Embezzlement Lawyer King William County, VA
If you are facing embezzlement charges in King William County, Virginia, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can provide experienced defense representation. Our firm, founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, handles criminal matters throughout Virginia, including the King William County General District Court and King William County Circuit Court. Embezzlement — defined under Va. Code § 18.2-111 as the wrongful taking of property entrusted to someone — is punished as larceny, meaning the severity of the charge and potential penalties depend on the value involved. A conviction can lead to jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record that affects employment and professional licenses. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team understand how these cases are prosecuted locally and work to protect your rights at every stage. To speak with us about your situation, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
What Embezzlement Means in King William County, Virginia
Embezzlement in Virginia occurs when a person lawfully possesses property belonging to another — often in an employment, fiduciary, or trust relationship — and then wrongfully converts it to their own use. Under Va. Code § 18.2-111, the offense is treated as larceny. If the value of the misappropriated property is $1,000 or more, the charge is grand larceny, a felony punishable by imprisonment in a state correctional facility. If the value is less than $1,000, the charge is petit larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor that can carry up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. Because the value threshold determines the classification and the possible sentence, a thorough review of the financial records and the manner in which the value is calculated becomes crucial to the defense.
King William County criminal cases are heard in the King William County General District Court (misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings) and the King William County Circuit Court (felony jury trials and appeals). The King William County Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes embezzlement charges. At the General District Court, a preliminary hearing determines whether probable cause exists for a felony to be certified to the Circuit Court. For a misdemeanor, the General District Court can resolve the matter through trial or negotiation. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear regularly in these courts and are familiar with the local practices and expectations of the bench and prosecutors.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Embezzlement Cases
When you contact our firm, we begin by listening to your account of the facts and reviewing any documentation you can provide. Embezzlement cases often involve complex financial records, so we concentrate on identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence. That may include challenging the valuation of the property, demonstrating that the defendant lacked the intent to permanently deprive the owner, or showing that the property was taken under a claim of right. We also examine how the investigation was conducted, including whether law enforcement obtained the necessary warrants or followed proper procedures in obtaining statements.
Our team prepares each case as if it will go to trial, because thorough preparation often leads to better outcomes well before the trial date. In King William County, the court’s calendar and the complexity of the financial records influence how quickly a case progresses. We work to resolve matters efficiently while protecting your rights. If a resolution short of trial is appropriate, we negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney with the goal of achieving a charge reduction, a dismissal, or an outcome that avoids a felony conviction. Because Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor, our firm has valuable insight into how the other side builds its case. We use that insight to develop a strategy tailored to your circumstances.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced law since 1997 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. A former prosecutor, Mr. Sris draws on firsthand experience with criminal trial work to guide the firm’s defense practice. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and have achieved 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. The team includes a former Virginia State Trooper with 15 years of law enforcement service, which strengthens the firm’s ability to scrutinize the investigative and procedural elements of embezzlement cases. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel concentrate on building thorough defenses that address both the factual and legal challenges of each matter. We serve King William County from our Richmond location, at 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225, by appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is embezzlement under Virginia law?
Embezzlement is the wrongful taking of money or property that has been lawfully entrusted to a person. In Virginia, Va. Code § 18.2-111 makes it a crime. The offense is punished as larceny, meaning if the value is $1,000 or more, it is grand larceny, a felony; if less, it is petit larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor. The prosecution must prove the defendant intended to permanently deprive the owner.
What are the possible penalties for embezzlement in King William County?
Penalties depend on whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony. A Class 1 misdemeanor petit larceny conviction carries up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. A felony grand larceny conviction can result in imprisonment in a state correctional facility, with a potential sentence of up to 20 years. The King William County General District Court handles misdemeanors, while felonies proceed to the King William County Circuit Court. The court also considers restitution to the victim.
How does a lawyer defend against embezzlement charges?
Defense strategies may challenge the intent element, the valuation of the property, or the chain of custody of financial records. An experienced attorney can also negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to reduce the charge to a lesser offense or to seek a deferred disposition where available. Because embezzlement cases often involve workplace investigations, a defense lawyer will examine whether the defendant’s statements were obtained properly and whether all relevant documents were disclosed. The details of each case guide the approach.
Do I need a lawyer for an embezzlement charge in King William County?
Yes. An embezzlement conviction, even for a misdemeanor, creates a permanent criminal record that can affect employment, housing, and professional licenses. A felony conviction has even more serious consequences. Early legal involvement may preserve evidence and identify defenses before the prosecution builds its case. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel help clients understand the process and make informed decisions at every stage. To discuss your situation, call (888) 437-7747.
Can embezzlement charges be expunged in Virginia?
Virginia allows expungement of criminal charges that resulted in an acquittal, a nolle prosequi (dismissal), or a dismissal. This is governed by . Most convictions cannot be expunged. If a charge is amended to a non-criminal infraction or dismissed, a petition for expungement may be filed in the King William County Circuit Court. The process requires showing that the continued existence of the record causes a manifest injustice. Our firm can evaluate your eligibility.
How do I find an embezzlement defense lawyer near King William County?
Look for a law firm with experience appearing in the King William County General District Court and Circuit Court, a familiarity with Virginia larceny and theft statutes, and a track record of handling financial crime cases. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients in these courts and concentrates on criminal defense. To schedule a consultation, reach our location at (888) 437-7747.
For additional information about our criminal defense practice across Virginia, see our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer page.
Outbound primary-source authority: Virginia Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) · King William County General District Court
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