Theft of Government Property lawyer Manassas Park, VA

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York

Practicing since 1997

Last reviewed: July 2026

A federal charge of theft of government property threatens your liberty and your future. In Manassas Park, Virginia, federal criminal investigations often involve agencies such as the FBI or the Office of Inspector General, and if charges are filed, the case moves into the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. Federal sentencing guidelines apply, and there is no parole in the federal system. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Concentrates its practice on defending individuals facing federal criminal allegations. Mr. Sris, the Owner and Founder of the firm, and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys represent clients in federal court matters throughout the Eastern District of Virginia, including Manassas Park. To speak with an attorney about your situation, call (888) 437-7747.

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What Federal Criminal Defense Means in Manassas Park

Manassas Park sits within the Thirty-first Judicial District of Virginia, but federal criminal matters are not handled in state court. Charges under Title 18 of the United States Code — such as theft of government property — are prosecuted by the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. The federal court for this region conducts proceedings at the Albert V. Bryan United States Courthouse in Alexandria, with satellite divisions in Richmond, Norfolk, and Newport News. Defendants from Manassas Park and throughout Northern Virginia appear in the Alexandria courthouse for initial appearances, detention hearings, arraignments, and trial.

Manassas Park General District Court is currently presided over by Hon. Che C. Rogers. Court hours: Mon-Fri 8:00AM-4:00PM. Counsel appearing on federal criminal matters should plan filings accordingly.

Because federal cases follow a distinct set of procedural rules under the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure and sentencing is governed by the United States Sentencing Guidelines, representation by an attorney experienced in federal court is essential. The United States Attorney’s Office possesses substantial investigative and prosecutorial resources, and federal conviction rates are high. A defense that understands the Federal Rules of Evidence and the Sentencing Guidelines can work to challenge the government’s evidence and advocate for a disposition that reduces exposure where the facts permit.

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

When the firm takes on a federal theft of government property case, the approach begins with a careful review of the charging instruments and all discovery. The prosecution must prove every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. Under 18 U.S.C. § 641, the government must establish that the defendant knowingly received, concealed, or retained stolen government property with the intent to convert it, or embezzled, stole, or knowingly converted property of the United States. The firm’s attorneys examine whether the evidence supports each element, whether constitutional protections were honored during the investigation, and whether procedural compliance can be challenged.

Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work to identify opportunities for pre‑trial motion practice, which may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss for defects in the indictment, or challenges to the government’s discovery obligations under Brady and Giglio. In many federal cases, the path to a favorable resolution runs through negotiation with the United States Attorney’s Office, either for a charge reduction, a plea agreement that limits sentencing exposure, or a pretrial diversion if the facts and the defendant’s background support it. The firm prepares every case as though it will go to trial, so the government understands that it will face a well‑prepared defense. Results may vary.

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

Mr. Sris founded Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 1997. He is a former prosecutor who has practiced in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York for over two decades. His experience includes a wide range of trial work in state and federal courts. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His understanding of how the government builds its cases informs the firm’s defense strategy at every stage.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring additional litigation experience that strengthens the defense team. They include lawyers who have handled complex federal matters and who are familiar with the procedural and evidentiary demands of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. Together, the legal team works to deliver a thorough defense while keeping clients informed of developments and options. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys have documented case outcomes across all practice areas since the firm’s founding. Results may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a Virginia lawyer defend against theft of government property charges?

A defense attorney challenges the government’s evidence and examines whether the prosecution can prove each element of the charge. In a federal theft of government property case under 18 U.S.C. § 641, the defense may argue that the accused lacked the requisite intent, that the property at issue was not government property as defined by the statute, or that law enforcement obtained evidence in violation of the Fourth Amendment. An experienced attorney also explores whether alternative resolutions, such as a pretrial diversion agreement or a charge reduction, are available under the circumstances. The specific strategy depends on the facts of the case.

What should I do if I am facing theft of government property charges in Virginia?

Contact a federal criminal defense attorney immediately and refrain from discussing the case with anyone else. Preserve any documents, electronic records, or other materials that may be relevant. The statute of limitations for federal theft offenses is generally five years under 18 U.S.C. § 3282, but procedural deadlines move quickly once charges are filed. An attorney can advise you on whether to provide a statement to investigators and can begin working to secure your release on conditions if you are taken into custody.

What are the penalties for theft of government property in Virginia?

The penalties for theft of government property under 18 U.S.C. § 641 depend on the value of the property involved and the defendant’s criminal history. The statute authorizes a fine of up to and imprisonment of up to ten years if the property’s value exceeds a statutory threshold; for property of a lesser value, the maximum imprisonment is one year. Sentencing is determined by the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which consider loss amount, the defendant’s acceptance of responsibility, and other factors specific to the case. The federal system has no parole.

Can a federal theft of government property charge be dropped?

Yes, a federal charge can be dismissed before trial if the defense shows that the evidence is insufficient to sustain a conviction. The United States Attorney’s Office may also decline to continue prosecution after reviewing constitutional or evidentiary challenges raised in pretrial motions. In some cases, the government agrees to drop charges in exchange for cooperation or as part of a deferred prosecution agreement, though such outcomes are not guaranteed and depend on the particular facts of the case.

What is the difference between state theft and federal theft of government property?

State theft charges are prosecuted under Virginia’s criminal code, while federal theft of government property is prosecuted under Title 18 of the United States Code in federal court. Federal charges involve property owned by or under the control of the United States government. Federal cases generally carry longer potential sentences and are subject to the federal sentencing guidelines. Unlike Virginia state court, the federal system does not offer parole, and the rules of evidence and procedure differ. A lawyer who practices in federal court can explain the specific contrasts between the two systems as they apply to a particular case.

Related federal criminal defense pages:

Primary source references:

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.