Embezzlement Lawyer Alexandria, VA
An embezzlement charge in Alexandria can disrupt your career, your finances, and your personal freedom. Embezzlement is a form of theft that involves wrongfully taking money or property that was entrusted to you, and in Virginia it is prosecuted under Va. Code § 18.2‑111. Because the statute punishes embezzlement as larceny, the charge is classified as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the value of the property involved. A conviction can mean jail time, heavy fines, a permanent criminal record, and long‑term consequences for your employment, professional licenses, and security clearances. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have assisted individuals facing embezzlement and other white‑collar theft charges in Alexandria since 1997. Our attorneys appear regularly in Alexandria General District Court and Alexandria Circuit Court, and we bring a thorough understanding of how the Alexandria Commonwealth’s Attorney approaches financial‑crime prosecutions. If you are being investigated or have been charged, reach our location at (888) 437‑7747 to discuss your situation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Embezzlement Means in Alexandria, Virginia
Under Virginia law, embezzlement occurs when a person who has been entrusted with another’s money, property, or assets fraudulently converts them to his or her own use. The offense is codified at Va. Code § 18.2‑111, which directs that embezzlement be punished as larceny. This means that the value of the property determines whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony. When the value is under $1,000, the matter is classified as petit larceny—a Class 1 misdemeanor—and is heard in Alexandria General District Court at 520 King Street. The maximum penalty for a Class 1 misdemeanor is 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. When the value is $1,000 or more, embezzlement is charged as grand larceny, a felony with a potential sentence of one to twenty years in prison. Felony embezzlement cases are prosecuted in Alexandria Circuit Court after a preliminary hearing in the General District Court.
Being charged in Alexandria means dealing with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Alexandria and a court system that moves on a schedule set by the judges’ dockets and statutory deadlines. Embezzlement investigations often involve extensive financial records, electronic data, and interviews with employers, accountants, or business partners. A conviction brings not only incarceration and fines but also a restitution order requiring full repayment of the misappropriated funds. The consequences can include damage to professional credentials, difficulty finding future employment, and restrictions on certain civil rights. Because the stakes are high, early and knowledgeable legal representation is essential.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Embezzlement Cases
Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, understands the methods the Commonwealth uses to build an embezzlement case. He and his Of Counsel approach each matter by conducting a thorough review of the financial evidence, the chain of custody for documents, and the conduct of the investigation. The team evaluates whether the prosecution can prove each element of the offense, including the existence of a fiduciary or employment relationship, the defendant’s control over the property, and the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property. Often the key issue is whether a person lacked the required fraudulent intent—for example, when the accused believed they had authority to use the funds or when the transaction was a misunderstanding rather than a theft.
The firm’s defense strategy may include challenging the admissibility of financial records, negotiating with the prosecutor to amend the charge or reduce the classification, or preparing the case for trial. In some situations, the goal is to resolve the matter through a deferred disposition or a plea agreement under Virginia Supreme Court Rule 3A:8 that avoids a felony conviction. When trial is necessary, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel draw on extensive courtroom experience—including insight from attorneys who have served as law enforcement officers—to cross‑examine witnesses, present accounting attorneys, and argue for the most favorable resolution possible. Every step of the process is handled with the understanding that a person’s liberty and livelihood are on the line.
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. He is a former prosecutor who testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, Mr. Sris maintains a manageable personal caseload so that he can remain closely involved in each client’s defense. He is supported by a team of Of Counsel attorneys—all engaged through Excella—who bring backgrounds that include prior service as a state trooper and experience in complex financial investigations. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience. Results may vary. The firm has documented 4,739+ case results across all practice areas since 1997.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is embezzlement under Virginia law?
Embezzlement is the fraudulent taking of money or property that was entrusted to someone, treated as larceny under Va. Code § 18.2‑111. The charge applies when a person who has been given access to another’s assets—such as an employee, a bookkeeper, or a fiduciary—converts those assets to their own use without permission. Because the statute punishes embezzlement as larceny, the penalty depends on the dollar amount involved. A prosecutor must prove that the accused had a relationship of trust with the owner, that the property was lawfully possessed, and that the accused intended to deprive the owner of it. For a more detailed analysis of how the law applies to your facts, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
What are the penalties for embezzlement in Alexandria?
Embezzlement of less than $1,000 is a Class 1 misdemeanor carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine; embezzlement of $1,000 or more is a felony punishable by one to twenty years in prison. The felony version is heard in Alexandria Circuit Court after a preliminary hearing in Alexandria General District Court. A conviction also typically includes a restitution order, requiring the defendant to repay the full amount taken, and a permanent criminal record. Because of the consequences for employment, professional licenses, and creditworthiness, even a misdemeanor embezzlement charge should be taken seriously. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
How does the court process work for an embezzlement case in Alexandria?
Misdemeanor embezzlement is handled in Alexandria General District Court; felony embezzlement begins with a preliminary hearing in that court and then moves to Alexandria Circuit Court for trial. At the General District Court appearance, the judge determines whether there is probable cause for a felony charge to proceed. If the charge is a misdemeanor or the Commonwealth certifies it as such, the case may be resolved by plea, deferred disposition, or trial at that level. The timeline depends on the court’s calendar and the complexity of the financial evidence. Early involvement of counsel can influence the course of the proceedings. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437‑7747.
What defenses are available in an embezzlement case?
Common defenses to embezzlement in Virginia include lack of fraudulent intent, mistake, authorized use of funds, insufficient evidence of a fiduciary relationship, and constitutional challenges to how evidence was obtained. Because embezzlement requires proof that the accused acted with the specific intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property, a showing that the person believed they had permission to use the money or that the transaction was a misunderstanding can defeat the charge. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel also examine the financial records, law enforcement interviews, and search warrants to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
Should I hire a lawyer if I am under investigation for embezzlement?
Yes, hiring an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as you learn of an investigation can protect your rights, prevent self‑incrimination, and influence whether charges are filed. Embezzlement investigations often start with an employer’s internal audit, a bank’s suspicious‑activity report, or a complaint to law enforcement. Speaking to investigators without counsel can be used against you. An attorney can communicate with the prosecutor early, present exculpatory financial records, and negotiate a resolution that keeps the matter out of court. If you are already charged, prompt legal action is important to preserve all available defenses. To discuss your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
How do I schedule a consultation with an embezzlement lawyer in Alexandria?
You can schedule a consultation by calling the firm at (888) 437‑7747; phones are answered 24 hours a day, and meetings are by appointment only. Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room 719, Arlington, VA 22209 serves clients throughout Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne. During the initial consultation, an attorney will review the allegations, explain the possible outcomes, and outline a strategy tailored to your circumstances. All discussions are confidential. Evening and weekend consultation times can be arranged when necessary.
For criminal defense representation in other Virginia localities, see our pages for Fairfax County criminal lawyer, Fairfax City criminal lawyer, Falls Church criminal lawyer, Prince William County criminal lawyer, and Manassas criminal lawyer.
Authoritative Virginia legal information: Virginia Code Title 18.2 ? Alexandria Circuit Court ? Virginia Judicial System
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