Felony Theft Lawyer Washington DC
You were arrested by the Metropolitan Police Department and are now facing felony theft charges in D.C. Superior Court. The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia is prosecuting you — not a local district attorney, but federal prosecutors who handle all D.C. Code offenses. A conviction for first‑degree theft (property valued over $1,000) carries up to 10 years in prison. Even a second‑degree theft charge can mean six months of incarceration. The stakes are high, and the D.C. Criminal system is unique: there is no cash bail; release decisions are made by the Pretrial Services Agency, a federal entity. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has been defending clients in Washington, D.C., for more than 25 years. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined experience to felony theft cases, from the initial arrest through trial. To speak with a felony theft defense attorney who practices in D.C. Superior Court, call (888) 437‑7747.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Felony Theft Means in Washington, D.C.
The District of Columbia occupies a distinct position within the U.S. Criminal justice system. The same United States Attorney’s Office that prosecutes federal crimes in the U.S. District Court for D.C. Also prosecutes local felonies — including felony theft — in D.C. Superior Court. This dual‑role means the prosecution often brings a federal‑style case against a defendant charged under D.C. Code Title 22. The D.C. Superior Court, located at 500 Indiana Avenue NW, handles all local criminal matters. The court sits at the Judiciary Square Metro station and serves every neighborhood: Georgetown, Capitol Hill, Dupont Circle, Columbia Heights, Anacostia, Shaw, Petworth, and every community in between.
Felony theft in the District of Columbia is classified by the value of the property taken. Under D.C. Code §22‑3211, theft in the first degree occurs when the value of the property or services is $1,000 or more; it is punishable by up to 10 years of imprisonment. Theft in the second degree — property valued under $1,000 — is a misdemeanor, carrying up to 180 days in jail. Because D.C. Does not use traditional cash bail, the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) conducts a risk assessment and recommends pretrial release conditions. Many defendants are released without posting money, but the PSA’s recommendation still has a significant effect on the terms of release. Any felony theft conviction also creates a permanent criminal record that can affect employment, professional licensing, and immigration status. Record sealing may be available under D.C. Code §16‑803 for acquittals, dismissals, and certain convictions after waiting periods. Our Arlington location serves clients who appear at D.C. Superior Court, and we are familiar with the unique procedural rules that apply in this federal enclave.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Felony Theft Cases
When you retain Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel immediately begin working to protect your rights and prepare your defense. We start by examining the arrest report, the charging documents, and any search warrants. In a D.C. Felony theft case, the government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you took property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it and that the value triggers the felony threshold. Our team looks for challenges to the evidence — whether the police had probable cause to arrest, whether a search was lawful, and whether the government can establish the value of the allegedly stolen property. D.C. Superior Court allows robust pretrial motion practice, and we file motions to suppress evidence or to compel discovery where appropriate. If the prosecution’s case has weaknesses, we negotiate with the assistant United States attorney to seek a reduction of the charge to a misdemeanor, dismissal, or a disposition that avoids a felony conviction. When trial is the trusted path, we prepare a thorough defense strategy and present your side to the judge or jury. Throughout the process, we explain every step and keep you informed. Results may vary. To discuss how we can approach your felony theft matter, call (888) 437‑7747.
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 understands how the United States Attorney’s Office builds its cases. Mr. Sris is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Alongside Mr. Sris, the firm’s Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to criminal defense matters in D.C. Superior Court. Our attorneys are experienced in challenging the evidence the government relies on in theft cases — including witness identifications, surveillance footage, and valuation testimony. The team’s collective experience spans thousands of hearings and trials across multiple jurisdictions. We draw on that depth to craft a defense tailored to the specific charge and the specific facts. Results may vary. When you call (888) 437‑7747, you talk directly with a member of our team who can start building your defense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who prosecutes felony theft cases in Washington, D.C.?
Criminal cases in D.C. Are prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia (USAO‑DC), not by a local district attorney. Because D.C. Is a federal territory, the federal government prosecutes violations of the D.C. Code in D.C. Superior Court. The same prosecutors handle everything from petit larceny to first‑degree felony theft. This means the prosecution team often has federal resources and a track record of taking cases to trial. Having a defense attorney with experience in D.C. Superior Court is critical to navigating the unique federal‑local hybrid process.
Does Washington, D.C. Use cash bail for theft charges?
No. D.C. Does not use traditional cash bail; instead, the federal Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) evaluates every arrested person and recommends release conditions to the court. The judge then decides whether to release the defendant on personal recognizance, impose conditions such as stay‑away orders or drug testing, or hold the defendant if no conditions can ensure the safety of the community. Most defendants facing theft charges are released, but the specifics depend heavily on the PSA report and the nature of the allegation. An experienced attorney can present arguments at the initial presentment to help secure the most favorable release terms.
What penalties can a felony theft conviction bring in D.C.?
Theft in the first degree (value of $1,000 or more) is punishable by up to 10 years in prison under D.C. Code §22‑3211. Theft in the second degree — under $1,000 — is a misdemeanor with a maximum jail term of 180 days. A felony conviction also creates a criminal record that can affect employment, professional licensing, and immigration status. The court may impose fines, restitution, and supervised probation in addition to incarceration. Because the specific sentence depends on the defendant’s criminal history, the value of the property, and whether the case is resolved by plea or trial, it is essential to have counsel review the unique facts of your case.
Can I get a felony theft arrest sealed or expunged in Washington, D.C.?
Yes, D.C. Law permits record sealing for certain felony theft cases. Under D.C. Code §16‑803, an acquittal or dismissal qualifies for immediate sealing. A conviction may be eligible after a waiting period, provided you meet the statutory criteria. Marijuana‑related offenses have expanded sealing eligibility, but traditional theft records can also be sealed if all conditions are satisfied. The petition is filed in D.C. Superior Court. Because sealing rules are complex and depend on the final disposition of the case, it is wise to speak with a defense attorney early in the process about how the resolution of your case will affect your record.
How long does a felony theft case take in D.C.?
A felony theft case in D.C. Superior Court typically takes several months to more than a year, depending on the complexity of the evidence and whether the case proceeds to trial. The initial presentment and arraignment occur within a day or two of the arrest. Misdemeanor theft trials may be scheduled within a few months; felony cases involve grand jury indictment, pretrial motions, and status hearings that can extend the timeline. Delays can also arise from witness availability, forensic testing, and the court’s calendar. While the Speedy Trial Act sets outer boundaries, most cases resolve in a timeframe driven by the specific legal issues and the negotiations between counsel.
How much does a felony theft defense lawyer cost in Washington, D.C.?
Fees for a felony theft defense vary based on the seriousness of the charge, the amount of pretrial investigation needed, and the likelihood of trial. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. offers a phone consultation to discuss your case and provide a clear fee arrangement. We accept payment by credit card, cash, and check, and payment plans may be available. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. To learn more about how our firm charges for felony theft representation, call (888) 437‑7747 and speak with our team.
Other D.C. Criminal Defense Locations We Serve
Georgetown Felony Theft Defense •
Spring Valley Criminal Lawyer •
Cleveland Park Theft Lawyer •
Chevy Chase Criminal Defense •
American University Park Theft Attorney
Official Sources
D.C. Code Title 22 — Criminal Offenses
D.C. Superior Court — Criminal Division
United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia
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.