceny. The penalty is tied directly to the value: theft of $1,000 or more is grand larceny, a felony punishable by one to twenty years in prison or, at the discretion of a jury, up to twelve months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. Theft of less than $1,000 is petit larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor carrying up to twelve months in jail and a $2,500 fine. In Alexandria, the Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes both misdemeanor and felony embezzlement cases, and the venue depends on the charge. Misdemeanor trials are held in Alexandria General District Court, while felony cases proceed through a preliminary hearing in General District Court before being certified to Alexandria Circuit Court for trial.

Prosecutors in Alexandria often build embezzlement cases around financial records, bank statements, and witness testimony regarding the defendant’s access to funds. Because embezzlement requires proof of fraudulent intent, the government must show that the defendant knowingly and intentionally converted the property for personal use, not merely that a mistake or accounting error occurred. The distinction is critical, and experienced defense counsel can challenge whether the evidence establishes the required mens rea. Clients facing embezzlement accusations in Alexandria frequently have questions about the interplay between civil and criminal proceedings; an employer may pursue restitution while the Commonwealth moves forward with criminal charges. Our firm helps clients understand both tracks and works to develop strategies that address the full picture of their legal exposure.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Embezzlement Cases

When you engage Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for an embezzlement defense in Alexandria, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to your case. The process begins with a thorough review of the alleged conduct, the financial documentation, and the prosecution’s theory. Because embezzlement allegations often involve voluminous records, we scrutinize bank statements, accounting ledgers, and electronic communications to identify gaps in the chain of custody or inconsistencies in the government’s narrative. Early intervention—before charges are filed—can sometimes persuade the Commonwealth’s Attorney to decline prosecution or to accept a civil resolution instead of a criminal filing.

If charges have already been filed, our team evaluates every available defense. Common strategies include challenging whether the defendant actually had a fiduciary duty over the funds, demonstrating that the property was taken under a claim of right or pursuant to an authorization, or showing that the alleged conversion was the result of an accounting error rather than criminal intent. In Alexandria, plea negotiations are a routine part of the process; while Virginia judges are not parties to plea bargaining, the Commonwealth’s Attorney may agree to amend the charge to a lesser offense—for example, reducing a grand larceny embezzlement to petit larceny, which avoids a felony record. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear in Alexandria General District Court and Circuit Court ready to negotiate strategically and, when necessary, take the case to trial. Results may vary. based on the specific facts of each case.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced law since 1997 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. A former prosecutor, Mr. Sris understands how the government builds criminal cases and uses that insight to construct defense strategies for clients facing charges in Alexandria and throughout Northern Virginia. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team concentrate on criminal defense, drawing on extensive combined legal experience between Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel to address embezzlement cases that demand meticulous financial analysis and courtroom skill.

All non-Sris attorneys at the firm serve in an Of Counsel capacity. The team includes lawyers with backgrounds in law enforcement and prosecution, which adds practical dimension to the defense of financial crime allegations. When you work with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., you receive coordinated representation from professionals who understand Alexandria’s court system and the expectations of the Commonwealth’s Attorney. We appear regularly at the Alexandria General District Court and the Alexandria Circuit Court. Our Arlington location, at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room 719, Arlington, VA 22209, is a short drive from the Alexandria courthouse and serves clients throughout Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne. By appointment only; call (888) 437-7747 to schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a Virginia lawyer defend against embezzlement charges?

Defense strategies for embezzlement in Virginia may include challenging the evidence of fraudulent intent, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under Va. Code § 18.2-111 to build the strong $1. Common approaches include showing that the defendant lacked the required fiduciary relationship, that the taking was authorized, that the funds were used for a legitimate purpose, or that the accounting records are unreliable. The goal is to create reasonable doubt about one or more elements of the prosecution’s case. For guidance on your particular situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

What should I do if I am facing embezzlement charges in Alexandria?

If you are facing embezzlement charges in Alexandria, contact a criminal defense attorney immediately and do not discuss the case with anyone other than your lawyer. Preserve all relevant financial records, emails, and documents, but do not alter or destroy anything. The Commonwealth’s Attorney may review your case with an eye toward whether you cooperated with the investigation. Early legal intervention can influence whether charges are filed and, if they are, the severity of the allegations. Our firm can represent you at initial appearances and bond hearings at Alexandria General District Court. To discuss your matter, reach our Arlington location at (888) 437-7747.

What is the difference between misdemeanor and felony embezzlement in Virginia?

