Embezzlement Lawyer Virginia Beach, VA
An embezzlement charge in Virginia Beach is a serious matter that can affect your freedom, your career, and your reputation. Embezzlement is treated as a theft offense under Virginia law. Under Va. Code § 18.2-111, a person who wrongfully uses, disposes of, or conceals money or property entrusted to them by an employer, principal, or other person commits embezzlement and faces punishment according to the larceny statutes. That means the value of the property in question drives whether you face a misdemeanor or felony charge. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
If you have been accused of embezzlement in Virginia Beach or believe an investigation is underway, it is important to speak with an attorney who understands how the Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases in the local courts. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents individuals facing embezzlement allegations throughout the Hampton Roads region. We take a direct approach to defending our clients—examining the paperwork, reviewing employer policies, and challenging the Commonwealth’s evidence at every stage. To request a consultation, call (888) 437-7747.
What Embezzlement Means in Virginia Beach
In Virginia Beach, an embezzlement case arises when a person is accused of converting money or property they were entrusted to hold or manage. The offense is not limited to cash; it can involve inventory, equipment, client funds, or other assets. The key legal question is whether the accused intended to permanently deprive the rightful owner of the property. Misunderstandings about reimbursement, accounting errors, or disputes over authorized use can sometimes lead to an embezzlement charge even when no criminal intent existed.
Because Virginia punishes embezzlement according to the value of the property involved, the classification of the charge turns on a dollar threshold. The following verified statutory framework applies:
Under Virginia law, embezzlement of money or property valued at $1,000 or more is punishable as grand larceny, a felony offense. Embezzlement of property valued at less than $1,000 is punishable as petit larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Source: Va. Code §§ 18.2-95, 18.2-96, and 18.2-111. Read the grand larceny statute
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia carries a maximum penalty of 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Grand larceny carries a punishment of not less than one nor more than 20 years in prison, and the court may, at its discretion, impose a sentence of up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500 in lieu of the felony prison term. A felony conviction also brings long-term consequences such as the loss of firearm rights and certain professional licenses.
Embezzlement cases in Virginia Beach are prosecuted in the appropriate court depending on the charge. Misdemeanor embezzlement cases are heard in the Virginia Beach General District Court, located at 2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B, Virginia Beach, VA 23456. Felony embezzlement cases proceed to the Virginia Beach Circuit Court, where the defendant has the right to a jury trial. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Virginia Beach handles the prosecution. Because these courts operate with their own schedules and practices, working with a defense lawyer who appears regularly in Virginia Beach matters can help you understand what to expect at each stage.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Embezzlement Cases
When we take on an embezzlement case, our first step is to learn precisely what the Commonwealth alleges. Embezzlement investigations often involve months of document review; the government’s case may rest on financial records, internal emails, or testimony from coworkers. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel examine every piece of the Commonwealth’s evidence for weaknesses—whether it is a missing audit trail, a supervisor’s authorization that was never documented, or a valuation dispute that could lower the alleged amount below the felony threshold.
We then consider every available defense. Some cases involve an employer who gave implicit permission for certain expenditures. Others involve a defendant who had no intent to permanently deprive the owner—a required element of the offense. If the evidence suggests a genuine misunderstanding or an isolated mistake, we engage the prosecutor early, presenting the facts that support a reduction or dismissal. In Virginia Beach, the Commonwealth’s Attorney may agree to amend the charge, and a plea agreement can be reached under the terms set forth in Rule 3A:8 of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia. We pursue the resolution that best protects your record and your future.
Throughout the process, we keep you informed of each development. We prepare every case as though it will go to trial, because being ready for trial strengthens our position in any negotiation. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive experience defending financial crime allegations in Virginia courts, and we use that experience to build a defense tailored to the specific facts of your case.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who has practiced law since 1997. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His background as a former prosecutor gives him a thorough understanding of how the Commonwealth builds a case—and where the defense can respond.
Mr. Sris is supported by his Of Counsel team. Among the team are attorneys with distinctive professional backgrounds that strengthen our criminal defense work, including a former Virginia State Trooper who served 15 years in law enforcement and brings deep familiarity with investigative procedures and evidentiary standards. This combination of prosecutorial and law enforcement experience helps us identify gaps in the Commonwealth’s evidence and develop strong defense strategies. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for embezzlement in Virginia Beach?
If the value of the embezzled property is $1,000 or more, the offense is punishable as grand larceny with imprisonment from one to 20 years, while value under $1,000 is a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Embezzlement is charged under Va. Code § 18.2‑111, and punishment follows the larceny statutes. Additional consequences can include a permanent criminal record, loss of professional licenses, and difficulty obtaining employment. Because of the stakes, early engagement with defense counsel is critical.
How does a lawyer defend against an embezzlement charge?
Defense strategies often focus on challenging the element of intent, showing that the defendant lacked the purpose to permanently deprive the owner of the property, or demonstrating that the accused had authority to use the funds or assets in question. A lawyer may also question the accuracy of financial records, highlight gaps in the paper trail, or argue that the value attributed to the property is inflated. In Virginia Beach, negotiations with the Commonwealth’s Attorney can lead to a charge reduction or alternative disposition where the facts support it.
What should I do if I am accused of embezzlement?
If you learn you are under investigation or have been charged with embezzlement, do not discuss the case with anyone except your attorney, and preserve any documents that could be relevant. Avoid speaking with coworkers, supervisors, or law enforcement without counsel present. Contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible; early intervention can influence whether charges are filed or how the case proceeds in Virginia Beach courts.
Can embezzlement charges be expunged in Virginia?
Expungement in Virginia is generally available only when the charge results in an acquittal, a nolle prosequi, or a dismissal. Under Va. Code § 19.2‑392.2, a person who is acquitted or whose charge is dismissed may petition the circuit court to expunge the police and court records. Convictions typically cannot be expunged, so achieving a favorable resolution at the trial or pretrial stage is critical if you hope to clear your record. An attorney can explain whether your situation may qualify for an expungement down the road.
Do I need a lawyer for an embezzlement charge in Virginia Beach?
You are not legally required to hire a lawyer, but embezzlement charges carry serious consequences that can affect your liberty and livelihood, making skilled representation essential. A defense attorney can evaluate the strength of the Commonwealth’s evidence, negotiate with the prosecutor, and present any mitigating factors. Even a misdemeanor conviction can create obstacles to future employment and professional licensing. To discuss your situation with Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel, call (888) 437‑7747 to request a consultation.
Additional Resources
For a broader understanding of how criminal charges are handled in other Virginia localities, you may find these pages helpful:
- Fairfax County criminal defense lawyer
- Prince William County criminal defense attorney
- Manassas criminal defense representation
Primary legal sources:
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.