Embezzlement Lawyer Arlington County, VA

An embezzlement charge in Arlington County, Virginia, can disrupt your career, your finances, and your freedom. Embezzlement is treated as a form of larceny under Va. Code § 18.2-111, and the severity of the charge—misdemeanor or felony—turns on the value of the property or funds allegedly taken. Cases are heard in the Arlington County General District Court for misdemeanor-level offenses and, for felony charges, proceed through the Arlington County Circuit Court. A conviction means jail time, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record that can bar future employment and professional licenses. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., brings decades of multi‑state criminal defense experience to these high‑stakes matters. Together with his Of Counsel team, he works to protect clients’ rights from the first court appearance through resolution. For a consultation about an embezzlement matter in Arlington County, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

What Embezzlement Means in Arlington County, Virginia

Embezzlement involves the wrongful taking of money or property by someone entrusted with it—an employee, a bookkeeper, a fiduciary, or a volunteer. Virginia law does not create a stand‑alone embezzlement offense; instead, Va. Code § 18.2-111 treats embezzlement as larceny. The grading of the charge depends on the value of the assets involved.

In Arlington County, the Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes embezzlement cases with the same resources and trial preparation as any theft offense. The Arlington County General District Court, located at 1425 N. Courthouse Road, handles initial appearances, bond determinations, and misdemeanor trials, while felony cases move to the Arlington County Circuit Court for trial. Early investigation by law enforcement or a corporate employer can produce extensive documentation long before charges are filed. An experienced defense team can begin analyzing that evidence immediately to identify procedural weaknesses and factual inconsistencies.

Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have obtained favorable outcomes for Arlington County clients facing a range of criminal charges. Every matter is built on a careful review of the prosecution’s claims, including forensic accounting records, bank statements, and witness interviews. Because embezzlement often intersects with civil employment disputes and internal investigations, the defense strategy must account for parallel proceedings and potential restitution issues. The firm’s familiarity with the Arlington County courts, from the General District Court to the Circuit Court, helps ensure that clients receive clear, practical guidance at each stage.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Embezzlement Cases

The defense of an embezzlement charge begins long before trial. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team immediately work to preserve evidence, interview potential witnesses, and engage forensic accountants when the financial picture is complex. They scrutinize the prosecution’s theory of the case: Was there actually a fiduciary relationship? Did the accused have the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property? Can the alleged loss be explained by poor bookkeeping or a misunderstanding about authorization? Because the line between a civil employment dispute and a criminal charge is often thin, early legal intervention can shape the direction of the investigation and, in some cases, prevent charges from being filed.

Negotiation and motion practice are integral to the firm’s approach. Virginia’s criminal procedure allows plea agreements under Rule 3A:8 of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia, and in appropriate circumstances, the defense can explore amending a felony embezzlement charge to a misdemeanor or seeking a deferred disposition for first‑time offenders. If the case goes to trial, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel draw on extensive combined legal experience to challenge the admissibility of evidence, cross‑examine the Commonwealth’s witnesses, and present a coherent defense to the judge or jury. Throughout the process, the team communicates openly with clients about the risks and opportunities of every option. Results may vary.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has been practicing criminal defense since 1997. He is a former prosecutor with experience in criminal trial work, and he is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He keeps his personal caseload manageable to remain closely involved in each matter, applying decades of courtroom perspective to the defense of embezzlement and other serious charges.

Mr. Sris is supported by Of Counsel attorneys who bring additional, practical insight. The team includes former law enforcement professionals who understand how investigations are built—a valuable asset when challenging forensic evidence or the chain of custody in financial‑crime prosecutions. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel draw on extensive combined legal experience to represent clients in Arlington County and throughout Northern Virginia.

Last reviewed: July 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What is embezzlement under Virginia law?

Embezzlement is the fraudulent taking of money or property by a person entrusted with it, and Virginia punishes it under its larceny statutes. Va. Code § 18.2-111 makes it a crime for an employee, agent, or fiduciary to wrongfully use or conceal assets they received on behalf of another. The charge is classified as petit larceny (a Class 1 misdemeanor) when the value is under $1,000, and grand larceny (a felony) when the value is $1,000 or more. The prosecution must prove a relationship of trust, the taking of the property, and the intent to permanently deprive the owner. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.

How does a Virginia lawyer defend against embezzlement charges?

A defense to embezzlement in Virginia examines the elements of the offense: whether a fiduciary relationship existed, whether the accused intended to steal, and whether the value claimed by the prosecution is accurate. Defense strategies often involve challenging the government’s accounting, demonstrating that the conduct was authorized or mistaken rather than criminal, and negotiating with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to reduce or dismiss the charge. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under Va. Code § 18.2-111 to build the strong $1. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

What should I do if I am facing embezzlement charges in Virginia?

If you are facing embezzlement charges in Virginia, contact a criminal defense attorney immediately and refrain from discussing the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents, emails, and financial records, and do not speak to law enforcement or investigators without counsel present. Early engagement by an attorney can influence the direction of the investigation and help protect your rights before a formal indictment. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.

Can embezzlement charges be reduced or dismissed in Arlington County?

Embezzlement charges can be resolved through dismissal, reduction to a lesser offense, or a deferred disposition, depending on the facts, the defendant’s history, and the quality of the defense. In Arlington County, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have documented case results across all criminal practice areas, with all reported outcomes favorable to the client. The firm examines every stage of the proceeding, from the initial arrest to pretrial motions, to identify grounds for a favorable resolution. Results may vary. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Do I need a lawyer for an embezzlement charge in Arlington County?

Yes. An embezzlement charge—whether a misdemeanor or a felony—can lead to incarceration, heavy fines, and a permanent criminal record that damages employment prospects, professional licenses, and immigration status. The Arlington County Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases actively, and navigating the General District Court or Circuit Court without experienced counsel puts your future at risk. An attorney can challenge the prosecution’s evidence, negotiate with the prosecutor, and, if necessary, present a defense at trial. To discuss your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Explore criminal defense services in neighboring counties:

• Fairfax County criminal defense
• Prince William County criminal representation
• Loudoun County criminal lawyer
• Stafford County criminal defense
• Fauquier County criminal attorney

For the full text of the Virginia embezzlement statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-111. Information about the Arlington County General District Court and Circuit Court is available on the Virginia Judicial System website.

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