Embezzlement Lawyer Arlington County — Defending Misappropriation of Funds Charges
Embezzlement in Arlington County is a serious white-collar crime prosecuted under Virginia Code § 18.2-111, involving the fraudulent misappropriation of funds or property entrusted to you. As an Embezzlement Lawyer Arlington County , Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. defends clients in Arlington County General District Court and Circuit Court against these complex financial charges.
Virginia Embezzlement Law and Penalties
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Embezzlement is defined under Virginia law as the fraudulent conversion or use of another’s property, money, or assets that have been entrusted to you. The specific statute, Va. Code § 18.2-111, covers a wide range of conduct, from an employee taking company funds to a trustee diverting estate assets. The severity of the charge depends entirely on the value of the property involved. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm has the experience to dissect the financial evidence and intent required for a conviction.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the embezzlement statute, refer to the Virginia General Assembly website (Va. Code § 18.2-111). Court procedures and filings for Arlington County cases are handled through the Arlington County General District Court website.
Defending an Embezzlement Case in Arlington County
Arlington County prosecutors, particularly in financial crime cases, heavily rely on paper trails, bank records, and forensic accounting. A common local procedural fact is that the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office will often seek restitution as part of any potential resolution. The defense must meticulously challenge the element of fraudulent intent, which is central to the crime.
- Secure Immediate Legal Counsel: Do not speak to employers, law enforcement, or investigators without an attorney present. Anything you say can be used to establish intent.
- Preserve All Evidence: Gather and secure any relevant documents, emails, accounting records, or communications that relate to the funds in question.
- Case Analysis & Strategy: Your Embezzlement Lawyer Arlington County will analyze the prosecution’s evidence, identify weaknesses in their proof of intent, and explore defenses like lack of intent, authorization, or mistaken accounting.
- Negotiation & Litigation: We will engage with prosecutors, often presenting alternative explanations for the financial discrepancies. If a fair resolution cannot be reached, we are prepared to litigate the case at trial.
Potential Penalties for Embezzlement in Virginia
In Arlington County, embezzlement penalties are determined by the value of the property: under $1,000 is a misdemeanor, while $1,000 or more is a felony, carrying significant prison time and fines.
| Value of Property | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $1,000 | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Criminal record, restitution, loss of professional licenses. |
| $1,000 or more | Grand Larceny (Felony) | 1 to 20 years* | Court discretion | Felony record, substantial restitution, forfeiture of assets, permanent career damage. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
*A Class 5 felony (1-10 years) or Class 6 felony (1-5 years) may apply depending on value and circumstances.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Embezzlement Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our managing attorney, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems, providing a unique advantage in dissecting complex financial evidence. We have a documented record of achieving favorable outcomes for our clients by building strong, evidence-based defenses.
Matthew Greene, Senior Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. 30+ years criminal defense. Death penalty certified (formerly). View Matthew Greene’s Profile
Case Results in Arlington County
Our approach to building a strong defense has yielded positive results for clients facing various charges in Arlington County. For instance, we have secured dismissals (nolle prosequi) for charges such as Destruction of Property Under $1000 and Fare Evasion in Arlington County General District Court. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our secondary attorney on complex financial cases is Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor whose background in accounting provides critical insight for misappropriation of funds defense lawyer Arlington County cases.
Arlington County White Collar Crime Defense Lawyer Arlington County Near You
Our Arlington location serves clients throughout the county and is accessible for meetings regarding court matters at the Arlington County Courthouse. We represent individuals in neighborhoods including Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Arlington Location
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719
Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only.
Embezzlement Defense FAQs
What is the difference between embezzlement and theft in Virginia?
Yes, there is a key difference. Theft (larceny) involves taking property that was never lawfully in your possession. Embezzlement under Va. Code § 18.2-111 involves the fraudulent conversion of property that was rightfully entrusted to you, such as company funds by an employee or client assets by a fiduciary.
Can I go to jail for a first-time embezzlement charge in Arlington County?
It depends on the value embezzled. For amounts under $1,000 (a misdemeanor), jail is possible but not mandatory. For amounts of $1,000 or more (a felony), the court can impose prison time. An experienced Embezzlement Lawyer Arlington County can work to mitigate penalties, argue for alternatives like probation, or seek to have the charge reduced.
What are common defenses to an embezzlement charge?
Common defenses include lack of fraudulent intent (you believed you were authorized), mistake or accident in accounting, entrapment, insufficient evidence to prove you were the one who took the funds, or that the value alleged is incorrect. Each defense requires a detailed analysis of the financial records and circumstances.
Will I have to pay restitution if I am convicted?
Yes, almost certainly. Virginia courts routinely order restitution to the victim as part of the sentence in embezzlement cases. This is separate from any fine paid to the court. A skilled misappropriation of funds defense lawyer Arlington County can often negotiate the terms and amount of restitution.
Can embezzlement charges be federal?
Yes. If the crime involves federal funds, crosses state lines, affects interstate commerce, or involves a federally insured bank, you could face federal embezzlement charges under statutes like 18 U.S.C. § 656. Federal penalties are typically more severe, making early intervention by a white collar crime defense lawyer Arlington County with federal experience critical.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for the most current guidance regarding your specific situation.
For more information, see our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Alexandria. For other legal needs in Arlington County, consider our services for DUI Defense or Family Law.