Embezzlement Lawyer Virginia, VA
You discover that your employer’s account records do not match the deposits you were entrusted to handle. A supervisor confronts you about missing funds. The company’s controller notifies law enforcement. Within weeks, you are charged with embezzlement under Virginia law. The weight of a felony or misdemeanor charge — with possible jail time, a permanent criminal record, and a future shadowed by a conviction — lands squarely on your shoulders. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. stands ready to defend your rights and your future. Reach our location at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Embezzlement Means in Virginia
Virginia Code § 18.2-111 defines embezzlement as the wrongful and fraudulent use, disposal, concealment, or misappropriation of money or property received for another — often by an employee, fiduciary, or bailee. The offense is punished according to the general larceny statutes. If the value involved is $1,000 or more, the charge is a felony under Va. Code § 18.2-95. If the value is less than $1,000, it is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-96. A Class 1 misdemeanor carries a maximum penalty of up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. A felony larceny conviction can result in a term of imprisonment of one to twenty years, or at the discretion of the jury, up to 12 months in jail plus a fine. Embezzlement charges are prosecuted in the Virginia General District Court for preliminary hearings and in the Circuit Court for felony trials. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel represent clients facing these charges in courts across the Commonwealth, from Fairfax County to the far reaches of Southwest Virginia.
Because embezzlement is a specific-intent crime, the Commonwealth must prove that you acted with intent to defraud. The absence of that intent, a good-faith belief in your authority to handle the funds, or the outright lack of a fiduciary relationship can each defeat the charge. The value of the alleged loss also shapes the offense level. A misstatement of value by the prosecution can be challenged, potentially reducing a felony to a misdemeanor. Additionally, embezzlement charges often arise alongside related counts — computer fraud, forgery, or identity theft — that escalate the legal exposure. Timely involvement of a knowledgeable Virginia criminal defense lawyer can shape the trajectory of the case before an indictment or trial date is set.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Embezzlement Cases
Every embezzlement case begins with a thorough review of the financial records, employment agreements, and any documentation of the accused’s access and authorization. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel scrutinize the Commonwealth’s evidence for weaknesses: Did the defendant lack the requisite intent? Was there a misidentification of the responsible party? Can the value of the alleged loss be contested to achieve a misdemeanor resolution rather than a felony? The defense approach is built on facts, not assumptions. Where the prosecution seeks restitution and incarceration, the firm explores every avenue for mitigation — voluntary restitution to the alleged victim, participation in pretrial diversion programs where available, and negotiation with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
Because plea agreements are permitted in Virginia under Virginia Supreme Court Rule 3A:8 — with the judge free to accept or reject any agreement — Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel leverage experience from both sides of the courtroom. Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor. His Of Counsel team includes former law enforcement. That combined insight into how the Commonwealth builds its case allows the firm to identify procedural errors, evidentiary issues, and sentencing leverage early. In many instances, an active pretrial posture — a motion to suppress improperly obtained records, a motion to dismiss for insufficient evidence — can lead to a reduction or dismissal of charges. The goal is always the trusted achievable outcome under the specific facts of the case. Results may vary.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He has practiced since 1997 and has built a firm that concentrates in criminal defense, including complex financial crime cases such as embezzlement. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience. Results may vary. The team includes professionals who understand the accounting principles, workplace hierarchies, and interstate business relationships that often underpin embezzlement allegations.
Supporting Mr. Sris are Of Counsel attorneys who bring vital perspectives — including former Virginia State Trooper service, which provides a nuanced understanding of financial investigations and evidence gathering. Collectively, the firm has documented 4,739+ case results since 1997. Results may vary. each case is unique. This experience, combined with a small caseload for Mr. Sris, allows for focused attention on your defense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I am accused of embezzlement in Virginia?
Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately, decline to speak with law enforcement or employers about the allegations, and preserve all relevant financial records, emails, and documents. Embezzlement is a specific-intent crime requiring proof of intent to defraud. Any statements you make — even innocent explanations — can be used to construct that intent. Exercise your right to remain silent and your right to counsel. The earlier a lawyer reviews the evidence, the more opportunities exist to contest the value of the loss, challenge the existence of a fiduciary relationship, or negotiate a resolution before charges escalate. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents individuals from the earliest stages of an investigation. Reach our location at (888) 437-7747.
What are the possible penalties for embezzlement in Virginia?
Penalties depend on the value of the property or money taken: $1,000 or more is a felony (grand larceny) punishable by one to twenty years in prison; less than $1,000 is a Class 1 misdemeanor with up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. The felony sentence can also be a jail term of up to 12 months if the jury so decides. Restitution to the victim is often ordered. A felony conviction carries long-term collateral consequences, including loss of voting rights, firearm restrictions, and employment difficulties. Because the value threshold is central to the charge, an effective defense may challenge the prosecution’s valuation. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
Can embezzlement charges be dropped or reduced in Virginia?
Yes, embezzlement charges can be dropped or reduced if the evidence of intent to defraud is weak, the value of the loss is contested successfully, or procedural errors taint the prosecution’s case. The Commonwealth’s Attorney may agree to amend the charge to a lesser offense, such as petit larceny or even a non-criminal resolution, particularly where the accused has no prior record and demonstrates a willingness to make restitution. Because Virginia allows plea agreements under Rule 3A:8, a skilled defense can often secure a more favorable outcome than trial. Results vary.
Do I need a lawyer for an embezzlement charge in Virginia?
Yes. Even a misdemeanor embezzlement conviction creates a permanent criminal record, and felony embezzlement carries prison time and lifelong disability. Embezzlement cases turn on financial records, business practices, and the credibility of the accuser — areas where self-representation is exceptionally risky. A criminal defense lawyer can review discovery, retain forensic accounting attorneys if needed, and negotiate with the prosecutor from a position of knowledge. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel concentrate in Virginia criminal defense. To discuss your situation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How long does an embezzlement case take in Virginia?
The timeline varies based on the complexity of the financial evidence, the court’s calendar, and whether the matter resolves through negotiation or trial. A General District Court misdemeanor trial may be heard within several months, while a felony embezzlement case in Circuit Court — with full discovery, experienced attorney review, and motions — can extend for many months. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to move the case efficiently while building the strong $1. For guidance on your specific situation, reach our location at (888) 437-7747.
Will an embezzlement conviction affect my job or professional license?
Yes. A conviction for a crime of dishonesty — especially a felony — often leads to termination, license revocation, and difficulty securing future employment. Employers and licensing boards in Virginia routinely consider criminal convictions for theft or fraud when making disciplinary decisions. Many professions (law, medicine, finance, education) require self-reporting. A defense strategy that aims for a dismissal, reduction to a non-dishonesty offense, or pretrial diversion can help mitigate these employment consequences. Contact our firm to discuss how to protect your livelihood.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — founded in 1997. (888) 437-7747.