Embezzlement in Arlington County is a criminal offense under Va. Code § 18.2-111, carrying penalties that range from a Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine) to a felony depending on the value of the funds involved. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented results in Arlington County, including 22 dismissals and 93 reductions or amendments.
Embezzlement Lawyer in Arlington County, Virginia
Under Virginia law, embezzlement is defined as the fraudulent appropriation of property or funds entrusted to a person’s care. Va. Code § 18.2-111 states that if any person wrongfully and fraudulently uses, disposes of, or converts to their own use property belonging to another, they are guilty of embezzlement. The classification of the offense depends on the value of the property: if the value is less than $1,000, it is a Class 1 misdemeanor; if $1,000 or more, it is a felony punishable by 1 to 20 years in prison. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, brings 120+ years combined legal experience to defend clients facing these serious charges.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly — official site
For the full text of the embezzlement statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-111 (Virginia General Assembly — official site). For information on Arlington County court procedures, visit Arlington County General District Court (vacourts.gov — official site).
In Arlington County General District Court, prosecutors routinely seek enhanced penalties for embezzlement cases involving fiduciary relationships, such as employer-employee or trustee-beneficiary contexts. We have observed that the Commonwealth’s Attorney for Arlington County often files charges under both § 18.2-111 and related fraud statutes to maximize sentencing exposure.
- Do not discuss the allegations with anyone except your attorney.
- Preserve all financial records, emails, and documents related to the alleged misappropriation.
- Contact an experienced embezzlement defense lawyer immediately.
- Attend all scheduled court appearances at Arlington County General District Court or Circuit Court.
- Follow your attorney’s guidance on negotiating with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Consider first offender or deferred disposition programs if eligible.
In Arlington County, embezzlement carries penalties that depend on the value of the property involved, ranging from a Class 1 misdemeanor to a felony with significant prison time.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Embezzlement under $1,000 | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record; potential employment and housing impacts |
| Embezzlement $1,000 or more | Felony (Class varies) | 1 to 20 years | Up to $100,000 | None | Loss of voting rights; difficulty obtaining professional licenses; immigration consequences |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, brings 120+ years combined legal experience, 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. Our team has extensive experience defending embezzlement and other white collar crime cases in Arlington County, with 115 documented results in this jurisdiction alone.
Bryan Block, Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. Former Virginia State Trooper (15 years). View Bryan Block’s Profile
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented results in Arlington County: 22 dismissed or not guilty, 93 reduced or amended — a favorable-outcome rate of 100% in all reported instances. Results may vary. These outcomes include cases involving charges such as destruction of property, littering, fare evasion, and failure to appear, demonstrating our firm’s ability to achieve favorable results across a range of criminal matters.
Our location in Arlington is 0.5 miles from Arlington County General District Court, with access via I-395 and US-50. Serving the communities of Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room 719, Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: (703) 589-9250 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Embezzlement Charges in Arlington County
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Arlington County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Arlington County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor: up to 6 months/$1,000. Common charges include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57), petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96), and driving on suspended (§ 46.2-301). Cases heard at Arlington County General District Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201). 115 documented results: 22 dismissed/not guilty, 93 reduced/amended.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Arlington County, Virginia?
Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. Most convictions cannot be expunged. The petition is filed in Arlington County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Arlington County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Arlington County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Arlington County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Arlington County, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges carry possible jail time, fines, and a permanent record that affects employment, housing, professional licenses, and immigration status. Even a misdemeanor at Arlington County General District Court (misdemeanor) and Arlington County Circuit Court (felony) has serious long-term consequences.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Arlington County?
Arlington County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Arlington County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying jail time.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against embezzlement charges?
Defense strategies for embezzlement in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under Va. Code § 18.2-111 to build the strongest possible defense.
What should I do if I am facing embezzlement charges in Virginia?
If facing embezzlement charges in Virginia, contact a criminal attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents and evidence. The statute of limitations and court deadlines under Virginia law require prompt action.
Learn more about our firm’s approach to criminal defense: Petit Larceny Lawyer Virginia (statewide hub). For related services in nearby areas, see Petit Larceny Lawyer Fairfax County and Petit Larceny Lawyer Stafford County. For other legal needs in Arlington County, explore Business Compliance Lawyer Arlington County and Family Law Lawyer Arlington County.
Last verified: April 2026. This page was generated on 2026-04-29.