Embezzlement Lawyer Virginia Beach, VA
An embezzlement charge in Virginia Beach can place your liberty, reputation, and livelihood at risk. Embezzlement is a criminal offense involving the wrongful taking of property entrusted to you, and Virginia law treats it with the same severity as larceny. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, provides legal representation to individuals facing embezzlement allegations in Virginia Beach General District Court and Virginia Beach Circuit Court. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to protect clients’ rights throughout the criminal process. To speak with our firm about your situation, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
Experienced Virginia Beach Embezzlement Defense
Facing a criminal charge for embezzlement can be an isolating experience. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. serves clients in Virginia Beach and surrounding communities from our Richmond location. Our firm’s attorneys are admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and we concentrate on providing defense representation for individuals charged with financial and property crimes. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor who founded the firm in 1997, works with his Of Counsel to assess each case, identify vulnerabilities in the prosecution’s evidence, and pursue a resolution that minimizes the impact on your future.
We serve clients in Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana. Our Richmond location handles Virginia Beach matters, and we appear regularly at the Virginia Beach General District Court (2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B, Virginia Beach, VA 23456) and the Virginia Beach Circuit Court. Contact our firm at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your case.
Understanding Embezzlement Charges in Virginia Beach
Under Virginia Code § 18.2-111, embezzlement occurs when a person wrongfully and fraudulently uses, disposes of, conceals, or embezzles money or property that they have received on behalf of another—typically an employer, principal, or other person in a position of trust. The offense is punished as larceny, meaning the value of the property involved determines whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony. Embezzlement of property valued at $1,000 or more is a felony (grand larceny), punishable by one to twenty years in prison. Embezzlement of property valued at less than $1,000 is a Class 1 misdemeanor, carrying up to twelve months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Virginia Beach prosecutes embezzlement matters. Misdemeanor cases are heard in the Virginia Beach General District Court, while felony cases may begin with a preliminary hearing in General District Court before proceeding to the Virginia Beach Circuit Court for trial. The procedural path includes arraignment, discovery, motion hearings, and potentially a trial before a judge or jury. An attorney can evaluate the evidence and advise whether pretrial resolutions, such as a plea agreement or diversion program, may be appropriate.
How a Virginia Beach Embezzlement Attorney Can Help
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to embezzlement defense. They scrutinize the prosecution’s evidence—financial records, witness statements, and the circumstances surrounding the alleged misappropriation—to identify legal and factual weaknesses. A defense may challenge whether the accused acted with fraudulent intent, whether the property was truly entrusted, or whether accounting errors created a false appearance of wrongdoing. The firm’s attorneys also work to negotiate with the prosecutor to seek a reduction of charges or a dismissal, where appropriate.
Because an embezzlement conviction can carry a permanent criminal record, incarceration, fines, and collateral consequences such as loss of professional licenses or employment, early involvement by an attorney is critical. Our firm can represent you at every stage, from the initial investigation through trial, if necessary. We encourage you to contact us as soon as you become aware of a potential charge so that we can begin protecting your rights.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced since 1997 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. As a former prosecutor, he brings a thorough understanding of how the Commonwealth builds its cases. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys contribute diverse backgrounds, including prior law-enforcement experience that informs defense strategy. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel draw on extensive combined legal experience to serve clients in Virginia Beach and across the Commonwealth. Results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between embezzlement and grand larceny in Virginia?
Embezzlement is a form of larceny under Virginia law that involves a breach of trust rather than a simple taking. While grand larceny (§ 18.2-95) involves theft of property valued at $1,000 or more directly from the owner, embezzlement (§ 18.2-111) occurs when someone entrusted with money or property for the benefit of another wrongfully converts it to their own use. Both offenses are graded identically based on property value: $1,000 or more is a felony; less than $1,000 is a misdemeanor.
What should I do if I am under investigation for embezzlement in Virginia Beach?
If you learn that you are under investigation, do not speak to law enforcement or anyone else about the allegations without an attorney present. Contact an embezzlement defense attorney immediately. Preserve all relevant financial records, emails, and other documentation, but do not alter or destroy anything. Early legal intervention can sometimes shape the direction of the investigation and protect your rights before charges are filed.
Can embezzlement charges be dismissed or reduced?
Yes, depending on the evidence and the circumstances, embezzlement charges may be dismissed, reduced, or resolved through a plea agreement. A defense attorney may challenge the sufficiency of the Commonwealth’s proof, argue that the accused lacked fraudulent intent, or raise procedural issues that lead to dismissal. In some cases, restitution or other mitigating factors may support a negotiated reduction to a lesser offense, such as petit larceny. Each case is fact-specific, and an attorney can evaluate the likelihood of a favorable resolution.
Where will my embezzlement case be heard in Virginia Beach?
Misdemeanor embezzlement cases are heard in the Virginia Beach General District Court, located at 2425 Nimmo Parkway, Building 10B, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23456. If the charge is a felony, the case typically begins with a preliminary hearing in the same court and, if certified, proceeds to the Virginia Beach Circuit Court for trial. Our attorneys appear in both courts and can explain the local procedures and what to expect at each hearing.
How is the penalty for embezzlement determined?
The penalty for embezzlement is tied to the value of the property involved, following Virginia’s larceny grading scheme. For property worth $1,000 or more, the offense is a felony with a sentencing range of one to twenty years in prison. For property worth less than $1,000, it is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to twelve months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. A jury may impose a jail term of up to twelve months for a felony at its discretion. The specific sentence depends on the defendant’s prior record, the amount taken, and other factors.
Do I need a lawyer for an embezzlement charge in Virginia Beach?
Yes, retaining an experienced defense attorney is strongly recommended if you are charged with embezzlement. Even a misdemeanor conviction stays on your criminal record and can affect employment, professional licenses, and housing. A lawyer can evaluate the prosecution’s case, identify constitutional or procedural violations, and negotiate for a dismissal, reduction, or alternative disposition. To discuss your case, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How long does an embezzlement case take in Virginia Beach?
The duration of an embezzlement case varies depending on the complexity of the facts, the court’s schedule, and whether the case resolves through a plea or goes to trial. Misdemeanor cases may be resolved within a few months, while felony cases that proceed through a preliminary hearing and a Circuit Court trial can take longer. An attorney can provide an estimate after reviewing the specifics of your case.
What defenses are available for embezzlement charges?
Common defenses include lack of intent, authorization to handle the property, mistaken identity, and accounting errors. Because embezzlement requires proof of fraudulent intent, showing that the accused believed they had a right to the property or that discrepancies resulted from poor record-keeping can be effective. Each defense strategy depends on the evidence, and our firm investigates every angle to build the strong case for our clients.
Serving Virginia Beach and Surrounding Communities
Our firm serves clients throughout Virginia Beach, as well as Sandbridge and Oceana. We provide legal representation in matters before the Virginia Beach General District Court and Virginia Beach Circuit Court, drawing on years of experience in criminal defense. If you are facing embezzlement allegations, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
Criminal defense in Fairfax County |
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Manassas criminal lawyer
Primary sources:
Virginia Code § 18.2-111 |
Virginia Beach General District Court |
Virginia Code § 18.2-95
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.