Embezzlement Lawyer in Lexington, Virginia — What Are Your Defense Options?
Embezzlement in Lexington is a serious theft crime involving the misappropriation of funds by someone entrusted with them, prosecuted under Va. Code § 18.2-111. A conviction can mean years in prison, heavy fines, and a permanent felony record. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for these complex white-collar charges.
Virginia Embezzlement Law and Penalties
Embezzlement is defined under Virginia law as the fraudulent conversion or use of another’s property, including money, by a person to whom it has been entrusted. The specific statute is Va. Code § 18.2-111. The severity of the charge depends entirely on the value of the property taken. If the value is $1,000 or more, the offense is grand larceny, a felony. If the value is less than $1,000, it is petit larceny, a misdemeanor.
Last verified: April 2026 | Lexington General District Court & Lexington Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings a deep understanding of both sides of the courtroom to every embezzlement case. This background in accounting and information systems is particularly valuable for dissecting complex financial evidence.
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code § 18.2-111 (Official Virginia General Assembly) – The statutory definition of embezzlement.
- Lexington General District Court – Official court website for case information and procedures.
Local Court Process for Embezzlement Charges
In Lexington, an embezzlement case begins with an investigation, often by local police or a state agency. Charges are filed in the Lexington General District Court for initial hearings. For felony-level embezzlement ($1,000+), a preliminary hearing is held in GDC to determine if there is probable cause to send the case to the Lexington Circuit Court for a jury trial. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for the 25th Judicial District prosecutes these cases. A skilled white collar crime defense lawyer Lexington can intervene early to negotiate with prosecutors or challenge the evidence before formal charges are even filed.
- Initial Consultation & Case Assessment: Contact our firm immediately after learning of an investigation or charge. We will review all details to build your defense strategy.
- Investigation & Evidence Review: We conduct our own investigation, subpoena financial records, and work with forensic accountants if necessary to challenge the prosecution’s valuation and intent evidence.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiation: We file motions to suppress improperly obtained evidence and negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for reduced charges or alternative resolutions, such as restitution agreements.
- Trial Preparation & Defense: If the case proceeds to trial in Lexington Circuit Court, we prepare a vigorous defense, focusing on lack of intent, authorization, or flaws in the financial audit.
Potential Penalties for Embezzlement in Lexington
In Lexington, embezzlement penalties are severe and scale with the value of the property involved, ranging from a misdemeanor with jail time to a felony with years in prison.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petit Larceny (Value under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, difficulty finding employment. |
| Grand Larceny (Value $1,000+) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1 to 10 years (Class 5) or 1 to 5 years (Class 6) | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, loss of professional licenses, restitution orders. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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. We have documented over firm-wide 4,739 case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. Our founder, a former prosecutor, personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, demonstrating a deep engagement with complex financial law. For embezzlement defense, this means we understand how to deconstruct financial evidence and present a compelling case for your innocence or for a mitigated outcome.
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 and Client Advocacy
Our firm has a documented record of achieving positive results for clients facing serious charges. In Lexington and across Virginia, we have secured 14 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. For example, in a related financial case, we successfully had a charge of driving on a suspended license amended to a non-criminal traffic violation. 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 with a background in accounting and information systems. His multi-state practice and experience amending Virginia code provide a high-level strategic advantage.
Local Service for Lexington Residents
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond Location
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Lexington courts. We are accessible via I-64 and I-81. If you are searching for an embezzlement lawyer near Lexington or near Virginia Military Institute, we are here to help. We serve the Lexington community and surrounding areas. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747 — meetings are by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Lexington, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Lexington carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor: up to 6 months/$1,000. Embezzlement under $1,000 is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Cases are heard at Lexington General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Lexington, Virginia?
It depends. Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. Most convictions, including for embezzlement, cannot be expunged. The petition is filed in Lexington Circuit Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer for an embezzlement charge in Lexington?
Yes. Embezzlement charges are complex and carry severe penalties, including felony records and prison time. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases at Lexington General District and Circuit Courts. A misappropriation of funds defense lawyer Lexington can protect your rights and build a defense from the start.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Lexington?
Lexington General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Lexington Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any felony embezzlement charge.
How does bail work for an embezzlement charge in Lexington?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. For first-offense misdemeanor embezzlement, personal recognizance is possible. For felony embezzlement, a secured bond is more likely. Bond can be appealed to Lexington General District Court.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.