Theft of Government Property Lawyer in Camden County, NJ
Theft of government property in Camden County is a serious federal offense under 18 U.S.C. § 641, carrying severe penalties. If you are under investigation or charged, you need a theft of government property lawyer Camden County with federal court experience. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for clients facing federal charges in the District of New Jersey.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey | New Jersey legislature
Theft of government property is prosecuted under federal law, specifically 18 U.S.C. § 641. This statute makes it a crime to embezzle, steal, purloin, or knowingly convert to one’s use anything of value belonging to the United States government or any department or agency thereof. This includes tangible property, funds, and even intangible assets. Cases are investigated by federal agencies like the FBI, IRS, or Inspector Generals and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey. A conviction can result in fines, restitution, and imprisonment. Defending against these charges requires a lawyer who understands federal procedure, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and the specific tactics of federal prosecutors in Camden.
For the official text of the federal statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 641 (Cornell Legal Information Institute). For local federal court procedures, visit the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey website.
- Initial Investigation: Federal agents (FBI, HSI, etc.) may conduct interviews or execute search warrants. Do not speak to agents without your attorney present.
- Grand Jury Proceeding: The U.S. Attorney presents evidence to a federal grand jury, which decides whether to issue an indictment.
- Arraignment & Detention Hearing: If indicted, you will be arraigned in U.S. District Court. The court will also determine if you will be released pending trial.
- Discovery & Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney will review all evidence and may file motions to challenge the prosecution’s case.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Most federal cases are resolved by plea agreement. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows federal guidelines, which consider the value of the property and other factors.
In Camden County, theft of government property under 18 U.S.C. § 641 is punishable by up to 10 years in federal prison, plus fines and mandatory restitution; if the property value exceeds $1,000, the maximum penalty increases.
| Offense Level | Property Value | Maximum Incarceration | Maximum Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Misdemeanor | $1,000 or less | 1 year | $100,000 | Restitution, forfeiture |
| Felony | Exceeds $1,000 | 10 years | $250,000 | Restitution, forfeiture, felony 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 a combined 120+ years of legal experience to federal defense. Our “Advocacy Without Borders” philosophy means we build defenses that challenge the government’s case at every stage, from investigation through appeal. We understand the severe consequences of a federal conviction and work to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future.
While specific local case counts are not disclosed for federal matters, our firm-wide track record includes over 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We have successfully defended clients against serious federal allegations. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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) 546-4297
By appointment only.
Our New Jersey location serves clients at federal courts in Camden County. We are accessible via I-195, the Garden State Parkway, and NJ Turnpike. As a theft of government property lawyer near Camden, we provide representation for individuals in Camden, Cherry Hill, Gloucester Township, Voorhees, and surrounding communities. 24/7 phone consultations are available at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are by appointment only.
FAQs: Theft of Government Property Defense in Camden 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. or its agencies. This can range from office supplies and tools to funds, equipment, data, and even unused travel vouchers. The key is that the government must have ownership or control of the property.
Can I be charged if I didn’t know the property belonged to the government?
No, not typically. The statute requires that you acted “knowingly.” The prosecution must prove you knew the property belonged to the U.S. government. However, “willful blindness” (deliberately avoiding knowledge) may not be a valid defense. An experienced federal property theft defense lawyer Camden County can challenge the evidence of knowledge.
What agencies investigate theft of government property in New Jersey?
Several federal agencies can lead investigations, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), and the Office of Inspector General for the relevant federal department (e.g., Defense, Veterans Affairs, Health and Human Services).
What are the possible defenses to this charge?
Common defenses include lack of intent to steal (you believed you had permission), mistaken identity, insufficient evidence of government ownership, or challenging the valuation of the property. A government asset theft lawyer Camden County can analyze the specific facts to identify the strongest defense strategy for your case.
Will my case be in state or federal court?
Almost always federal court. Theft of government property is a federal crime. Your case would be heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, likely in the Camden or Newark courthouse. You need an attorney licensed to practice in federal court.
For more information on related defenses, see our page on Camden County criminal defense. To understand our firm’s broader capabilities, visit our New Jersey federal criminal defense hub. If you are facing other federal allegations, consider reading about federal business crime defense.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
For the full picture beyond Camden County, our page on theft of government property cases in New Jersey covers the process end to end.
Your case in Camden 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 Camden County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Camden Vicinage (1st Vicinage), 101 South Fifth Street, Camden, NJ 08103, telephone (856) 379-2200, 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 Camden 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: Camden County NJ lawyers directory · Theft of Government Property Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Theft of Government Property Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Theft of Government Property Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.