Theft of Government Property Lawyer in Warren County, NY — Federal Defense
Theft of government property is a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 641, prosecuted in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York. A conviction can mean years in federal prison, fines, and a permanent felony record. As a theft of government property lawyer Warren County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Federal Statute for Theft of Government Property
The federal law governing theft of government property is 18 U.S.C. § 641. This statute makes it a crime to knowingly embezzle, steal, purloin, or knowingly convert to one’s own use any record, voucher, money, or thing of value of the United States or any department or agency thereof. The law also covers receiving, concealing, or retaining such property with intent to convert it. The statute applies broadly to any property owned by the federal government, from office supplies and equipment to funds, data, and military assets.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York | New York State Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the federal statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 641 (Cornell Legal Information Institute). For information on the federal court handling these cases in this region, visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York.
Federal Investigation & Court Process in Warren County
Cases involving theft of government property in Warren County typically begin with an investigation by a federal agency such as the FBI, Department of Defense Inspector General, GSA OIG, or other Office of Inspector General. The case is then presented to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York for prosecution. The procedural path is distinct from state court.
- Federal Investigation: A federal agency investigates the alleged theft, often involving interviews, subpoenas for records, and search warrants.
- Grand Jury Indictment: The U.S. Attorney presents evidence to a federal grand jury, which issues an indictment if probable cause is found.
- Arraignment & Initial Appearance: The defendant appears in U.S. District Court, is informed of the charges, and enters a plea.
- Discovery & Pretrial Motions: The defense reviews evidence (discovery) and may file motions to challenge the prosecution’s case.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Most federal cases are resolved by plea agreement. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows federal guidelines, which consider the value of the property stolen and the defendant’s criminal history.
Potential Penalties for Theft of Government Property
In federal court, theft of government property under 18 U.S.C. § 641 carries penalties based on the property’s value, with more severe consequences for thefts exceeding $1,000.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft of property valued ≤ $1,000 | Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year | Up to $100,000 | Restitution, probation, loss of federal employment/benefits |
| Theft of property valued > $1,000 | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | Restitution, felony record, loss of voting rights, difficulty finding employment |
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 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to complex federal cases. We understand the high stakes of federal charges and the meticulous approach required for a government asset theft lawyer Warren County. Our managing attorney, Mr. Sris, personally leads on complex federal criminal defense matters, accepting only a limited number of cases to ensure deep, strategic involvement.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
While specific federal case results are confidential, our firm-wide record across all practice areas includes over 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. In federal court, a favorable outcome may involve charges being dismissed, reduced, or securing a sentence below the federal guidelines. Our approach as a federal property theft defense lawyer Warren County focuses on challenging the prosecution’s evidence, negotiating with federal prosecutors, and protecting our clients’ rights at every stage.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our Theft of Government Property Lawyer Warren County
Our New York location serves clients in Warren County, including Lake George, Glens Falls, Queensbury, and Bolton Landing. We are accessible to clients throughout the North Country region.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Buffalo, NY
50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142
Buffalo, NY 14202
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (838)-292-0003
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
FAQs: Theft of Government Property Charges
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 ranges from office supplies, computers, and tools to funds, data, military equipment, and even intellectual property. The key is that the 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?
No, generally not. The statute requires that the defendant acted “knowingly.” The prosecution must prove you knew the property belonged to the U.S. government. However, willful blindness—deliberately avoiding knowledge—may not be a defense. A government asset theft lawyer Warren County can challenge the evidence of your knowledge.
What’s the difference between state theft and federal theft of government property?
The main difference is jurisdiction and penalties. State theft charges are handled in local courts like Warren County Criminal Court. Federal charges apply specifically to U.S. government property and are prosecuted in U.S. District Court under 18 U.S.C. § 641. Federal penalties are often more severe, and there is no parole in the federal system.
What should I do if I’m contacted by a federal agent about an investigation?
Politely decline to answer questions and immediately contact a theft of government property lawyer Warren County. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Anything you say can be used against you. An attorney can communicate with investigators on your behalf to protect your rights from the very start.
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 repay the government the full value of what was taken. Restitution is mandatory under the Mandatory Victims Restitution Act and is also to any fines or prison sentence imposed.
Internal Resources
For more information, visit our New York Federal Criminal Defense hub page. We also assist with related matters in Warren County, such as business law and civil litigation. Learn more about our managing attorney, Mr. Sris.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Federal laws and procedures can change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding theft of government property charges in Warren County.