Embezzlement Lawyer Manassas, VA
A charge of embezzlement in Manassas can bring criminal penalties that affect your freedom, your career, and your future. Embezzlement is treated as a form of larceny under Virginia law. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel represent individuals accused of taking money or property entrusted to them—from cash and merchandise to electronic funds—in Manassas General District Court and Manassas Circuit Court. If you are facing an investigation or have already been charged, reach our firm at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
Embezzlement Charges in Manassas, Virginia
Embezzlement is defined at Va. Code § 18.2-111. The statute treats the wrongful taking of property that has been entrusted to a person—by an employer, a principal, or another individual—as larceny. That means the charge’s severity depends on the value of the money or property alleged to have been taken. When the amount is $1,000 or more, the offense is charged as grand larceny, a felony that can carry one to twenty years of imprisonment. When the alleged amount 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, even for a misdemeanor, creates a permanent criminal record that can limit employment opportunities, professional licensing, and housing options.
Manassas embezzlement cases are handled through the Thirty-first Judicial District. Misdemeanor charges are heard in Manassas General District Court at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, and felony charges proceed through Manassas Circuit Court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Manassas prosecutes these offenses. Because embezzlement frequently involves financial records, bank statements, and electronic evidence, building a defense often requires a careful review of documentation and the circumstances under which any statements were made to law enforcement. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are familiar with the local court’s procedures and work to identify the most effective defense strategy for each client.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Embezzlement Cases
When a client retains Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. on an embezzlement matter, the defense team begins by examining the charge from every angle. The prosecution must prove that the accused received property for the benefit of another, that the property was wrongfully used or converted, and that there was intent to defraud. Often, what appears to be a criminal taking may actually be a misunderstanding about authorization, a dispute over ownership, or an accounting error. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel review employment records, financial documents, and any communications that may shed light on the intent element that is central to an embezzlement charge.
The team also evaluates the procedural posture of the case. For a felony charge in Circuit Court, issues such as the admissibility of financial records, the chain of custody of evidence, and the voluntariness of any statements are examined closely. If the evidence does not support the government’s allegations, we work to have the charge reduced or dismissed. In appropriate cases, we explore whether a first-offender disposition or an agreement with the prosecutor can lead to a resolution that avoids a criminal conviction. Throughout the process, we keep clients informed about what to expect at each court appearance and what the realistic range of outcomes may be.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has been practicing law since 1997. A former prosecutor, he is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. His experience includes handling financial crimes and property offenses in Virginia’s General District and Circuit Courts. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His approach emphasizes individual case review to a limited number of complex matters, working alongside experienced Of Counsel who bring additional perspectives to each case.
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and have achieved over 4,739 documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. Every Of Counsel attorney engaged by the firm has substantial courtroom experience. For embezzlement cases in Manassas, the team draws on a record of handling thousands of criminal matters in Virginia courts. The firm’s Fairfax Location serves clients in Manassas and throughout Northern Virginia, and consultations are available by appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against embezzlement charges?
Defense strategies for embezzlement in Virginia may include challenging evidence, 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.
What should I do if I am facing embezzlement charges in Virginia?
If facing embezzlement charges in Virginia, contact a criminal attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents and evidence. The statute of limitations and court deadlines under Virginia law require prompt action.
Is embezzlement a felony in Manassas?
Whether embezzlement is a felony in Manassas depends on the value of the money or property involved. Under Va. Code § 18.2-111, the offense is punished as larceny. When the alleged value is $1,000 or more, the charge is grand larceny, a felony. When the value is under $1,000, it is petit larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor. The court where the case is heard—General District Court for misdemeanors, Circuit Court for felonies—also depends on the classification.
What penalties can I face for an embezzlement conviction in Manassas?
A conviction for embezzlement as a Class 1 misdemeanor can result in up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. If the offense is charged as a felony grand larceny, the penalty range includes one to 20 years of imprisonment, though a jury may impose a jail sentence of less than 12 months in certain cases. A conviction also creates a permanent criminal record, which can impact employment and professional licensing.
Can embezzlement charges be expunged in Virginia?
Virginia law allows expungement of a criminal charge that ended in an acquittal, a nolle prosequi, or a dismissal. Most convictions cannot be expunged. A petition is filed in the circuit court where the charge was brought. An experienced attorney can advise whether a particular embezzlement disposition makes expungement available.
What is the difference between embezzlement and theft in Virginia?
Embezzlement involves property that was lawfully entrusted to a person who then wrongfully converts it. Theft by larceny involves taking property that was never in the taker’s lawful possession. In Virginia, both are treated as larceny for punishment purposes, and the same value thresholds apply. The distinction matters most for proving the elements of the offense at trial.
Do I need a lawyer if I am under investigation for embezzlement?
Yes. An embezzlement investigation can involve searches of financial records, interviews with co-workers, and requests for statements. Having an experienced lawyer early can help protect your rights and guide you on what information to share and how to respond to investigators. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 if you are contacted by law enforcement.
Can a charge of embezzlement be reduced?
In some cases, the Commonwealth’s Attorney may agree to reduce an embezzlement charge to a lesser offense or to a non-criminal resolution, depending on the evidence and the circumstances. A lawyer can assess the strength of the case, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s proof, and negotiate with the prosecutor on your behalf.
What court handles embezzlement cases in Manassas?
Embezzlement cases in Manassas are initially heard in Manassas General District Court at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230. Misdemeanor charges are tried and resolved there. Felony charges proceed through a preliminary hearing in General District Court and then move to Manassas Circuit Court for trial.
How long does an embezzlement case take in Manassas?
The timeline varies based on the court’s calendar, the complexity of the alleged financial transactions, and the volume of documentary evidence. A misdemeanor case can often be resolved more quickly than a felony, but every case is different. Attorney involvement can help ensure that deadlines are met and that the process moves efficiently.
What should I bring to a consultation about an embezzlement charge?
Bring any charging documents, court notices, bond papers, and any correspondence you have received from law enforcement or the prosecutor. Also gather any financial records, emails, or other documents that relate to the transaction at issue. The more information you can provide, the better an attorney can assess your situation.
How can I schedule a consultation with an embezzlement lawyer in Manassas?
You can reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation. Appointments are available at our Fairfax Location by appointment. We serve clients throughout Northern Virginia, including Manassas.
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