Embezzlement in Clarke County is a felony under Va. Code § 18.2-111, carrying up to 20 years in prison for amounts exceeding $1,000; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 29 documented results in Clarke County, with a 72% favorable outcome rate across all practice areas.
Embezzlement Lawyer in Clarke County, Virginia
Embezzlement under Virginia law, codified at Va. Code § 18.2-111, occurs when a person wrongfully appropriates or converts to their own use property entrusted to them by another. This includes funds, goods, or other assets held in a fiduciary capacity, such as by an employee, agent, or corporate officer. In Clarke County, embezzlement charges are prosecuted at the Clarke County General District Court for misdemeanor-level offenses or at the Clarke County Circuit Court for felony-level offenses when the value exceeds $1,000. Penalties range from Class 1 misdemeanor penalties (up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine) for amounts under $1,000, to felony convictions carrying 1–20 years in prison for amounts over $1,000. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., ‘Advocacy Without Borders,’ brings 120+ years combined legal experience to defend clients facing these serious allegations.
Last verified: April 2026 | Clarke County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly — official site
For the full text of the embezzlement statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-111 (Virginia General Assembly — official site). For Clarke County court procedures, visit Clarke County General District Court (Virginia Courts — official site).
In Clarke County General District Court, prosecutors routinely seek enhanced penalties for embezzlement cases involving public funds or vulnerable victims. We have observed that the Commonwealth’s Attorney for Clarke County often files felony charges even when the value is close to the $1,000 threshold, requiring aggressive early intervention.
- Do not speak to investigators without your attorney present.
- Preserve all financial records and communications related to the alleged misappropriation.
- Contact an Embezzlement Lawyer in Clarke County immediately to assert your rights.
- Attend all scheduled court appearances at Clarke County General District Court.
- Evaluate eligibility for first offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2.
- Work with your attorney to negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for charge reduction or dismissal.
In Clarke County, embezzlement carries penalties ranging from a Class 1 misdemeanor for amounts under $1,000 to a felony with up to 20 years in prison for amounts over $1,000.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Embezzlement under $1,000 | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record; potential employment and housing impacts |
| Embezzlement over $1,000 | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1–20 years | Up to $2,500 or more | None | Loss of professional licenses; immigration consequences; restitution required |
Results may vary.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 29 documented results in Clarke County: 3 dismissed or not guilty, 18 reduced or amended, 8 deferred — a favorable outcome in all reported instances. Practice area breakdown: 29 Traffic/Reckless Driving. Most common outcomes: 60 LoL suspended (4); 60 Day LoL suspended (4); Amended to Improper Driving (4). Results may vary.
Our location in Ashburn is approximately 20 miles from Clarke County General District Court, with access via Route 7 and Route 340. If you need an embezzlement lawyer near Clarke County, we serve the communities of Berryville and Boyce. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Ashburn/Loudoun
20130 Lakeview Center Plaza, Room 403, Ashburn, VA 20147
Phone: (571) 279-0110 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 571-279-0110
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Embezzlement Charges in Clarke County
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Clarke County, Virginia?
Yes. A Class 1 misdemeanor in Clarke County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor: up to 6 months/$1,000. Common charges include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57), petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96), and driving on suspended (§ 46.2-301). Cases heard at Clarke County General District Court (104 North Church Street, Berryville, VA 22611).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Clarke County, Virginia?
Yes. Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. Most convictions cannot be expunged. The petition is filed in Clarke County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Clarke County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Clarke County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Clarke County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Clarke County, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges carry possible jail time, fines, and a permanent record that affects employment, housing, professional licenses, and immigration status. Even a misdemeanor at Clarke County General District Court has serious long-term consequences. Under § 19.2-295.1, penalties can include Class 1 misdemeanor: up to 12 months jail, up to $2,500 fine.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Clarke County?
Clarke County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Clarke County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying jail time.
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 to build the strongest possible defense.
What should I do if I am facing embezzlement charges in Virginia?
If facing embezzlement charges in Virginia, contact a criminal attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents and evidence. The statute of limitations and court deadlines under Virginia law require prompt action.
For more information about criminal defense in Virginia, visit our Petit Larceny Defense Lawyer Virginia hub page. Explore related services: Petit Larceny Lawyer Stafford County, Petit Larceny Lawyer New Kent County, and Petit Larceny Lawyer Albemarle County. Also see our Business Dissolution Lawyer Clarke County and Family Law Lawyer Clarke County pages.
Last verified: April 2026 | Clarke County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly