Embezzlement in Clarke County is a felony under Va. Code § 18.2-111, carrying up to 20 years in prison for amounts over $1,000; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 29 documented results in Clarke County, with a 72% favorable outcome rate across all practice areas.
Embezzlement Lawyer in Clarke County, Virginia
Virginia Embezzlement Law Under Va. Code § 18.2-111
Embezzlement in Virginia is defined as the fraudulent conversion of property entrusted to you by another. Under Va. Code § 18.2-111, if the value of the property is $1,000 or more, the offense is a felony punishable by 1 to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $2,500. If the value is less than $1,000, it is a Class 1 misdemeanor carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. The prosecution must prove you had lawful possession of the property and then intentionally converted it for your own use. 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 these serious charges.
Last verified: April 2026 | Clarke County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly — official site
Official Legal References
Review the full text of the embezzlement statute: Va. Code § 18.2-111 (Virginia General Assembly — official site).
For sentencing guidelines, see: Va. Code § 19.2-295.1 (Virginia General Assembly — official site).
Insider Perspective on Embezzlement Cases in Clarke County
In Clarke County General District Court, prosecutors routinely seek felony indictments for any alleged misappropriation over $1,000. We have observed that the Commonwealth’s Attorney often relies heavily on financial records and witness statements. Early intervention can sometimes prevent charges from being filed at all.
- Do not speak to law enforcement or your employer without your attorney present.
- Preserve all financial documents, emails, and communications related to the alleged misappropriation.
- Contact an Embezzlement Lawyer Clarke County immediately to assess your case.
- Attend all scheduled court appearances at Clarke County General District Court.
- Work with your attorney to explore pre-trial diversion or plea negotiation options.
- If charged as a felony, prepare for a preliminary hearing in General District Court and potential trial in Clarke County Circuit Court.
In Clarke County, embezzlement carries penalties ranging from a Class 1 misdemeanor for amounts under $1,000 to a felony with up to 20 years in prison for amounts over $1,000.
| 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 | 1 to 20 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Loss of voting rights; firearm prohibition; professional license revocation |
Results may vary.
Documented Results in Clarke County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 29 documented results in Clarke County: 3 dismissed or not guilty, 18 reduced or amended, 8 deferred — a favorable outcome in all reported instances. Practice area breakdown: 29 Traffic/Reckless Driving. Most common outcomes: 60 LoL suspended (4); 60 Day LoL suspended (4); Amended to Improper Driving (4). Results may vary.
Our Location and Service Area
Our location in Ashburn is approximately 20 miles from Clarke County General District Court, with access via Route 7 and Route 340. As an Embezzlement Lawyer Clarke County, we serve clients throughout the region. Serving the communities of Berryville and Boyce. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Ashburn/Loudoun
20130 Lakeview Center Plaza, Room 403, Ashburn, VA 20147
Phone: (571) 279-0110 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Embezzlement Charges in Clarke County
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Clarke County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Clarke County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Clarke 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 Clarke County General District Court (104 North Church Street, Berryville, VA 22611). 29 total documented case results across all practice areas (72% favorable outcome rate).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Clarke County, Virginia?
Yes, Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
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 Clarke County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 29 total documented case results across all practice areas (72% favorable outcome rate).
How does bail work in Clarke County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest, with personal recognizance common for first-offense misdemeanors.
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Clarke County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Clarke County General District Court. Bond amount set by magistrate at arrest — personal recognizance for many first-offense misdemeanors; secured bond typical for felonies (bail bondsman charges approximately 10%); public defender eligibility based on income; court-appointed attorney fee: $120 (misdemeanor) to $445+ (felony).
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Clarke County, Virginia?
Yes, criminal charges carry serious consequences including jail time, fines, and a permanent record.
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 Clarke County General District Court (misdemeanor) and Clarke County Circuit Court (felony) has serious long-term consequences. Under § 19.2-295.1, penalties can include Class 1 misdemeanor: up to 12 months jail, up to $2,500 fine; Class 2 misdemeanor: up to 6 months, $1,000; Class 5 felony: 1-10 years (or up to 12 months…. Early legal representation is critical — Clarke County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings; Clarke County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all GDC appeals;… Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at Clarke County General District Court (misdemeanor) and Clarke County Circuit Court (felony) (104 North Church Street, Berryville, VA 22611) — consultation by appointment at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Clarke County?
Clarke County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings; Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals.
Clarke County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Clarke 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. Clarke County General District Court (104 North Church Street, Berryville, VA 22611) is the GDC location.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against embezzlement charges?
Defense strategies may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, and negotiating with prosecutors.
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?
Contact a criminal attorney immediately and do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer.
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.
Related Legal Resources
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- Petit Larceny Lawyer Falls Church — Similar criminal defense services in Falls Church
- Petit Larceny Lawyer Fairfax County — Criminal defense in Fairfax County
- Business Dissolution Lawyer Clarke County — Related business law services
- Family Law Lawyer Clarke County — Family law matters in Clarke County
Last verified: April 2026 | Page generated: 2026-04-29