Embezzlement Lawyer Manassas, VA

An embezzlement charge in Manassas, Virginia, demands serious attention. Under Va. Code § 18.2-111, embezzlement is treated as larceny—the wrongful taking of property entrusted to you. Whether the case proceeds in the Manassas General District Court or the Manassas Circuit Court depends on the value of the property involved. A conviction can lead to incarceration, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record that affects employment, housing, and licensure. Embezzlement differs from typical theft because it involves a breach of trust; an employee, fiduciary, or agent is accused of misusing funds or property. The state must prove fraudulent intent, not merely poor record-keeping. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Manassas prosecutes these matters. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team bring extensive legal experience to embezzlement defense. Founded in 1997 and practicing in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, the firm works to protect clients’ rights at every stage. Our Fairfax Location serves individuals facing embezzlement allegations in Manassas and throughout the Thirty-first Judicial District. To discuss your situation, call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

What Embezzlement Means in Manassas

Embezzlement in Virginia, governed by Va. Code § 18.2-111, occurs when a person wrongfully and fraudulently uses, disposes of, conceals, or appropriates money or property that they received for another or for their employer. The offense is punished as larceny, meaning the severity of the charge hinges on the value of the property. If the amount is less than $1,000, the matter is handled as petit larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor in the Manassas General District Court. A conviction can result in up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. If the value is $1,000 or more, the case becomes grand larceny—a felony heard in the Manassas Circuit Court, where the penalty range extends to up to 20 years in prison. In addition to criminal penalties, a felony conviction carries collateral consequences such as loss of voting rights and firearm possession rights.

Cases begin in the Manassas General District Court at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110. For misdemeanors, the trial is conducted there. For felony charges, the court holds a preliminary hearing to determine whether probable cause exists; if it does, the case moves to the Manassas Circuit Court. The firm’s Fairfax Location regularly appears in both courts and is familiar with the local procedures and the prosecutors who handle financial-crime dockets.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Embezzlement Cases

Embezzlement prosecutions are built on paper trails, financial documents, and testimony about intent. The defense begins with a thorough review of the evidence—bank statements, ledgers, emails, and witness accounts. Often, the critical issue is whether the accused had authorization to use or transfer the property, or whether the alleged misuse was the result of negligence rather than criminal intent. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, understands how the Commonwealth’s Attorney builds a case and identifies weaknesses in the prosecution’s chain of proof. The Of Counsel team, which includes a former Virginia State Trooper and a former Maryland prosecutor, brings a combined investigative and trial perspective that enables the firm to challenge the state’s narrative effectively.

In many embezzlement cases, negotiation with the prosecutor is a key strategy. Virginia law permits plea agreements under Rule 3A:8 of the Rules of Supreme Court of Virginia, allowing the Commonwealth’s Attorney to agree to amend charges or recommend a reduced sentence. The firm works to pursue favorable outcomes, whether through dismissal, reduced charges, or trial. Every case is unique, and the specific defense strategy depends on the facts. Because financial cases can be document-intensive, early involvement of legal counsel is important to preserve evidence and protect rights.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. A former prosecutor, he founded the firm in 1997 and is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He has 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 extensive legal experience to criminal defense. The Of Counsel team includes a former Virginia State Trooper and a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney, among others. Together, they apply their backgrounds in law enforcement and prosecution to construct thorough defenses for clients facing embezzlement charges. The firm’s Fairfax Location represents clients in Manassas and throughout Northern Virginia.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is embezzlement under Virginia law?

Embezzlement in Virginia is defined by Va. Code § 18.2-111 as the fraudulent conversion of property entrusted to a person, such as an employee or fiduciary. Unlike simple theft, embezzlement involves the misuse of property that was lawfully in the defendant’s possession. The prosecution must prove the defendant acted with fraudulent intent, not merely by mistake or poor record-keeping. The offense is punished as larceny, with classification determined by the value of the property. Financial records, employment agreements, and accounting practices are often central to the case. For guidance on your specific situation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

What are the penalties for embezzlement in Manassas?

Under Virginia law, embezzlement is punished as larceny, which means the penalty depends on the value of the property taken. If the value is less than $1,000, the offense is petit larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. If the value is $1,000 or more, it is grand larceny, a felony that carries a sentence of one to 20 years in prison. A felony conviction also results in loss of certain civil rights. Collateral consequences may include difficulty securing employment or professional licenses.

How does a lawyer defend against an embezzlement charge?

Defense strategies for embezzlement often challenge the element of fraudulent intent and the prosecution’s interpretation of financial records. An experienced attorney examines the accused’s authority to handle funds, whether the transfers were authorized or the result of a misunderstanding, and whether any missing property was due to accounting errors rather than theft. The defense may also involve negotiating with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a reduced charge, such as from felony to misdemeanor, or seeking deferred disposition where eligible. Each case is different, so early consultation is critical. Call (888) 437-7747 to discuss your options.

What should I do if I am charged with embezzlement in Manassas?

If you are facing embezzlement charges, remain silent and do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Do not attempt to explain the situation to law enforcement or your employer without legal counsel present. Preserve all documents, emails, and records that relate to the allegations. Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. offers consultations by appointment; reach the firm at (888) 437-7747 to schedule one. Prompt legal representation can help protect your rights and develop a strategy before the court process advances.

How does the court process work for embezzlement in Manassas?

Misdemeanor embezzlement cases are adjudicated in the Manassas General District Court, while felony embezzlement cases involve an initial appearance in that court followed by a preliminary hearing and, if probable cause is found, transfer to the Manassas Circuit Court. The General District Court handles misdemeanor trials directly; defendants have the right to a jury trial in the Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Manassas prosecutes these cases. The firm’s Fairfax Location represents clients at both courts and is familiar with local procedures. Call (888) 437-7747 for more information.

Do I need a lawyer for an embezzlement charge?

Yes. Embezzlement charges carry the potential for incarceration, significant fines, and a permanent criminal record that can affect employment, professional licenses, and immigration status. Even a misdemeanor conviction has long-term consequences. An experienced lawyer can evaluate the strength of the evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and, if necessary, present a defense at trial. Without legal representation, you risk waiving important rights and accepting unfavorable outcomes. For a consultation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Our firm also handles criminal defense in nearby communities: Fairfax County criminal defense, Fairfax City criminal lawyer, Falls Church criminal defense, Prince William County criminal attorney, and Manassas Park criminal lawyer.

For additional information, consult official Virginia resources: Virginia Code Title 18.2 — Crimes and Offenses Generally and Manassas Circuit Court.

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