Felony Theft Lawyer Dupont Circle, DC

An arrest for felony theft in the Dupont Circle area can turn your life upside down. In the District of Columbia, theft cases are prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia—a federal prosecutor—even though the charge arises under the D.C. Code. A conviction for felony theft can mean incarceration, a substantial fine, and a permanent criminal record that follows you for years. The complexity of DC’s unique court system, combined with the seriousness of the allegations, makes experienced legal guidance essential. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., we represent individuals facing felony theft charges in DC Superior Court. Mr. Sris, the firm’s Owner and Founder, is a former prosecutor who has built the firm’s practice on a thorough understanding of how the prosecution develops its cases. Reach our firm at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

On This Page

What Felony Theft Means in Dupont Circle

Felony theft in the District of Columbia is governed by D.C. Code Title 22. The classification turns on the value of the property allegedly taken. Theft in the first degree applies when the stolen property is valued at $1,000 or more, or when the property is taken directly from the person of another. First-degree theft is a felony offense. Theft in the second degree covers property valued below $1,000 and is prosecuted as a misdemeanor. Because the dollar threshold is relatively low, many shoplifting, employee, or fraud-related incidents in Dupont Circle can be charged as felonies.

Under D.C. Code Title 22, first-degree theft (property valued at $1,000 or more) carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000; second-degree theft is punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

Source: D.C. Code §§ 22-3211, 22-3212. D.C. Official Code

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.

All felony theft cases in Dupont Circle are heard at the DC Superior Court, located at 500 Indiana Avenue NW, near Judiciary Square. The courthouse is served by the Judiciary Square Metro station on the Red Line, and it is within a short distance from the firm’s Arlington location. DC’s criminal justice system does not use traditional cash bail for most offenses. Instead, the Pretrial Services Agency—a federal agency—conducts a risk assessment and makes a release recommendation to the court. Understanding how these release decisions work can be critical in the early hours after an arrest. Our attorneys appear regularly in the Criminal Division of DC Superior Court and are familiar with the procedures that apply to felony theft matters in the District.

Dupont Circle is a dense, mixed-use neighborhood with a high concentration of retail, restaurants, and transit. Theft charges in this area can arise from a variety of circumstances, including allegations of shoplifting from Connecticut Avenue businesses, accusations of embezzlement or fraud in a work setting, or disputes over personal property. Because DC is a federal enclave where local crimes are prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office, the prosecution has significant resources at its disposal. Building a defense requires a careful review of the evidence, a command of DC criminal procedure, and the ability to challenge the prosecution’s case at every stage.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Felony Theft Cases

Every felony theft defense starts with a detailed investigation of the facts. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team review the police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and any other evidence the prosecution intends to rely on. We examine the basis for the valuation of the property—if the value is overstated, the charge may be reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor. We also scrutinize the legality of the stop, search, and any statements made to law enforcement to determine whether constitutional protections were violated.

In DC Superior Court, the prosecution must prove each element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. Our approach is to identify weaknesses in the government’s case and use them to seek a dismissal, a reduction of charges, or a favorable plea agreement when that serves the client’s interests. If a trial is necessary, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are prepared to present a strong defense before a judge or jury. Because DC prosecutions are handled by federal prosecutors, the discovery process and pretrial motion practice follow procedures that are distinct from many state courts. Our experience with DC criminal practice helps us navigate those procedures efficiently and advocate effectively for our clients.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. A former prosecutor, he founded the firm in 1997 and has since concentrated his practice on criminal defense, family law, and related areas. He 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). His background gives him insight into how the prosecution builds its cases, and he brings that perspective to every client matter.

Mr. Sris is joined by a team of Of Counsel attorneys who collectively bring experience across a range of criminal matters in DC Superior Court. The firm’s defense practice is collaborative; attorneys work together to develop strategy, review evidence, and prepare for court. This team-based approach means that every client benefits from the combined knowledge and perspective of multiple legal professionals.

Firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and the District of Columbia, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented more than 4,739 case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%.

Source: Firm internal records. srislawyer.com

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.

Results may vary. in any future matter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is felony theft in Washington, D.C.?

Felony theft in D.C. Occurs when a person is accused of wrongfully taking property valued at $1,000 or more, or taking property directly from another person, with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it. The charge is classified as first-degree theft under D.C. Code § 22-3211. If the property is valued below $1,000 and not taken from a person, the offense is second-degree theft, a misdemeanor. Because the $1,000 threshold is relatively low, many theft allegations in Dupont Circle—including shoplifting, employee theft, or fraudulent schemes—can be charged as felonies.

How does DC Superior Court handle a felony theft case?

A felony theft charge in D.C. Begins with an arrest and an initial appearance in DC Superior Court, where the judge reviews the Pretrial Services Agency’s risk assessment and decides on conditions of release. The case then proceeds to a preliminary hearing or a grand jury indictment. Following the charging phase, discovery is exchanged and pretrial motions are litigated. The case may resolve through a plea agreement or proceed to trial. Throughout the process, the United States Attorney’s Office prosecutes the case, and the defendant has the right to be represented by counsel.

What are the potential penalties for a felony theft conviction in DC?

First-degree theft—the felony-level offense—carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. Second-degree theft is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. A felony conviction also results in a permanent criminal record that can affect employment, housing, and professional licensing. Because the stakes are high, a defense focused on challenging the prosecution’s evidence or seeking a reduction in charges is essential.

Do I need a lawyer for a felony theft charge in Dupont Circle?

Yes—having an experienced attorney on your side is critically important when you are facing a felony theft charge in DC. The prosecutor is an experienced federal attorney, and the court procedures are complex. An attorney can investigate the facts, challenge the valuation of the property, file motions to suppress evidence, negotiate with the prosecution, and represent you at trial if necessary. The earlier you involve counsel, the better your chances of achieving a favorable outcome. To discuss your situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

How can a defense attorney challenge a felony theft charge?

An attorney can challenge a felony theft charge by contesting the value of the property, arguing that the accused lacked the intent to permanently deprive the owner, or raising constitutional violations such as an unlawful search or seizure. In many cases, the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor is the dollar amount. If the defense can show that the property was worth less than $1,000, the charge may be reduced. Other strategies include demonstrating that the accused had a claim of right, presenting evidence of mistaken identity, or impeaching the credibility of prosecution witnesses.

What should I do if I am arrested for theft in Dupont Circle?

If you are arrested for theft in DC, remain calm, do not make any statements to the police about the allegations, and ask to speak with an attorney. Anything you say can be used against you. After an arrest, you will be taken before a judicial officer for an initial appearance, where the court will set conditions of release. Contact a qualified criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.

Related Practice Areas and Locations

Our firm handles a range of criminal defense matters across Washington, D.C. And nearby communities:

Official Resources

Last reviewed: July 2026

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.