Theft of Government Property lawyer Arlington County, VA
Federal charges for theft of government property can upend a person’s life with little warning. Investigations are often carried out by federal agencies such as the FBI, the Department of Defense, or the Inspector General’s office, and prosecutions move forward in U.S. District Court with sentencing exposure that frequently includes mandatory incarceration. In Arlington County, Virginia—a community that is home to thousands of federal employees, military personnel, and government contractors—allegations of theft of government money, equipment, or data can surface from a wide range of circumstances, from misused procurement cards to disputes over property possessed in the course of government work. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who has handled federal criminal matters in the Eastern District of Virginia for decades. He and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys appear in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Alexandria Division, and are available to discuss a defense strategy at any stage of an investigation or prosecution. For a confidential consultation, reach the firm at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Theft of Government Property Means in Arlington County, VA
The federal offense commonly referred to as theft of government property is codified at 18 U.S.C. § 641. The statute covers a range of conduct: embezzlement, stealing, purloining, or knowingly converting any record, voucher, money, or thing of value of the United States, or of any department or agency thereof. The value of the property determines the potential fine and imprisonment terms, and federal sentencing guidelines apply to calculate the advisory range. Importantly, there is no parole in the federal system; an individual convicted of a federal theft offense serves a substantial portion of the sentence imposed.
Arlington County sits just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., and is home to the Pentagon, Arlington National Cemetery, and numerous federal agency annexes. Because of the concentration of federal facilities and federal workers in and around Arlington, charges under § 641 are not uncommon in the Eastern District of Virginia. A person who works for or contracts with a federal agency and is accused of taking government equipment, misusing a government credit card, or improperly directing federal funds may be charged in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Alexandria Division. Federal prosecutors in this district are known for moving cases actively, and the Sentencing Guidelines’ loss tables can drive sentencing exposure quickly even for amounts that a defendant may perceive as minor.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Theft of Government Property Cases
Federal theft-of-government-property investigations often begin long before an arrest, with subpoenas for records, interviews of coworkers, and surveillance. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to engage early—sometimes before charges are filed—to assess the government’s theory of the case, preserve evidence favorable to the client, and communicate with investigating agents in a manner that does not inadvertently harm the defense. Because Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor, he approaches each matter with an informed understanding of how the U.S. Attorney’s Office builds a § 641 case, including the charging decisions that can move a matter from an administrative employment action to a federal felony indictment.
If charges have already been filed, the defense focuses on the specific elements the government must prove: that the property belonged to the United States, that it had value, that the defendant acted knowingly, and that the defendant intended to deprive the government of the property. The firm’s approach tests the evidence on each element, challenges the accuracy of loss calculations, and explores whether the alleged conduct falls outside the scope of the statute—for example, whether the property was truly “government property” or whether the defendant had a colorable claim of right. Additionally, the firm examines pretrial motions that may suppress evidence obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment or constrain the government’s use of statements taken in violation of Miranda or the Fifth Amendment. Throughout the case, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel keep the client informed of the realistic sentencing exposure under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the options for resolving the case short of trial.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris is Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. and has practiced criminal defense in Virginia since 1997. He is a former prosecutor who understands the procedural and tactical decisions that federal prosecutors make in theft and fraud cases. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York.
The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive collective experience in federal criminal defense and have handled matters in the Eastern District of Virginia for many years. The team works collaboratively on every federal case, ensuring that pretrial motions, discovery review, and sentencing advocacy receive thorough attention. When you call Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747, you speak with a team that has represented clients facing federal theft charges at all stages—from grand jury subpoenas through sentencing. Results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is theft of government property under federal law?
Theft of government property is a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 641 that prohibits embezzlement, stealing, or conversion of money, records, or things of value belonging to the United States or any federal agency. The statute is broad: it covers everything from physical equipment to digital records and funds. A conviction can be a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the value of the property, and the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines apply to determine the advisory sentence. Because the federal system has no parole, a convicted person typically serves a substantial portion of the sentence. For case-specific guidance, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How does the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia handle theft of government property cases?
The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Alexandria Division, processes federal theft cases under the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, with all felony charges initiated by grand jury indictment unless waived by the defendant. Cases are assigned to a district judge or magistrate judge for initial appearance, detention hearing, and scheduling. The Alexandria Division is known for its so-called “rocket docket,” which can move cases toward trial or resolution relatively quickly. Federal sentencing in this court follows the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, with judicial discretion exercised within the framework established by the Supreme Court’s decision in United States v. Booker. To discuss a pending matter in this court, contact the firm at (888) 437-7747.
Do I need a lawyer for a federal theft investigation in Arlington County?
Yes—anyone who learns of a federal theft investigation should retain a federal criminal defense lawyer immediately to protect their rights during interviews, grand jury proceedings, and searches. Federal agents may contact a potential defendant or their employer, and anything said to an agent can be used in a subsequent prosecution. Early legal representation can help a person avoid making statements that could be misconstrued and can facilitate communication with investigators through counsel. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents individuals in Arlington County who are under investigation by the FBI, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the Inspector General’s office, and other federal agencies. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation.
What are the potential penalties for a federal theft of government property conviction?
Under 18 U.S.C. § 641, theft of government property valued at more than $1,000 is a felony punishable by up to ten years in prison and a fine; property valued at $1,000 or less is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year. The actual sentence is determined by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which calculate a range based on the loss amount, the defendant’s role in the offense, and criminal history. Other consequences can include restitution orders, supervised release, and loss of federal employment. The firm helps clients understand the exact sentencing exposure they face and advocates for departures or variances where permitted. For guidance on a specific case, reach the firm at (888) 437-7747.
How can Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel help if I have already been indicted?
Post-indictment, the defense focuses on challenging the sufficiency of the evidence, filing pretrial motions to suppress, and negotiating a resolution that minimizes exposure under the Sentencing Guidelines. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys review every piece of discovery, consult with forensic accountants when loss figures are disputed, and prepare for trial if a plea agreement cannot be reached on terms acceptable to the client. Even after indictment, there are opportunities to seek dismissal of counts, to limit the scope of the government’s proof, and to present mitigating factors at sentencing. For a consultation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
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.