Embezzlement Lawyer Falls Church, VA
An embezzlement charge in Falls Church, Virginia, can threaten your freedom, your career, and your future. Whether the allegation involves an employer, a business partner, a family member, or a public entity, the consequences are serious and immediate. Under Virginia law, embezzlement is prosecuted as a theft offense—its severity depends on the value of the property involved. Cases are heard in the Falls Church General District Court or the Falls Church Circuit Court, and the Commonwealth’s Attorney for Falls Church handles the prosecution. If you or someone you care about is facing an embezzlement investigation, you need an experienced defense attorney who understands the local courts and the law. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represent clients in Falls Church and throughout Virginia. Reach our firm at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.
In Virginia, embezzlement is punished as larceny. When the value taken is $1,000 or more, the offense is grand larceny, a felony. When the value is less than $1,000, it is petit larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Source: Va. Code §§ 18.2-95, 18.2-96, 18.2-111. Virginia Code – Grand Larceny
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
What Embezzlement Means in Falls Church, Virginia
Embezzlement is the wrongful taking of money, property, or anything of value that someone else has entrusted to you. Under Va. Code § 18.2-111, the offense is treated as larceny. Unlike theft by direct taking, embezzlement involves a breach of trust—you had lawful possession, and you misused it. The law applies to employees, fiduciaries, guardians, and anyone who handles another person’s assets.
In Falls Church, the court that hears the case depends on the classification. Misdemeanor embezzlement (value under $1,000) is heard in the Falls Church General District Court, located at 300 Park Avenue, Suite 151W. Felony embezzlement (value of $1,000 or more) begins with a preliminary hearing in the General District Court and, if certified, proceeds to the Falls Church Circuit Court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office prosecutes these cases, and defendants have the right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any charge that carries potential jail time. First-offender programs and deferred dispositions may be available under certain circumstances, though the outcome depends on the specific facts of the case.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Embezzlement Cases
When Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. is engaged on an embezzlement matter, the first step is an immediate case assessment. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel examine the charges, the alleged evidence, and the method of valuation. They look for weaknesses in the prosecution’s case—whether it is a misunderstanding of accounting records, a lack of intent, a colorable claim of right, or a procedural irregularity during the investigation.
A defense strategy may involve challenging the evidence, negotiating with the prosecutor to reduce the charge, or taking the case to trial. In many instances, the true value of the property is at issue, which determines whether the offense is a misdemeanor or a felony. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to keep the matter in the General District Court if possible, avoiding a felony record. They also appear at bond hearings, preliminary hearings, and, if needed, jury trials. Throughout the process, they communicate with clients about the realistic options and the potential for dismissal, amendment, or diversion. No two cases are the same; the approach is always tailored to the facts.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who has practiced criminal defense since establishing the firm in 1997. He is admitted 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). His experience on the other side of the courtroom gives him insight into how prosecutors build cases—an advantage he brings to every defense matter.
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have handled criminal matters across Virginia, including in Falls Church City. Their approach is collaborative: each attorney draws on a distinct background—including former law enforcement and former prosecution experience—to identify weaknesses in the state’s evidence. The firm’s representation is anchored in thorough preparation and a thorough understanding of local court procedures. When you contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., you engage a team that has appeared in Falls Church courts and understands how to navigate embezzlement cases at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against embezzlement charges?
Defense strategies for embezzlement in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under Va. Code § 18.2-111. Common defenses include showing that no fiduciary relationship existed, that the accused lacked intent to permanently deprive the owner, that the property was taken under a good-faith claim of right, or that the value was overestimated. In Falls Church, procedural issues—such as a defective search or an improperly obtained statement—can also lead to suppression of evidence or dismissal. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel 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 attorney immediately and do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents—bank statements, emails, ledgers—and avoid any contact with potential witnesses or the alleged victim. The statute of limitations and court deadlines under Virginia law require prompt action. Early involvement of counsel can affect bond, the decision to file charges, and the preservation of evidence. To discuss your situation directly, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and felony embezzlement in Virginia?
The classification turns on the value of the property taken: under $1,000 is a Class 1 misdemeanor, and $1,000 or more is a felony. A Class 1 misdemeanor is punishable by up to twelve months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. A felony conviction—grand larceny—carries imprisonment of one to twenty years, or a jury may sentence the defendant to up to twelve months in jail and a fine. In Falls Church, a misdemeanor is tried in the General District Court, while a felony begins in General District Court and proceeds to Circuit Court. A felony record also affects employment, professional licenses, and civil rights.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Falls Church for an embezzlement charge?
Yes. Embezzlement charges carry possible jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record that can affect employment, housing, professional licenses, and immigration status. Even a misdemeanor in Falls Church General District Court has serious long-term consequences. The Commonwealth’s Attorney will present evidence through testimony and documentation. Without counsel, you risk making statements that can be used against you. An experienced attorney can assess the strength of the case, negotiate with the prosecutor, and—when appropriate—seek admission into diversion programs or a reduction to a non-theft offense. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Can embezzlement charges be dropped or reduced in Falls Church, Virginia?
Yes, charges can be dropped or reduced under certain circumstances, but it depends on the evidence, the value involved, and the prosecutor’s position. If the alleged loss is overstated or the state cannot prove intent, dismissal may be possible. In other situations, a negotiation may lead to an amendment to a less serious offense—such as a reduction from felony to misdemeanor—or to a disposition such as a deferred finding. The firm has documented case results in Falls Church City, including dismissals and reduced charges in criminal matters. Results may vary. To discuss your case, contact our firm at (888) 437-7747.
Virginia Primary Sources
For additional reference, consult these official sources:
Virginia Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses),
Falls Church General District Court, and
Falls Church Circuit Court.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Results may vary.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.