Theft of Government Property lawyer Arlington County, VA
Federal theft of government property is prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. § 641 and handled in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District—which covers Arlington County—brings these charges against individuals accused of stealing, embezzling, or converting money, property, or records belonging to any department or agency of the United States government. The federal system carries severe consequences: there is no parole, sentencing is driven by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and federal conviction rates exceed 90%. Arlington County’s proximity to Washington, D.C., means that many federal criminal investigations originate from agencies located in or near the area, and charges frequently arise from audits, whistleblower complaints, or federal law enforcement operations. When you face a theft-of-government-property charge, you need counsel who understands both the substantive law and the federal courtroom. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor and the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., leads the firm’s federal criminal defense practice. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys represent clients in federal court throughout Virginia, including the Alexandria and Richmond divisions. To discuss your case with our firm, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
Federal Theft of Government Property Charges in Arlington County
The statute criminalizing theft of government property, 18 U.S.C. § 641, makes it a federal offense to embezzle, steal, purloin, or knowingly convert to use any record, voucher, money, or thing of value of the United States or any department or agency thereof. The government must prove that the defendant knowingly took or used government property without authorization and intended to deprive the government of its use or benefit. The property can be tangible (money, equipment, supplies) or intangible (services, information, computer data). Because the offense involves a federal interest, the investigation is typically conducted by a federal agency—the FBI, Department of Defense Criminal Investigative Service, or a corresponding Inspector General’s office—and the case is prosecuted by an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District of Virginia.
Arlington County lies within the Alexandria Division of the Eastern District. The federal courthouse is located at 401 Courthouse Square, Alexandria, Virginia, and it is where initial appearances, detention hearings, arraignments, plea hearings, and trials take place. Federal sentencing in this district follows the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which calculate a guideline range based on the offense level (including the value of the property taken, the sophistication of the scheme, and the defendant’s role) and the defendant’s criminal history. Although the guidelines are advisory after United States v. Booker, judges in the Eastern District of Virginia give them substantial weight. The maximum statutory penalty for theft of government property is ten years of imprisonment if the value exceeds $1,000; fines and restitution are also common. Because there is no parole in the federal system, a sentence of incarceration means the defendant will serve a significant portion of the imposed term, with only limited good-time credit available.
How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Defend Federal Theft Cases
When a client first contacts Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., the firm acts quickly to protect the client’s rights during the pre-indictment phase—a critical window before formal charges are filed. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work to understand the scope of the government’s investigation, present exculpatory evidence to the prosecutor, and, where appropriate, negotiate to avoid indictment or to limit the charges. Once an indictment is returned, the defense team reviews the grand-jury record for procedural irregularities, challenges the sufficiency of the evidence through motions to dismiss or for a bill of particulars, and identifies Fourth and Fifth Amendment issues that may lead to suppression of evidence.
At trial, the firm’s strategy focuses on contesting the government’s proof on each element: that the property belonged to the United States, that the defendant acted knowingly, and that the defendant intended to permanently deprive the government of the property. The defense may present evidence of authorization, good-faith belief of entitlement, or lack of criminal intent. In many federal theft cases, the factual dispute centers on the valuation of the property or on whether the defendant’s conduct was criminal rather than a contractual or administrative dispute. Mr. Sris and the Of Counsel attorneys work with forensic accountants and other attorneys to challenge the government’s loss calculations and to build a mitigation case for sentencing, including arguments for a downward departure or variance based on acceptance of responsibility, substantial assistance, or the defendant’s personal circumstances.
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 founded the firm in 1997. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and he concentrates his practice on criminal defense and complex federal litigation. Mr. Sris testified 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 in federal criminal matters and support Mr. Sris in all phases of defense, from investigation through trial and appeal. Results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is theft of government property under federal law?
Theft of government property under 18 U.S.C. § 641 is the knowing taking, embezzlement, or conversion of money, property, or records belonging to the United States. The offense covers a wide range of conduct: stealing equipment from a military base, diverting federal grant funds, taking mail from a post office, or submitting false claims that result in the receipt of government benefits. The government must prove the property was owned by or in the custody of the United States and that the defendant acted with intent to deprive the government of its use or benefit. Charges can range from a misdemeanor (for property valued at $1,000 or less) to a felony carrying up to ten years in prison. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What should I do if I am under investigation for theft of government property in Arlington County?
If you are contacted by a federal agent or believe you are under investigation, you should immediately retain an experienced federal criminal defense attorney and decline to answer questions without counsel present. Do not speak with investigators, destroy documents, or discuss the situation with anyone other than your lawyer. Federal agents often build their case through interviews and documentary evidence long before an indictment is returned. Early intervention by Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys can influence charging decisions and protect your rights during the pre-indictment period. For a consultation, reach the firm at (888) 437-7747.
How do federal sentencing guidelines apply to theft of government property cases?
The U.S. Sentencing Guidelines set a range based primarily on the amount of loss and the defendant’s role in the offense. For theft of government property, the guidelines increase the offense level as the loss amount rises. Additional adjustments may apply for abuse of a position of trust, sophisticated means, or obstruction of justice. The defendant’s criminal history category further influences the final sentencing range. Although the guidelines are advisory, judges in the Eastern District of Virginia follow them closely. A defense attorney can present arguments for a downward variance or departure, including acceptance of responsibility and payment of restitution. For case-specific guidance, call (888) 437-7747.
Can a theft of government property charge be resolved without a trial?
Yes, many federal theft cases are resolved through plea negotiations rather than trial. The government may agree to dismiss some charges, reduce the offense level, or recommend a sentence at the low end of the guideline range in exchange for a guilty plea. In some instances, pretrial diversion or a deferred prosecution agreement may be available. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys evaluate the strength of the government’s evidence, negotiate with the prosecutor, and advise the client on whether a plea offer is in the client’s best interest. If a fair resolution cannot be reached, the firm is prepared to take the case to trial. To discuss your options, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What happens at the first court appearance in a federal theft case?
The first appearance in federal court is the initial appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge, where you are informed of the charges and your rights, and the issue of pretrial release is addressed. At the initial appearance, the court will consider whether you can be released on bond or on your own recognizance, or whether you must be detained pending trial. The government may argue for detention based on flight risk or danger to the community. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys prepare for this hearing by presenting evidence of community ties, employment, family circumstances, and lack of criminal history to secure the least restrictive conditions of release. For a consultation, reach the firm at (888) 437-7747.
Do I need a lawyer for a federal theft charge if I think I am innocent?
Yes, absolutely. Even if you are innocent, the federal criminal process is complex and the stakes are exceptionally high. Federal prosecutors have substantial resources and conviction rates well above 90%. An experienced attorney can challenge the sufficiency of the indictment, file pretrial motions to suppress evidence obtained in violation of your constitutional rights, and present a compelling defense at trial. Representing yourself in federal court is rarely advisable given the procedural rules and the severity of potential penalties. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys have handled federal criminal matters in Virginia for decades. Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.
For additional information about federal criminal defense in nearby localities, see our pages on Fairfax County federal criminal lawyer, Prince William County federal criminal lawyer, Stafford County federal criminal lawyer, Fauquier County federal criminal lawyer, and Loudoun County federal criminal lawyer.
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