Embezzlement Lawyer Virginia, VA
An embezzlement charge in Virginia can lead to serious consequences, including a felony conviction, imprisonment, and a permanent criminal record. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Concentrates its practice on defending clients against property-crime allegations across the Commonwealth. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of the firm, and his Of Counsel team bring over 120 years of combined legal experience, with over 4,739 documented firm-wide results, to embezzlement investigations, grand jury proceedings, and trial defense. Results may vary. Virginia prosecutors treat embezzlement as a form of larceny under Va. Code § 18.2-111, with the severity of the charge depending on the value of the property involved. If the amount at issue is $1,000 or more, the offense is generally charged as a felony; below that threshold it is typically a misdemeanor. Early involvement of defense counsel can help protect your rights, preserve evidence, and pursue a favorable resolution before formal charges are filed. For a consultation about your situation, contact the firm at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
What Embezzlement Means in Virginia
Under Virginia law, embezzlement is treated as a larceny offense. The applicable statute, Va. Code § 18.2-111, addresses the wrongful and fraudulent use or disposal of money, property, or other assets that a person has received on behalf of another—such as an employer, principal, or bailee. The law does not distinguish between embezzlement by an employee, fiduciary, or agent; the charge is the same. What distinguishes embezzlement from simple theft is that the accused originally possessed the property lawfully, and the wrongful conduct involves converting it to personal use rather than initially taking it without permission.
In Virginia, the classification of an embezzlement offense follows the general larceny framework set out in Va. Code §§ 18.2-95 and 18.2-96. If the value of the converted property is $1,000 or more, the charge is grand larceny—a felony punishable by one to twenty years of imprisonment or, in the discretion of the jury or the court without a jury, up to twelve months in jail. If the value is less than $1,000, the offense is petit larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor carrying a maximum penalty of twelve months in jail and a fine. These penalties are heightened when the accused has prior convictions or when aggravating factors are present. Both felony and misdemeanor embezzlement cases are heard in Virginia’s General District Courts at the preliminary stages; felony cases proceed to the Circuit Court for trial or disposition.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Embezzlement Cases
When someone contacts Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. about an embezzlement matter, the first priority is to assess the facts, understand the alleged conduct, and identify any potential defenses or mitigating circumstances. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team review the relevant documents—financial records, employment agreements, bank statements, audit reports—to determine whether the prosecution can meet its burden of proof. In many cases, forensic analysis can show that a financial shortfall resulted from poor bookkeeping, accounting errors, or unauthorized access by a third party rather than from criminal intent. Early investigation can also uncover violations of discovery rules or Miranda rights that may lead to suppression of evidence.
The legal team emphasizes proactive communication with the prosecutor when it serves the client’s interest. In Virginia, plea negotiations are authorized under Rule 3A:8 of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia, and the Commonwealth’s Attorney may agree to reduce an embezzlement charge to a lesser offense—such as petit larceny or, in some instances, a non-criminal disposition through a deferred-finding or first-offender program where applicable. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel also prepare for trial from the outset, developing a defense strategy that challenges the element of fraudulent intent and the prosecution’s valuation of the property at issue. They work to achieve favorable outcomes for each client, whether through negotiation, contested motions, or jury trial.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has been practicing since 1997 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. A former prosecutor, he brings a firsthand understanding of how the Commonwealth builds its case and where the factual and procedural weaknesses may lie. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He and his Of Counsel team have developed extensive experience defending embezzlement and other financial-crime matters across Virginia.
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and have achieved over 4,739 documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Each Of Counsel attorney is engaged through Excella and works closely with Mr. Sris on case strategy, motion practice, and trial preparation. The firm’s Virginia practice serves clients from its Fairfax, Richmond, Shenandoah/Woodstock, Ashburn, and Arlington locations. For a confidential consultation, contact the firm at (888) 437-7747.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is embezzlement under Virginia law?
Embezzlement in Virginia is the wrongful and fraudulent conversion of money or property that a person has received on behalf of another, such as an employer or client. It is charged as larceny under Va. Code § 18.2-111, and the offense level—felony or misdemeanor—depends on the value of the property. If the value is $1,000 or more, it is grand larceny, a felony; otherwise it is petit larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor. The Commonwealth must prove that the defendant originally held the property lawfully and then intentionally converted it to personal use without consent. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What should I do if I am facing embezzlement charges in Virginia?
The first step is to retain experienced criminal defense counsel immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your attorney, and preserve all relevant documents, emails, and financial records. Statements made to law enforcement or employers can be used against you. The prosecution’s case often depends on financial records that are complex and open to interpretation. A defense team can review those records, assess the strength of the evidence, and begin working toward a favorable outcome. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How is embezzlement different from theft in Virginia?
The practical difference lies in how the property is acquired. Embezzlement involves property that was legally entrusted to the defendant—for example, by an employer—and later converted. Theft, by contrast, generally involves taking property without the owner’s initial consent. However, under Virginia law both offenses are prosecuted under the larceny statutes, and the penalties are identical: the charge level depends on the value of the property, with the $1,000 threshold distinguishing felony grand larceny from misdemeanor petit larceny. A conviction for either offense carries the same long-term collateral consequences, including a criminal record and potential difficulty with employment and professional licensing. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
Can embezzlement charges be reduced in Virginia?
Yes, depending on the circumstances and the negotiating strategy employed by defense counsel. Under Virginia’s plea-bargaining framework, the Commonwealth’s Attorney may agree to reduce a felony embezzlement charge to a misdemeanor, such as petit larceny, or to a non-larceny offense with lesser penalties. In some cases, a deferred-finding or first-offender disposition under an applicable statute may avoid a conviction record. The likelihood of a reduction depends on factors such as the amount at issue, the defendant’s prior record, and whether restitution has been made. For guidance on your options, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Related pages:
Virginia criminal defense practice · Fraud defense in Virginia · Theft and larceny charges in Virginia · White collar crime defense
Outbound primary-source authority: Virginia Code Title 18.2 – Crimes and Offenses Generally · Virginia’s Judicial System · SCC business entity filings
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary.
An embezzlement VA case is one part of fraud & financial crimes work, and our page on bank fraud lawyer Virginia covers the wider process.