Embezzlement Lawyer Arlington County, VA
When an employer in Arlington County discovers a discrepancy in the books, a shortage in a trust account, or inventory that does not add up, the person who is called in first is often the employee who had the regular access. An accusation of embezzlement — taking money or property that was entrusted to you — carries immediate professional and personal consequences. You may be placed on leave, terminated, or asked to meet with law enforcement. A charge under Va. Code § 18.2‑111 can follow soon after. If you are that employee or any resident of Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, or Shirlington who received a summons or learned that an investigation is underway, you need counsel who understands both the financial side of a case and how the Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes theft‑related offenses in the Seventeenth Judicial District. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel represent individuals facing embezzlement charges in Arlington County General District Court and Arlington County Circuit Court. Call Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What an Embezzlement Charge Means in Arlington County, Virginia
Embezzlement in Virginia is the wrongful appropriation of money, goods, or property that a person has received for another — for example, an employer, a client, or a business partner. The offense is set out at Va. Code § 18.2‑111 and is punished under the same statute as larceny. That means the severity of the charge turns on the value of the property involved: if the property is valued at $1,000 or more, the offense is graded as grand larceny and treated as a felony; if the value is less than $1,000, it is graded as petit larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Embezzlement of property valued at $1,000 or more is charged as grand larceny, a felony; embezzlement of property valued below $1,000 is charged as petit larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Source: Va. Code § 18.2‑95, § 18.2‑96, § 18.2‑111. Virginia Code § 18.2‑111
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
Arlington County criminal cases are heard at the General District Court for misdemeanors and for preliminary hearings on felony charges, and at the Circuit Court for felony trials and appeals. The courthouse is located at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Arlington County prosecutes embezzlement cases, and the office often works with investigators who have reviewed financial records extensively before charges are filed. First‑offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2‑303.2 may be available in some misdemeanor property‑offense cases, but eligibility depends on the specific facts and the court’s determination. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have appeared regularly in both Arlington County courts and understand the expectations judges and prosecutors bring to theft‑related dockets.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Approach an Embezzlement Case
An embezzlement accusation often turns on an audit, a bank statement, or a co‑worker’s account. Our defense team begins by obtaining and scrutinizing the documents the Commonwealth intends to use. We look for gaps in the paper trail, inconsistencies in how missing funds were calculated, and whether an employer’s own record‑keeping weaknesses explain a shortfall without proving criminal intent. Because embezzlement under § 18.2‑111 requires proof that the defendant wrongfully and fraudulently used or concealed property received for another, a key defense can be showing that the handling of funds was authorized, that records were ambiguous, or that no fraudulent intent existed.
In Arlington County, the procedural path for an embezzlement case depends on the charge classification. A misdemeanor petition is heard in the General District Court, where a trial is scheduled within weeks to a few months of the initial appearance. A felony charge leads to a preliminary hearing in the same court; if the judge finds probable cause, the case is certified to the Circuit Court for possible indictment and trial. The timeline in Circuit Court is longer, dictated by the court’s calendar and the pace of discovery. Throughout the process, we evaluate whether a reduction of the charge is possible, whether restitution can play a role in a negotiated resolution, and whether the evidence supports a challenge at trial. Our goal is to work toward the most favorable outcome attainable under the particular facts of your matter.
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. A former prosecutor, he understands how the Commonwealth’s Attorney evaluates theft cases and what a prosecutor looks for before extending an offer. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. His Of Counsel bring extensive experience in criminal trial work, including former law‑enforcement and former prosecutorial backgrounds that provide insight into how embezzlement investigations are built. The team approaches every Arlington County embezzlement matter with a careful review of the financial evidence and the procedural rules of the General District Court and the Circuit Court.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented 21 criminal case results in Arlington County, all with a favorable outcome for the client — 11 dismissed or not guilty, and 10 reduced or amended. Results may vary. The firm’s Arlington Location is at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room 719, Arlington, VA 22209, by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I am accused of embezzlement in Arlington County?
Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately and do not speak with law enforcement, your employer, or anyone else about the accusation until you have legal guidance. Early legal involvement can protect your rights and shape how the investigation proceeds. An attorney can communicate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney on your behalf, help preserve documents that may support your defense, and advise you on how to navigate employment‑related consequences while the case is pending.
How do Virginia courts handle embezzlement cases?
