Theft of Government Property Lawyer in Fairfax County, VA
Theft of government property is a serious federal offense under 18 U.S.C. § 641, prosecuted in the Eastern District of Virginia. If you are under investigation or charged, securing a theft of government property lawyer Fairfax County is critical. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for federal property theft cases. Our Fairfax County location is accessible for consultations by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Federal Statute on Theft of Government Property
The primary federal statute is 18 U.S.C. § 641. It makes it a crime to embezzle, steal, purloin, or knowingly convert to one’s use or the use of another, any record, voucher, money, or thing of value of the United States or any department or agency thereof. The statute covers a wide range of property, from physical items like equipment to intangible assets like data or funds. Prosecution typically occurs in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, which has jurisdiction over Fairfax County. A conviction can result in fines and imprisonment for up to ten years, or if the value of the property exceeds $1,000.
- Initial Investigation: You may be contacted by federal agents (FBI, IG, etc.) or receive a target letter.
- Federal Indictment: A grand jury reviews evidence and may issue an indictment.
- Arraignment: You appear in U.S. District Court, are formally charged, 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 federal jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows federal guidelines, which are often severe.
External Legal Resources
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 Eastern District of Virginia website.
Potential Penalties for Theft of Government Property
In Fairfax County, theft of government property under 18 U.S.C. § 641 is a federal felony carrying up to 10 years in prison and significant fines, with penalties increasing based on the property’s value.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft of Gov’t Property (Value ≤ $1,000) | Federal Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year | Up to $100,000 | Restitution, felony record |
| Theft of Gov’t Property (Value > $1,000) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | Restitution, felony record, loss of federal benefits |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Firm’s Experience in Federal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm handles complex federal cases, including those involving allegations of theft of government property. We understand the distinct procedures of federal court and the strategies needed to defend against charges brought by U.S. Attorneys.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
Our approach focuses on a detailed review of the evidence to challenge the government’s case. We examine whether the property was truly “government property,” its valuation, and the required criminal intent. For example, in past property-related cases in Fairfax courts, we have secured outcomes such as reduced charges and alternative resolutions.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Secondary attorney Matthew Greene, with over 30 years of experience including former death penalty certification, contributes significant trial experience to complex federal defense strategies.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
Phones 24/7/365; Office by appointment Mon-Fri 9AM-6PM; emergency evenings/weekends
By appointment only.
Our Fairfax location serves clients throughout Fairfax County and Northern Virginia. We are accessible for those needing a theft of government property lawyer Fairfax County. 24/7 phone consultations are available at (888) 437-7747; all in-person meetings are by appointment only.
FAQs: Theft of Government Property Charges
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 any agency. This ranges from office supplies and computers to data, funds, and military equipment. The key is that the government must have ownership or control. A federal property theft defense lawyer Fairfax County can analyze if the item in question meets this legal definition.
Can I be charged if I didn’t know the property belonged to the government?
Possibly. The statute requires that you acted “knowingly.” However, prosecutors may argue you should have known based on the circumstances. Lack of knowledge is a common defense, and an experienced government asset theft lawyer Fairfax County can investigate to support this claim, which can be crucial for your defense strategy.
What is the difference between state and federal theft charges?
Federal charges, like theft of government property, are prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys in federal district court under U.S. Code. Penalties are often more severe, and parole is not available. State theft charges are prosecuted by Commonwealth’s Attorneys in local courts under Virginia Code. The procedures, sentencing guidelines, and defense strategies differ significantly.
What should I do if a federal agent wants to question me?
Politely decline to answer questions and state you wish to speak with an attorney. Do not answer any questions without your lawyer present. Contact a theft of government property lawyer Fairfax County immediately. Anything you say can be used against you, and early legal advice is vital to protect your rights during an investigation.
Are there any defenses to theft of government property?
Yes. Common defenses include lack of intent to steal (you believed you had permission), mistaken identity, insufficient evidence of ownership or value, and entrapment. A skilled attorney will scrutinize the government’s evidence on each element of the crime to identify the strongest defense for your specific situation.
For more information, see our Virginia Federal Criminal Defense hub page. We also assist with related matters like business law in Fairfax County.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-20. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
If your case reaches beyond Fairfax County, our page on theft of government property charges across Virginia sets out what to look for at each stage.