Theft of Government Property Lawyer in Salem County, NJ
Theft of government property is a serious federal offense under 18 U.S.C. § 641, prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. If you are under investigation or charged, you need a theft of government property lawyer Salem County with federal court experience. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for charges involving federal property theft.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey | New Jersey Legislature
Federal Theft of Government Property Law
Theft of government property is defined under 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. This includes money, property, records, or anything else of value. The statute also covers receiving, concealing, or retaining such property with intent to convert it. Charges are typically brought after an investigation by federal agencies like the FBI, IRS, or Inspector General offices. A conviction can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment and fines.
For a theft of government property lawyer Salem County, understanding the federal system is critical. Cases are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey. The process begins with a grand jury indictment. Pretrial services will conduct an investigation, and a detention hearing may be held. The discovery phase in federal court is governed by the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. Most cases are resolved by plea agreement, but going to trial is an option. Sentencing follows the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which consider the value of the property and the defendant’s criminal history.
- Initial federal investigation by agency (FBI, IRS, OIG).
- Grand jury indictment issued in U.S. District Court.
- Arraignment and plea entered before a federal magistrate judge.
- Discovery phase and pretrial motions filed.
- Plea negotiations or trial preparation.
- Sentencing hearing if convicted, following U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
Penalties for Theft of Government Property
In federal court, theft of government property carries penalties based on the property’s value, with fines up to $250,000 and imprisonment up to 10 years.
| Offense Level | Property Value | Maximum Incarceration | Maximum Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Misdemeanor | $1,000 or less | 1 year | $100,000 | Restitution, probation |
| Felony | Over $1,000 | 10 years | $250,000 | Restitution, forfeiture, supervised release |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Federal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have a combined 120+ years of legal experience. We have a documented record of over 4,739 case results firm-wide with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. Our approach to federal cases like theft of government property involves a detailed review of the investigation, challenging the prosecution’s evidence of intent and value, and exploring all procedural options. We understand the high stakes in federal court.
Case Results and Strategy
While specific results for theft of government property in Salem County are not listed, our firm-wide experience in federal courts is substantial. We have successfully defended clients facing federal fraud, theft, and property charges. Every case is different, but our strategy often involves scrutinizing the chain of custody for the property, challenging the government’s valuation, and negotiating for a reduction in charges or sentence. For a government asset theft lawyer Salem County, early intervention during the investigation phase is often the most critical step.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Theft of Government Property Lawyer Near Salem County
Our New Jersey location serves clients in Salem County and surrounding areas like Pennsville, Carneys Point, and Woodstown. We are accessible via I-295, Route 45, and Route 49. If you need a federal property theft defense lawyer Salem County, we offer 24/7 phone consultations.
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) 758-5858
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered government property under federal law?
Yes. Government property includes any money, property, or record owned by the United States or any department or agency. This ranges from office supplies and equipment to funds, vehicles, and data. The key is that the U.S. government must have a possessory interest or ownership in the item.
Can I be charged if I didn’t know the property belonged to the government?
It depends. The statute requires that the conversion be “knowing.” A defense can argue a lack of criminal intent if you genuinely did not know the property was government-owned. However, prosecutors may argue that you should have known or were willfully blind. This is a fact-specific issue for your lawyer to develop.
What agencies investigate theft of government property?
Multiple agencies. The FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Department of Defense Inspector General, General Services Administration OIG, and the IRS Criminal Investigation division are common. The specific agency depends on which government department owned the property that was allegedly stolen.
Is restitution always required in these cases?
Yes. The Mandatory Victims Restitution Act requires the court to order full restitution to the government for the loss caused by the offense. This is separate from any fine imposed and is typically non-dischargeable in bankruptcy.
Why do I need a specific theft of government property lawyer Salem County?
Federal practice is highly focused. A lawyer familiar with the U.S. District Court for New Jersey, its judges, prosecutors, and local rules can handle the process more effectively. They understand how to challenge federal evidence and negotiate within the sentencing guideline framework specific to that court.
Related Pages: For other legal issues, see our New Jersey Criminal Defense hub, or learn about federal defense in Atlantic County. If you have a state-level theft charge, our Salem County criminal defense lawyer can help.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Salem County cases follow the same route as the rest of the state, and our page on theft of government property cases in New Jersey explains each stage.
For the full picture beyond Salem, our page on theft of government property in Virginia covers the process end to end.
Your case in Salem 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 Salem County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Salem Vicinage (1st Vicinage), 92 Market Street, Salem, NJ 08079, telephone (856) 878-5050, 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 Salem 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: Salem 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.