Embezzlement Lawyer Manassas, VA
An embezzlement charge in Manassas can upend your career, your finances, and your freedom. Virginia law treats embezzlement as a form of larceny under Va. Code § 18.2‑111, and the severity of the charge—misdemeanor or felony—depends on the value of the property or money involved. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases actively, and a conviction can mean incarceration, a permanent criminal record, and lasting damage to your professional reputation. Whether the matter is heard in the Manassas General District Court or the Manassas Circuit Court, you need counsel who understands both the letter of Virginia criminal law and the practical realities of the local court system. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings that experience. Reach our firm at (888) 437‑7747 to discuss your situation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Embezzlement Means in Manassas
Under Va. Code § 18.2‑111, embezzlement occurs when a person who has been entrusted with another’s money or property wrongfully uses or conceals it with the intent to defraud. The offense is prosecuted as larceny: if the value of the property is less than $1,000, the charge is petit larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. When the value reaches $1,000 or more, the charge becomes grand larceny, a felony that can carry a sentence of one to twenty years in prison. In either case, a conviction creates a criminal record that can affect employment, security clearances, and professional licenses.
In Manassas, misdemeanor embezzlement cases are heard in the Manassas General District Court at 9311 Lee Avenue, while felony matters proceed to the Manassas Circuit Court. Each court has distinct procedural rules, and the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office brings considerable resources to financial-crime prosecutions. No two embezzlement cases are the same; the evidence, the amount at issue, and the relationship between the parties all shape the path forward. Our firm’s experience in Manassas courts allows us to anticipate prosecutorial strategy and build a defense that addresses the particular circumstances of your case. We also help clients explore pre‑indictment resolutions where available, working to resolve matters before formal charges are filed.
How Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Embezzlement Cases
When you meet with us, we begin by listening. We want to understand your role, the facts as you know them, and the history of the transaction at issue. Embezzlement investigations often involve voluminous financial records, and early mistakes—such as speaking with investigators without counsel or handing over documents without strategic review—can compromise a defense. Our team, led by experienced criminal defense attorneys, works to protect your rights from the first contact.
Our approach is both defensive and proactive. We assess the strength of the Commonwealth’s evidence, identify weaknesses in the chain of custody or the method of calculation, and, where appropriate, engage forensic accounting attorneys to challenge the prosecution’s narrative. In many cases, negotiation with the Commonwealth’s Attorney can lead to reduced charges or alternative dispositions, especially for first‑time offenders or when restitution is feasible. If trial is necessary, we are prepared to cross‑examine witnesses thoroughly and present a complete factual picture to the court. Throughout the process, we keep you informed about realistic outcomes and any steps you can take to strengthen your position, such as preserving character evidence or demonstrating accountability.
About the Attorneys Who Handle Embezzlement Matters
Mr. Sris founded Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 1997 and serves as its Owner and Founder. A former prosecutor, he brings a trial‑tested perspective to every defense case, understanding how the prosecution builds its case and where a defense can be effectively mounted. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and he has guided the firm through a wide range of criminal matters over nearly three decades. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).
Mr. Sris is supported by a dedicated Of Counsel team whose background includes years of criminal defense work and, in some instances, prior service in law enforcement—giving the firm valuable insight into police procedures and investigation techniques. The collective legal experience within the firm is applied to each embezzlement case, ensuring that no matter the complexity or the stakes, the client benefits from multiple layers of strategic thinking. Across all practice areas, the firm has documented a substantial number of case results, helping clients achieve resolutions that protect their futures. Results may vary. in any individual matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is embezzlement under Virginia law?
Embezzlement in Virginia is the wrongful taking or misuse of money or property that has been entrusted to a person, in violation of Va. Code § 18.2‑111. The statute treats embezzlement as larceny, meaning the offense is graded as either a misdemeanor or a felony based on the value of the property involved. To convict, the Commonwealth must prove that the accused had a fiduciary or trust relationship with the owner, that the accused obtained possession of the property through that relationship, and that the accused intentionally converted the property to their own use with fraudulent intent. An experienced lawyer can examine the facts to determine whether each element can be challenged.
What are the possible penalties for an embezzlement conviction in Manassas?
Penalties depend on the value of the property taken. An embezzlement charged as petit larceny (under $1,000) is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. An embezzlement charged as grand larceny ($1,000 or more) is a felony that can result in a prison sentence of one to twenty years. In addition to incarceration and fines, a conviction carries a permanent criminal record, possible restitution orders, and collateral consequences such as loss of professional licenses, security clearances, or employment opportunities. The specific sentence in a Manassas court will depend on the facts of the case, the defendant’s criminal history, and the arguments presented at sentencing.
Can embezzlement charges be dropped or reduced in Manassas?
Yes, embezzlement charges can sometimes be dismissed or reduced, depending on the evidence and the circumstances. Common defensive strategies include challenging whether a trust relationship existed, demonstrating that the accused had no intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property, or showing that the amount of the loss was miscalculated. In some cases, pretrial negotiations with the Commonwealth’s Attorney can lead to a reduction from a felony to a misdemeanor or even a dismissal if restitution and other conditions are met. Each case is unique, and the outcome depends on a careful review of the facts by experienced counsel.
What should I do if I am under investigation for embezzlement in Manassas?
Contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately and do not speak with investigators or anyone else about the allegations. Anything you say can be used against you, and well-intentioned explanations to police or to your employer can severely damage your defense. Preserve any relevant documents, emails, and financial records, but do not destroy anything—destroying evidence can lead to additional charges. A lawyer can intervene early, communicate with investigators on your behalf, and work to prevent charges from being filed or to negotiate a favorable resolution before formal proceedings begin. Early representation is a critical step in protecting your future.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor embezzlement charge?
Yes, even a misdemeanor embezzlement conviction can have serious, long‑lasting consequences. A Class 1 misdemeanor carries the possibility of jail time and results in a permanent criminal record that can affect employment, housing, and professional licensing. An attorney can evaluate whether the prosecution’s evidence meets the legal threshold, advise you on the risks of going to trial versus accepting a plea, and work to minimize the impact on your life. Representing yourself—especially on a charge that involves nuanced financial evidence—can lead to outcomes that could have been avoided with professional guidance.
How does an embezzlement case proceed through the Manassas courts?
A misdemeanor case begins with an arrest or a summons and proceeds to the Manassas General District Court. A first court appearance (arraignment) is scheduled, followed by a trial date if no plea agreement is reached. Felony cases start with a preliminary hearing in the General District Court, where a judge decides whether probable cause exists; if it does, the case is certified to the Manassas Circuit Court for trial. At every stage, procedural deadlines and evidentiary rules require attention. An attorney familiar with both courts can help you navigate the process, file appropriate motions, and prepare for each hearing.
Related practice areas:
Fairfax County Criminal Defense
Prince William County Criminal Defense
Manassas Park Criminal Defense
Falls Church Criminal Defense
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary.