Theft of Government Property Lawyer Hudson County — What Are Your Defense Options?

Theft of government property in Hudson County is a serious federal offense under 18 U.S.C. § 641, carrying penalties of up to 10 years in prison and substantial fines. A conviction can permanently damage your reputation and career. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for individuals accused of this crime, drawing on extensive federal court experience.

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Understanding Federal Theft of Government Property Charges

The federal statute governing theft of government property is 18 U.S.C. § 641. This law makes it a crime to knowingly embezzle, steal, purloin, or knowingly convert to one’s own use or the use of another, any record, voucher, money, or thing of value of the United States or of any department or agency thereof. The property’s value is a key factor in determining the severity of the charge and potential penalties.

Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey | New Jersey Legislature

Founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor, our firm has built a practice focused on assertive defense strategies in federal matters like theft of government property.

Official Legal Resources

For the official text of the federal statute, you can review 18 U.S.C. § 641 (Cornell Legal Information Institute). For local federal court procedures and rules in Hudson County, refer to the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey website.

handling a Federal Theft Case in Hudson County

Federal investigations for theft of government property often begin with agents from agencies like the Office of Inspector General (OIG) or the FBI. In Hudson County, these cases are prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, which has a Newark location that handles matters from the county. The procedural path is distinct from state court, involving grand jury indictments, strict discovery rules under the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, and sentencing guided by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.

Initial Investigation & Contact: You may be contacted by federal agents for an interview. It is imperative to exercise your right to remain silent and request an attorney immediately before answering any questions.
Grand Jury Proceedings: The prosecution will present evidence to a federal grand jury. If indicted, you will be formally charged and arraigned in federal district court.
Discovery & Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney will review all evidence (discovery) and may file motions to challenge the admissibility of evidence or seek dismissal of charges.
Plea Negotiations or Trial: The vast majority of federal cases are resolved by plea agreement. Your attorney will negotiate for a favorable outcome. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a jury trial.
Sentencing: If convicted, either by plea or trial, sentencing is determined by a judge using the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which consider the value of the property and other factors.

Potential Penalties for Theft of Government Property

In Hudson County federal court, theft of government property under 18 U.S.C. § 641 can result in severe penalties including lengthy imprisonment, heavy fines, and mandatory restitution.

Offense Level	Classification	Incarceration	Fine	Additional Consequences
Theft of property valued over $1,000	Felony	Up to 10 years	Up to $250,000 (individual)	Restitution, forfeiture, loss of federal benefits, permanent criminal record.
Theft of property valued $1,000 or less	Misdemeanor	Up to 1 year	Up to $100,000 (individual)	Restitution, permanent criminal record.

Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Our Approach to Federal Property Theft Defense

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our approach to defending theft of government property charges involves a meticulous review of the government’s evidence to challenge the intent element (“knowingly”), the valuation of the property, and the chain of custody. We explore all procedural avenues, including filing motions to suppress evidence obtained improperly. Our goal is to achieve the most favorable resolution, whether that is a case dismissal, reduction of charges, or a negotiated plea to minimize penalties.

Mr. Sris
Managing Attorney
Bar Admissions: Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, New York.
A former prosecutor and firm founder, Mr. Sris brings a strategic understanding of both sides of the courtroom to federal criminal defense matters, including property crimes.

Case Results and Client Advocacy

Our firm has a documented history of advocating for clients in federal and state courts. While every case is unique, our attorneys work diligently to protect our clients’ futures. We have successfully negotiated for reduced charges and alternative resolutions in property crime cases.

Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Contact Our Hudson County Federal Defense Lawyers

If you are facing allegations of theft of government property, time is of the essence. Our firm provides 24/7 phone consultations for urgent matters.

Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (838)-292-0003
Meetings are by appointment only.

We serve clients throughout Hudson County, including near the federal courthouse in Newark and communities like Jersey City, Hoboken, Bayonne, and Secaucus.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered “government property” under federal law?

It depends. Government property includes any money, asset, record, or thing of value owned by the U.S. government or any of its agencies. This can range from office supplies and equipment to funds, data, and military assets. The key is that the government must have a possessory interest or ownership in the property.

Can I be charged if I didn’t know the property belonged to the government?

No, knowledge is a required element. The statute requires that the theft or conversion be done “knowingly.” A strong defense often focuses on challenging the prosecution’s ability to prove you were aware the property was government-owned or that you intended to deprive the government of it.

What should I do if federal agents want to question me?

Politely decline to answer questions and immediately request to speak with a federal property theft defense lawyer in Hudson County. You have a constitutional right to remain silent and to have an attorney present. Speaking to agents without counsel can severely harm your case.

Is restitution always required in these cases?

Yes, in nearly all convictions for theft of government property, the court will order restitution. This is a separate financial order requiring you to pay back the full value of the property taken, regardless of any fine or prison sentence imposed.

Why do I need a lawyer familiar with federal court?

Federal criminal procedure is vastly different from state court. A government asset theft lawyer in Hudson County with federal experience understands the rules of evidence, sentencing guidelines, and negotiation tactics specific to U.S. Attorneys’ offices, which is important for building an effective defense.

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Last verified: April 2026. Information is current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.