Embezzlement Lawyer Virginia Beach, VA

An embezzlement charge in Virginia Beach, Virginia can disrupt your career, your reputation, and your freedom. Under Va. Code § 18.2-111, embezzlement occurs when a person wrongfully and fraudulently uses or converts to their own use money or property that has been entrusted to them by another. The offense is punished as larceny—if the value involved is $1,000 or more, the charge is a felony; below that amount, it is a misdemeanor. Cases are heard at the Virginia Beach General District Court (2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B) for misdemeanors and preliminary felony hearings, and at the Virginia Beach Circuit Court for felony trials and appeals. A conviction can carry a prison sentence, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys represent individuals accused of embezzlement in these courts, working to build a defense that challenges the prosecution’s evidence and protects the client’s rights. To discuss your situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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What Embezzlement Means in Virginia Beach

The Virginia Beach Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes embezzlement cases under Va. Code § 18.2-111. Whether the offense is treated as a misdemeanor or a felony depends on the value of the property allegedly taken. A grand larceny threshold of $1,000, established by Va. Code § 18.2-95, determines the level of offense. A felony embezzlement conviction can result in a prison term of one to twenty years—or, at the judge’s discretion after a jury trial, a jail sentence of up to twelve months—while a misdemeanor conviction carries a maximum of twelve months in jail and a fine of $2,500. The court system in Virginia Beach is busy, and a person charged with embezzlement may face a complicated pretrial process that includes bail, arraignment, discovery, and motions. Bond may be set by a magistrate or, later, by the General District Court; the amount depends on the circumstances of the case and the individual’s ties to the community. Having an attorney who understands the procedural realities of the Virginia Beach courts can make a meaningful difference in navigating this process.

The firm’s Richmond Location serves clients facing embezzlement charges in Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys are familiar with the way embezzlement cases are handled by the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office and with the practices of the judges who sit in the General District and Circuit Courts of the Fourth Judicial District. That local knowledge helps in evaluating the strength of the evidence, negotiating with the prosecutor, and preparing a defense that addresses the specific expectations of the court.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Embezzlement Cases

When someone is accused of embezzlement, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the person intentionally misappropriated property that had been entrusted to them. A defense often begins with a careful examination of the financial records, the chain of custody of documents, and the relationship between the accused and the alleged victim. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys review every piece of evidence the government intends to use and look for gaps in the prosecution’s case—whether that means challenging the accuracy of accounting records, the sufficiency of the evidence of intent, or the credibility of witnesses on whom the Commonwealth relies.

In many embezzlement matters, early intervention can lead to a resolution without a trial. The firm’s attorneys may negotiate with the prosecutor to seek dismissal of the charge, reduction to a lesser offense, or a deferred disposition under Virginia’s first‑offender provisions. If the charge cannot be resolved by agreement, the case moves to trial. The defense prepares witnesses, cross‑examines the government’s financial attorneys, and presents a theory of the case designed to raise reasonable doubt. Throughout the process, the firm works to protect the client’s rights and to pursue an outcome that minimizes the impact on the client’s future.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded the firm in 1997 and is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. A former prosecutor, he brings firsthand insight into how criminal charges are built and prosecuted. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience to embezzlement defense. Results may vary.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys include litigators with backgrounds in prosecution and law enforcement, such as a former Virginia State Trooper with fifteen years of law‑enforcement service and a former Assistant State’s Attorney from Maryland. Their collective experience strengthens the defense team’s ability to analyze financial evidence, identify procedural weaknesses, and advocate effectively in court. When you work with the firm, your case is handled by a team that focuses solely on achieving the favorable outcomes under the specific facts and law.

Frequently Asked Questions

What constitutes embezzlement under Virginia law?

Embezzlement in Virginia is the wrongful and fraudulent use or conversion of money or property that has been entrusted to the accused by another person. The offense is defined by Va. Code § 18.2-111 and is punished as larceny. Unlike ordinary theft, embezzlement involves a breach of a fiduciary or trust relationship. For a charge to result in a conviction, the prosecution must prove that the accused acted with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property. The value of the property determines whether the offense is charged as a misdemeanor or a felony.

What are the penalties for embezzlement in Virginia Beach?

The penalties for embezzlement depend on the value of the property taken—if the amount is $1,000 or more, the charge is a felony; below that, it is a misdemeanor. A felony embezzlement conviction can lead to a prison sentence of one to twenty years, while a misdemeanor can result in up to twelve months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. A felony conviction also carries a loss of certain civil rights, including the right to possess a firearm. An experienced attorney can assess the facts of the case and work to seek dismissal, reduction, or an alternative resolution that avoids the most severe consequences.

How does a lawyer defend against embezzlement charges?

Defense strategies in an embezzlement case often focus on challenging the evidence of intent, the accuracy of financial records, and the credibility of the prosecution’s witnesses. The attorney may investigate whether the accused had authorization to use the funds, whether there was a genuine mistake or misunderstanding rather than fraud, or whether the records themselves are incomplete or unreliable. In some cases, the defense may negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to reduce the charge or seek a deferred disposition. If the case goes to trial, the attorney presents a defense designed to raise reasonable doubt about an essential element of the alleged crime.

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

If you are facing embezzlement charges, contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible and do not discuss the allegations with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve any relevant documents, emails, and financial records that may relate to the matter, but avoid trying to explain or justify the situation to investigators without counsel present. Your attorney can communicate with the prosecutor on your behalf and begin building a defense. Reaching out early gives the legal team more time to investigate the facts and explore avenues for a favorable resolution.

Can embezzlement charges be dropped or reduced in Virginia Beach?

Embezzlement charges can be dismissed, reduced to a lesser offense, or resolved through a deferred disposition depending on the evidence, the client’s background, and the negotiation between the defense and the prosecution. For some first‑time offenders, Virginia law permits the court to defer proceedings and ultimately dismiss the charge if the defendant completes specified conditions. Even if dismissal is not possible, a skilled negotiator may persuade the Commonwealth’s Attorney to reduce a felony charge to a misdemeanor, which can significantly lessen the long‑term impact. Each case is fact‑specific, so an evaluation by an attorney is essential.

Do I need a lawyer for an embezzlement case in Virginia Beach?

Yes—even a misdemeanor embezzlement conviction creates a permanent criminal record that can affect employment, professional licensing, and housing. The Virginia court system has its own procedural rules, and the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office prosecutes these cases actively. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can identify legal issues, challenge the evidence, and negotiate with the prosecutor. For a consultation about your embezzlement matter, reach Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys at (888) 437-7747.

For official court information, visit the Virginia Beach General District Court page on the Virginia Judicial System website. The text of the embezzlement statute can be found on the Virginia Legislative Information System.

Last reviewed: July 2026

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