Theft of Government Property Lawyer in Bergen County, NJ
Theft of government property is a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 641, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and fines. In Bergen County, these cases are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for individuals accused of theft of government property in Bergen County.
Last verified: March 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | 18 U.S.C. § 641
Theft of government property involves the unlawful taking, conversion, or disposal of any property belonging to the United States. This includes money, equipment, supplies, and data. The statute, 18 U.S.C. § 641, covers a broad range of property and applies to anyone who knowingly steals, embezzles, or intentionally misapplies such property. The value of the property and the defendant’s intent are key factors in determining the severity of the charge and potential penalties.
For a theft of government property lawyer Bergen County, understanding the federal court process is critical. The U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey handles these cases. You can review the official federal criminal code at 18 U.S.C. § 641 (Cornell Law). The court’s procedures and local rules are available at the U.S. District Court for New Jersey website.
- Initial Investigation: Federal agents may contact you or execute a search warrant.
- Grand Jury: A federal grand jury in Newark reviews evidence to issue an indictment.
- Arraignment: You appear in U.S. District Court to hear the formal charges and enter a plea.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney reviews all evidence and files pre-trial motions.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: The case may resolve through a plea agreement or proceed to a jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows federal guidelines, which include mandatory minimums in some cases.
In Bergen County, theft of government property under 18 U.S.C. § 641 carries penalties of up to 10 years in prison and fines; if the property value exceeds $1,000, the maximum increases.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft of Government Property (value ≤ $1,000) | Federal Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year | Up to $100,000 | Restitution, forfeiture, loss of federal benefits |
| Theft of Government Property (value > $1,000) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | Restitution, forfeiture, permanent criminal record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to federal defense. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand the high stakes of federal court and the specific procedures of the District of New Jersey.
Our firm-wide experience includes 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. While we handle cases across multiple states, our approach is case-specific to the federal system in New Jersey. For a government asset theft lawyer Bergen County, early case assessment is vital. We focus on challenging the government’s evidence of intent and value, which are central to these charges.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (732) 651-9900
By appointment only.
Our New Jersey location serves clients at federal courts in Newark and across Bergen County. We are accessible via I-80, the NJ Turnpike, and Route 17. We serve communities including Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, and Bergenfield. For a federal property theft defense lawyer Bergen County, contact us for 24/7 phone consultations. Meetings are by appointment only.
FAQs: Theft of Government Property in Bergen County
What is considered “government property” under federal law?
It depends. Government property includes any money, thing of value, or record belonging to the U.S. government or any department or agency. This can range from office supplies and tools to funds, data, and military equipment. The key is that the property must have been in the possession, custody, or control of a federal entity.
Can I be charged if I didn’t know the property belonged to the government?
No. The statute requires that you acted “knowingly.” The prosecution must prove you knew the property belonged to the United States. A defense often focuses on challenging this knowledge element. An experienced theft of government property lawyer Bergen County will scrutinize the evidence for lack of intent.
What agencies investigate theft of government property?
Several. Common investigating agencies include the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the General Services Administration Office of Inspector General (GSA OIG), the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General (DoD OIG), and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The specific agency depends on the property involved.
What are the possible defenses to this charge?
Multiple. Defenses can include lack of intent (you didn’t know it was government property), mistaken identity, insufficient evidence of value, entrapment, or that you had authorization to use the property. A government asset theft lawyer Bergen County will evaluate all circumstances to build the strongest defense.
Is restitution always required in these cases?
Yes. If convicted, the court will almost certainly order you to pay restitution to the government for the full value of the property taken or damaged. This is also to any fine or prison sentence imposed. Restitution is mandatory under federal law.
For more information, see our page on Criminal Defense Lawyer in Bergen County or our New Jersey Federal Criminal Lawyer hub. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Morris County.
Last verified: March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
The same rules apply outside Bergen County, and our page on theft of government property charges across New Jersey walks through each stage.
Your case in Bergen County, New Jersey
Indictable charges are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division; disorderly-persons offenses are heard in the municipal court where the charge was filed. In Bergen County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage (2nd Vicinage), 10 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601, telephone (201) 527-2700, open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Court procedures change; confirm the current schedule on the official vicinage website or with the clerk before you file or appear.
The governing law for this topic is the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice, N.J.S.A. Title 2C. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Bergen County matters from its New Jersey location at 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724; meetings are by appointment. Request a New Jersey consultation at (888) 437-7747 or (609) 983-0003.
Related New Jersey pages: Bergen County NJ lawyers directory · Theft of Government Property Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Theft of Government Property Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.