Virginia treats embezzlement under the same grading system as larceny, so the potential penalty depends on the value of the property involved. Misdemeanor cases are heard in the General District Court, while felony matters proceed through a preliminary hearing and on to the Circuit Court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney must prove that the defendant wrongfully and fraudulently used or concealed property that was received for another. Defenses often focus on whether the handling of funds was authorized and whether the evidence supports an intent to defraud.
Can first‑offender programs apply to an embezzlement charge in Arlington County?
In some misdemeanor embezzlement matters, Virginia Code § 19.2‑303.2 allows the General District Court to defer proceedings and place the defendant on probation. If the defendant successfully completes the terms set by the court, the charge may be dismissed. Eligibility is not automatic; the court considers the facts of the case, the defendant’s record, and the recommendation of the Commonwealth’s Attorney. An experienced attorney can present your situation to the court and argue for this disposition when it is appropriate.
What is the difference between embezzlement and other theft offenses in Virginia?
Embezzlement involves property that was lawfully entrusted to the defendant, whereas larceny involves property the defendant never had a right to possess. For example, an employee who takes cash from a register commits larceny, but an employee who diverts funds from a company account they are authorized to manage may be charged with embezzlement. The line between the two can be important for defense because the Commonwealth must prove the element of lawful possession or access as part of its case under § 18.2‑111.
Does an embezzlement conviction affect my ability to work in Arlington?
A criminal theft conviction can appear on background checks and may affect professional licensure, security clearances, and employment in the government‑contracting sector so prevalent in Arlington. Because the county sits adjacent to Washington, D.C., many residents hold positions in federal contracting, technology, and finance — fields where a theft‑related offense can be career‑threatening. An attorney can advise you on how a charge or conviction may affect your specific professional circumstances and, where possible, work toward an outcome that minimizes collateral consequences.
Who handles embezzlement cases at your firm?
Mr. Sris, the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., leads the firm’s criminal defense practice and works with an experienced Of Counsel team on embezzlement matters in Arlington County. The team draws on former prosecutorial and law‑enforcement backgrounds to examine financial records, challenge the Commonwealth’s evidence, and develop defenses tailored to the specific facts of each case. For a consultation about your situation, call (888) 437‑7747.
How do I find the right embezzlement defense lawyer in Arlington County?
Look for a criminal defense attorney who regularly appears in Arlington County courts, has experience with theft‑related charges, and can explain how the Commonwealth typically prosecutes embezzlement cases. A lawyer who understands the local judges, the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office, and the procedural rhythms of the General District Court and Circuit Court can provide a practical assessment of your case. Request a consultation to discuss your specific circumstances and to learn about the legal team’s approach to embezzlement defense.
What can I expect at an initial consultation?
During an initial consultation, the attorney will listen to your account of the events, review any documents you bring, and explain how Virginia embezzlement law applies to your situation. You will learn about potential defenses, the possible range of outcomes, and what steps the firm can take on your behalf. The conversation is confidential. You should bring any paperwork you have received from the court or your employer, but avoid discussing the case with anyone else before the meeting.
How long does an embezzlement case take in Arlington County?
The timeline varies depending on whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony and on the court’s calendar. A misdemeanor case in the General District Court may be resolved in a matter of weeks to a few months, while a felony case that moves through a preliminary hearing and on to the Circuit Court can take substantially longer. Discovery, pretrial motions, and the availability of witnesses all affect the schedule. Your attorney can give you a better estimate once the initial pleadings are reviewed.
Is it possible to avoid a conviction for embezzlement in Virginia?
Yes, depending on the evidence and the legal arguments available, a number of outcomes short of conviction are possible. The charge may be dismissed, reduced to a lesser offense, or resolved through a deferred disposition program for certain misdemeanors. In some cases, challenging the sufficiency of the evidence at trial results in a not‑guilty verdict. Every case is fact‑specific, and no attorney can guarantee a particular result. A thorough evaluation of the evidence is the first step toward understanding what may be achievable
For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
Internal Link Navigation
Explore our criminal defense services in other Northern Virginia counties:
- Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Prince William County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Stafford County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Fauquier County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Loudoun County Criminal Defense Lawyer
Review the Virginia statutes and court resources:
- Virginia Code § 18.2‑111 — Embezzlement
- Arlington County General District Court
- Virginia Judicial System
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary. Attorney responsible for this advertising: Mr. Sris.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
