Theft of Government Property lawyer Arlington County, VA

Last reviewed: July 2026 Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder

Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York

Practicing since 1997

A charge of theft of government property under 18 U.S.C. § 641 is a serious federal offense. If you are facing an investigation or prosecution in Arlington County, the case will be handled in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA). Federal cases are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and can involve investigations by the FBI, the Secret Service, the Department of Defense, or other federal agencies. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys represent individuals accused of federal crimes. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, understands how the government constructs these cases. To discuss your situation, reach our Arlington location at (888) 437-7747. Consultations are by appointment only. Results may vary.

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What Theft of Government Property Means in Arlington County, Virginia

Federal theft of government property is not a simple larceny charge handled in the Arlington County General District Court. It is prosecuted in federal court. The EDVA, headquartered in Alexandria, covers Arlington County and all of Northern Virginia. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia has a reputation for moving cases quickly, and the federal system operates under the United States Sentencing Guidelines. Unlike Virginia state court, there is no parole in the federal system. A conviction can lead to a sentence that is served day-for-day, with limited good-time credit.

When a federal agency believes government property has been stolen—whether it is money, equipment, data, or services—the investigation often begins quietly. The defendant may not learn of the charges until an indictment is returned. Because federal grand jury proceedings are conducted in secret, having experienced federal criminal defense counsel early in the process can be critical. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys appear in the EDVA and are familiar with the local practices that govern pretrial release, discovery, and motion practice in that district.

Arlington’s proximity to Washington, D.C., means that many federal theft cases in this locality involve defense contractors, government employees, or others who work with federal funds. The legal exposure is significant. Federal sentencing guidelines calculate an offense level based on the value of the property and the defendant’s role, and enhancements can apply if the theft involved a position of trust or sophisticated means. Our Arlington location serves clients from neighborhoods throughout the county—including Ballston, Clarendon, Crystal City, and Rosslyn—and we are available to meet by appointment at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room 719, Arlington, VA 22209.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Handle Federal Theft of Government Property Cases

Federal theft cases demand a defense strategy built on a thorough review of the government’s evidence. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys begin by examining the charging instrument, the probable-cause affidavit, and any search-warrant materials. The legal question often turns on whether the government can prove the element of intent and whether the property in question qualifies as “government property” under the statute. We also scrutinize whether the investigation complied with constitutional and procedural requirements.

The firm’s approach is to engage early—often before an indictment if the client is aware of an investigation. In the EDVA, the government frequently uses proffers or cooperation discussions; an attorney can help the client evaluate whether such discussions are appropriate. Throughout the case, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel work to negotiate the most favorable resolution possible, whether through a pretrial disposition, a plea agreement, or by taking the matter to trial when the evidence justifies it. The timeline and procedural steps depend on the specifics of each case and the court’s calendar.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. He is a former prosecutor, a background that gives him perspective on how the government investigates and charges federal offenses. He has been practicing since 1997 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. 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 multifaceted litigation experience, including backgrounds in state prosecution, law enforcement, and complex criminal defense. Together, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to federal criminal matters. Results may vary. Our Arlington location is by appointment; call (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is theft of government property under federal law?

Federal theft of government property is prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. § 641 and covers the taking or conversion of money, property, or records belonging to the United States. The statute is broad and can apply to everything from embezzlement of federal funds to theft of government equipment. The maximum penalties depend on the value of the property taken. A defense requires careful analysis of whether the defendant had the requisite criminal intent and whether the property fell within the scope of the statute.

How does the federal court process work in Arlington County, Virginia?

Arlington County is part of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, and federal cases are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The process typically begins with an investigation by a federal agency, followed by an indictment, an initial appearance, a detention hearing, and arraignment. Discovery is governed by the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. Sentencing, if it occurs, follows the United States Sentencing Guidelines. Because the federal system has no parole, the stakes are high at every stage.

Do I need a lawyer for a federal theft of government property charge in Virginia?

Yes, securing experienced federal defense counsel as early as possible is critical. Federal charges carry procedural complexities and sentencing exposure that differ significantly from state court. An attorney can help protect your rights during an investigation, negotiate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and challenge the government’s evidence. Attempting to handle a federal matter without experienced counsel is risky. To discuss your case, reach our Arlington location at (888) 437-7747.

What are possible defenses to a charge of theft of government property?

Defenses may include lack of intent, lawful claim of right, insufficient evidence, or constitutional violations in the investigation. The government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant knowingly took property belonging to the United States with intent to deprive the government of it. If the accused had a good-faith belief that they were entitled to the property, the required intent may be absent. An attorney can evaluate whether the search or seizure was lawful and whether statements were properly obtained.

How can a federal criminal defense attorney help in Arlington County?

An attorney familiar with the EDVA can navigate local procedural expectations, pursue pretrial release, and challenge the government’s case through motions and negotiations. The Alexandria division of the EDVA has specific rules and practices regarding detention, discovery, and trial scheduling. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys regularly appear in that court and can guide clients through the process. For a consultation, reach our Arlington location at (888) 437-7747.

What should I do if I am under investigation for theft of government property?

Do not speak to federal investigators without an attorney present, and do not discuss the matter with anyone other than your lawyer. Preserve all documents and records that may be relevant, but do not attempt to destroy anything, as that can lead to additional charges. Contact an experienced federal criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to begin evaluating your situation and to help determine an appropriate $1 of action.

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Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary. The firm’s Arlington location is by appointment only. Call (888) 437-7747.

Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.