Embezzlement Lawyer Arlington County, VA

Embezzlement charges in Arlington County, Virginia, involve allegations of wrongfully taking or using money or property entrusted to someone’s care. A conviction can result in incarceration, significant fines, and a permanent criminal record that affects employment, professional licenses, and immigration status. Because Virginia prosecutes embezzlement under Va. Code § 18.2-111 as a form of larceny, the penalty depends on the value of the property: amounts of $1,000 or more may be charged as a felony, while lesser amounts are treated as a misdemeanor. Cases are heard at the Arlington County General District Court or the Arlington County Circuit Court, both located at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Arlington County prosecutes these offenses, and early engagement of defense counsel is critical. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., serving Arlington County since 1997, represents individuals accused of embezzlement and other white-collar crimes. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, and his Of Counsel team work to protect clients’ rights throughout the criminal process. For a confidential consultation, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

What Embezzlement Means in Arlington County, Virginia

Embezzlement in Virginia is defined by Va. Code § 18.2-111, which treats the offense as larceny. Under this statute, a person who wrongfully converts money or property entrusted to them—whether from an employer, a client, or a fiduciary—faces charges that are graded by the value taken. If the value is $1,000 or more, the offense is grand larceny, a felony punishable by imprisonment of one to twenty years, or at the discretion of a jury, up to twelve months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. When the value is less than $1,000, the charge is petit larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor carrying up to twelve months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. In Arlington County, the Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes embezzlement cases vigorously, and collateral consequences—such as loss of employment, professional discipline, and immigration complications—can be severe.

Arlington County’s court system handles embezzlement matters based on the charge classification. Misdemeanor embezzlement cases are heard in the Arlington County General District Court, while felony embezzlement cases proceed to the Arlington County Circuit Court after a preliminary hearing in the General District Court. Defendants have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time. The courtrooms are located at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201. Although Plea bargaining is permitted under Rule 3A:8 of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia; the Commonwealth’s Attorney and defense counsel may negotiate a plea agreement, which the court may accept or reject. First‑offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2‑303.2 may be available for certain property offenses, and an expungement may be sought under Va. Code § 19.2‑392.2 for charges that are dismissed, nolle prossed, or result in an acquittal. Every case benefits from early, informed legal advocacy.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Embezzlement Cases

When Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel take on an embezzlement case in Arlington County, they begin with a thorough examination of the allegations and the evidence. The team evaluates whether law enforcement and forensic accountants followed proper procedures, scrutinizes financial records for inconsistencies, and interviews witnesses to uncover alternative narratives. One member of the Of Counsel team is a former Virginia State Trooper, whose law enforcement background provides insight into investigative techniques and can reveal procedural weaknesses that benefit the defense. Mr. Sris, as a former prosecutor, understands how Arlington County prosecutors build their cases and is able to anticipate prosecution strategies.

The team works to explore every available avenue for a favorable resolution. This may involve negotiating with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a dismissal, a reduction to a lesser offense, or a deferred disposition. If trial is necessary, they prepare a rigorous defense, challenging the prosecution’s evidence and presenting mitigating circumstances. Throughout the process, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel keep clients informed and explain the potential consequences of each decision. Results may vary. The goal is always to safeguard the client’s future by pursuing the most advantageous outcome under the specific facts of the case.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced criminal defense since 1997 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. As a former prosecutor, he brings firsthand knowledge of the prosecution’s methods to every defense he handles. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His Of Counsel team includes attorneys with backgrounds in law enforcement and extensive trial experience. Collectively, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to embezzlement and other criminal matters. Results may vary. in any individual case.

In Arlington County, the firm has documented case results in criminal defense, including charges involving property offenses, and works diligently to achieve favorable outcomes for each client. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the penalty for embezzlement in Virginia?

Embezzlement in Virginia is punished as larceny, with penalties determined by the value of the property stolen. If the value is $1,000 or more, the charge is grand larceny, a felony carrying a possible sentence of one to twenty years in prison (or, at a jury’s discretion, up to twelve months in jail and a fine up to $2,500). If the value is under $1,000, the charge is petit larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to twelve months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. A conviction also carries collateral consequences such as a permanent criminal record. Early legal representation can influence the trajectory of the case.

How does a Virginia lawyer defend against embezzlement charges?

Defending against embezzlement charges typically involves challenging the evidence, investigating the handling of financial records, and negotiating with the prosecutor. An experienced attorney will review whether the accused actually had lawful authority over the funds, whether the accounting methods are reliable, and whether any procedural violations occurred during the investigation. The defense may seek to have the charge reduced to a lesser offense or dismissed through negotiation. If trial is appropriate, the attorney presents a defense that addresses both the factual allegations and any mitigating circumstances, always working toward a favorable resolution under the specific facts of the case.

What should I do if I am facing embezzlement charges in Arlington County?

If you are facing embezzlement charges in Arlington County, do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer and contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. Preserve all financial records, emails, and other documents that may be relevant. Do not attempt to explain the situation to law enforcement or the prosecutor without counsel present. Early intervention can be critical; your attorney will evaluate the evidence, advise you on potential outcomes, and ensure your rights are protected during every phase of the court process. For immediate assistance, call (888) 437-7747 to speak with Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team.

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

Yes, because an embezzlement conviction can result in incarceration, a permanent criminal record, and severe collateral consequences, legal representation is strongly advised. Even a misdemeanor conviction can affect employment, professional licenses, and immigration status. An experienced attorney will analyze the prosecution’s evidence, identify potential defenses, and work to negotiate a reduction or dismissal. In Arlington County, the court process unfolds quickly, and having a lawyer early ensures that you do not inadvertently waive important rights. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel handle embezzlement matters in Arlington County and can be reached at (888) 437-7747.

Can embezzlement charges be expunged in Virginia?

Virginia law permits expungement for charges that result in an acquittal, a nolle prosequi, or a dismissal, but not for convictions. Under Va. Code § 19.2‑392.2, a person whose embezzlement charge was dropped or ended in a not‑guilty verdict may petition the circuit court to expunge the arrest and court records. If you pled guilty or were convicted, expungement is generally unavailable. However, a successful defense that avoids a conviction may leave you eligible for expungement. In Arlington County, the petition is filed in the Circuit Court, and working with an attorney can help ensure the process is handled correctly.

For information on criminal defense in neighboring jurisdictions, visit our pages on Fairfax County criminal lawyer, Prince William County criminal defense, Loudoun County criminal lawyer, and Stafford County criminal attorney.

Review the applicable statutes and court resources: Virginia Code § 18.2‑111 and Arlington County General District Court.

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