Embezzlement Lawyer Virginia, VA

Embezzlement charges in Virginia are serious. Prosecutors treat the wrongful taking of property by someone entrusted with it as larceny, and the consequences can include a felony record, incarceration, and lasting damage to your professional reputation. If you or someone you know is under investigation or has been arrested, speaking with an experienced Virginia criminal defense attorney is an urgent step. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys have handled criminal matters across Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. To request a consultation, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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What Embezzlement Means in Virginia

Embezzlement in Virginia is not a separate criminal charge with its own penalty; it is punished as larceny. Under Va. Code § 18.2‑111, a person who wrongfully and fraudulently uses, disposes of, conceals, or embezzles money, bills, notes, checks, or any other personal property—tangible or intangible—that they have received for another or for an employer or principal is guilty of larceny. The classification of the offense as a misdemeanor or felony, and the possible sentence, follow the value of the property taken, just as it does for general theft offenses.

Under Va. Code § 18.2‑95, taking property valued at $1,000 or more—including through embezzlement—is grand larceny, a felony.

Source: Va. Code § 18.2‑95. Virginia Code

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.

When the value is less than $1,000, the charge is petit larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor. However, the financial harm alleged often goes beyond the raw dollar amount; prosecutors may look at the duration of the scheme, the number of transactions, and the level of trust placed in the defendant. These factors can influence charging decisions, plea negotiations, and sentencing arguments in courts across Virginia—from Fairfax County General District Court to Prince William County Circuit Court and throughout the Commonwealth.

Virginia courts treat embezzlement as a crime of dishonesty. A conviction can affect professional licenses, security clearances, and future employment. In every case, the Commonwealth must prove an intent to defraud and that the property rightfully came into the defendant’s possession before the wrongful act. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys examine every element carefully, challenging gaps in the prosecution’s evidence while ensuring the client understands the procedural landscape.

How Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Embezzlement Cases

Embezzlement investigations often begin quietly. An employer, business partner, or government agency may discover irregularities in financial records and refer the matter to law enforcement. Once a criminal case is commenced, the stakes become immediate: arrest, bond conditions, and a court date. Our firm works to intervene early—often before formal charges are filed—to assess exposure, preserve evidence, and explore every available defense.

Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys review the financial documents, interview witnesses, and analyze the prosecution’s theory of the case. They look for alternative explanations—accounting errors, authorization gaps, or honest mistakes that undermine the intent-to-defraud element. In many cases, the defense strategy relies on showing that the defendant lacked the necessary criminal intent, a critical point because embezzlement requires more than a simple failure to return property; it requires fraudulent purpose.

The firm’s approach is both broad and precise. With over 25 years of practice, Mr. Sris and the Of Counsel team handle embezzlement matters that range from single-incident accusations to complex schemes spanning months or years. They understand how financial records are built, how forensic accountants evaluate evidence, and how to question the prosecution’s narrative at every stage—from a preliminary hearing in general district court to a jury trial in circuit court.

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

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who established the firm in 1997. His background includes testifying before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience; one Of Counsel attorney is a former Virginia State Trooper with firsthand knowledge of law enforcement investigation methods often used in financial crime cases. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to embezzlement and other criminal matters. Results may vary. in your case. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is embezzlement under Virginia law?

Embezzlement in Virginia is the wrongful and fraudulent taking of property by a person who was entrusted with it, and it is prosecuted as larceny under Va. Code § 18.2‑111. The charge does not exist as an independent crime; instead, the value of the property determines whether it is petit larceny (misdemeanor) or grand larceny (felony). The prosecution must prove the defendant had lawful possession of the property before converting it, and that the conversion was done with fraudulent intent. That distinction matters because a mere failure to return property on time is not enough for a conviction.

What are the penalties for embezzlement in Virginia?

Embezzlement of property worth less than $1,000 is petit larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor carrying up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. When the value is $1,000 or more, the charge is grand larceny, punishable as a felony by one to twenty years in prison—or, at the discretion of a jury, up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. A felony conviction also carries the loss of certain civil rights, such as the right to vote and to possess firearms. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss the potential exposure in your case.

What should I do if I’m facing embezzlement charges in Virginia?

If you are facing embezzlement charges in Virginia, you should immediately retain an experienced criminal defense attorney and refrain from discussing the case with anyone except your lawyer. Do not attempt to explain the situation to employers, colleagues, or law enforcement without counsel present. Preserve all financial records, emails, and documents that might have any bearing on the allegations. Early legal intervention can mean the difference between a dismissed charge and a conviction.

Do I need a lawyer for an embezzlement charge?

While you have the right to represent yourself, embezzlement accusations involve complex financial evidence, accounting principles, and the need to challenge an intent-to-defraud element—all of which make experienced legal representation essential. A conviction carries long-term consequences for employment, professional licensing, and reputation. Legal counsel can assess the strength of the prosecution’s case, explore pretrial diversion or first‑offender programs, and negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.

How does the Virginia court process work for embezzlement cases?

Misdemeanor embezzlement cases are heard in the general district court where the offense allegedly occurred; felony cases begin with a preliminary hearing in the general district court before transfer to circuit court for trial or plea. The defendant is advised of the charge at an arraignment, and bond may be set by a magistrate. Throughout the process, discovery is exchanged, motions may be filed, and the Commonwealth must prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt. The procedural timeline varies by court and complexity. For guidance on your specific situation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Legal resources for embezzlement in other Virginia localities:

Official Virginia primary sources:

Virginia Code Title 18.2 – Crimes and Offenses | Virginia Courts

Last reviewed: July 2026

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