Embezzlement is classified as a misdemeanor if the value of the property taken is less than $1,000, and as a felony if the value is $1,000 or more. Petit larceny embezzlement (misdemeanor) is a Class 1 offense with a possible sentence of up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. Grand larceny embezzlement (felony) carries a prison term of one to 20 years, or at the discretion of a jury, up to 12 months in jail and a fine. A felony conviction also results in the loss of certain civil rights, including the right to possess firearms. In Alexandria, the case type determines which court hears the matter: misdemeanor trials are in General District Court, while felony charges are resolved in Circuit Court after a preliminary hearing.

Can embezzlement charges be reduced or dismissed in Alexandria?

Yes, embezzlement charges can be reduced or dismissed depending on the strength of the evidence and the defendant’s circumstances. The Commonwealth’s Attorney may agree to amend a grand larceny embezzlement charge to petit larceny, reducing the offense from a felony to a misdemeanor. Dismissals can occur if key evidence is suppressed due to a constitutional violation or if the prosecution cannot prove fraudulent intent beyond a reasonable doubt. Alexandria also allows for first-offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 in certain misdemeanor cases, which can lead to a deferred disposition and eventual dismissal. For a consultation about the potential outcomes in your case, reach our firm at (888) 437-7747.

Do I need a lawyer for an embezzlement charge in Alexandria, Virginia?

Yes, you should seek legal representation immediately if you are being investigated for or charged with embezzlement in Alexandria. Even a misdemeanor conviction creates a permanent criminal record that can affect employment, professional licenses, and housing applications. The Commonwealth’s Attorney in Alexandria pursues these cases actively, and the financial nature of the evidence often requires forensic analysis to identify weaknesses. An attorney can handle all interactions with prosecutors, guide you through the court process, and work to secure a favorable outcome. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team have handled criminal matters at the Alexandria courthouse since 1997.

How does the court process work for an embezzlement charge in Alexandria General District Court?

In Alexandria, a misdemeanor embezzlement charge begins with an arraignment in General District Court, where you are informed of the charge and your rights, and a bond determination is made. A trial date is then set, typically within a few weeks. The Commonwealth must prove each element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, you have an absolute right to appeal the case to the Alexandria Circuit Court for a new trial. In felony cases, a preliminary hearing is held in General District Court to determine whether there is probable cause to send the case to the Circuit Court for trial. Each stage presents opportunities for your attorney to challenge the evidence and negotiate with the prosecutor. For detailed guidance on your matter, schedule a consultation at (888) 437-7747.

What are the possible penalties for embezzlement in Alexandria?

The penalty depends on the value taken: embezzlement of less than $1,000 is a Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 12 months in jail/$2,500 fine), while embezzlement of $1,000 or more is a felony (one to 20 years imprisonment). A conviction also carries collateral consequences, including restitution orders, probation, and a criminal record that can limit future opportunities. Sentencing judges in Alexandria consider the amount taken, the defendant’s criminal history, and any restitution paid before sentencing. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to present mitigating evidence and argue for the least restrictive sentence allowed. Results may vary.

Does Virginia offer deferred disposition for first-offense embezzlement?

Yes, certain first-offense property crimes, including embezzlement, may be eligible for deferred disposition under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2. The court may, upon a plea of guilty or not guilty, defer further proceedings and place the defendant on probation with conditions such as restitution and community service. If the defendant successfully completes all conditions, the court may dismiss the charge. This option is not available for all cases and requires the consent of the court and the Commonwealth’s Attorney. To understand whether deferred disposition is an option in your situation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Should I speak to the police if I am accused of embezzlement?

No, you should not speak to the police or any investigator about an embezzlement accusation without first consulting a lawyer. Anything you say can be used against you in court. Investigators may attempt to question you before charges are filed, hoping to obtain admissions. Politely decline to answer questions and state that you wish to speak with an attorney. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can then interact with the authorities on your behalf and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the investigation. Call (888) 437-7747 if you are contacted by law enforcement regarding an embezzlement matter in Alexandria.

How can a former prosecutor help with an embezzlement defense?

A former prosecutor brings firsthand knowledge of how the government investigates and prosecutes financial crimes, which can be used to anticipate the prosecution’s strategy and identify weaknesses in its case. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of the firm, served as a prosecutor before entering private practice in 1997. He understands the charging decisions, plea negotiation dynamics, and trial tactics that the Commonwealth’s Attorney employs. This background informs every stage of the defense, from pre-indictment advocacy to jury selection to closing argument. For a consultation with Mr. Sris or his Of Counsel, reach our Arlington location at (888) 437-7747.

Nearby criminal defense representation: The firm also serves clients in Fairfax County, Prince William County, and Manassas.

Primary legal resources: Virginia Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) | Alexandria Circuit Court | Alexandria General District Court

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary.

By appointment only. Our Arlington location: 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room 719, Arlington, VA 22209. (888) 437-7747

Last reviewed: July 2026