Embezzlement Lawyer Georgetown, DC

An embezzlement allegation in the Georgetown area of Washington, D.C., brings immediate uncertainty. You may be facing scrutiny from the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia (USAO‑DC), the office that prosecutes most local criminal offenses in the District under the D.C. Code. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, represents clients charged with theft‑related offenses in D.C. Superior Court, including embezzlement matters arising in Georgetown, Burleith, and surrounding neighborhoods. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary. To request a consultation, reach our firm at (888) 437‑7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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What Embezzlement Defense Means in Georgetown

Embezzlement in the District of Columbia is not a standalone statutory offense with its own section of the D.C. Code. It is prosecuted under the general theft statutes, which treat the wrongful taking or conversion of property entrusted to a person as larceny. Because Georgetown lies within the District, any embezzlement charge will be heard at the D.C. Superior Court, located at 500 Indiana Avenue NW. The court’s Criminal Division handles all local criminal matters. The USAO‑DC prosecutes these cases—there is no separate local district attorney’s office—which means the prosecutorial resources and approach can differ from what you might expect in a typical state‑court system.

The potential consequences of an embezzlement conviction depend on the value of the property involved. When the amount exceeds $1,000, the offense is treated as first‑degree theft, a felony punishable by up to ten years of imprisonment. Amounts below that threshold are treated as second‑degree theft, a misdemeanor with a maximum sentence of 180 days. The court may also impose fines, restitution, and a period of supervised release. Because the D.C. Pretrial Services Agency, rather than a cash‑bail system, handles release decisions, whether you are held or released before trial hinges on a risk assessment—not on your ability to post money. Having counsel who understands this unique pretrial framework can make a meaningful difference early in your case.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Embezzlement Cases

Every embezzlement case begins with a thorough review of the prosecution’s evidence. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel examine financial records, audit trails, authorization documents, and any statements made to investigators. The goal is to identify whether the prosecution can prove each element of the theft offense beyond a reasonable doubt. Many embezzlement charges hinge on questions of intent and authorization—whether the alleged conduct was truly fraudulent or simply a misunderstanding over the handling of funds.

Once the evidence is evaluated, the team works to build a defense strategy tailored to the facts of the case. That strategy may involve negotiating with the USAO‑DC for a reduction or dismissal of charges, seeking pretrial diversion where available, or preparing for trial if a favorable resolution cannot be reached. Throughout the process, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience, drawn from years of handling criminal matters in federal and local courts, to address the procedural and evidentiary challenges that often arise in financial‑crime prosecutions. Results may vary.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., established the firm in 1997 after serving as a former prosecutor. He is admitted to practice 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 in criminal law includes a detailed understanding of how financial‑crime prosecutions are assembled and pursued in the D.C. Superior Court. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys, engaged through Excella, contribute additional litigation experience and are admitted in the District of Columbia and Virginia, among other jurisdictions.

Because Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. is a multi‑state firm, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are able to handle embezzlement matters that may intersect with multiple jurisdictions. Clients in Georgetown benefit from a defense team that is familiar with the procedural nuances of D.C. Practice—including the role of the United States Attorney’s Office, the Pretrial Services Agency, and the record‑sealing provisions under D.C. Code § 16‑803.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who prosecutes embezzlement cases in Washington, D.C.?

Criminal cases in the District of Columbia are prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia (USAO‑DC), not a local district attorney. Because D.C. Is a federal district, the USAO‑DC handles both federal offenses and local offenses under the D.C. Code. Embezzlement, charged as theft under D.C. Law, is prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys assigned to the Superior Court Division. Cases are heard at the D.C. Superior Court, 500 Indiana Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001. This federal‑local hybrid system means that the prosecutorial approach may draw on federal resources and procedures, though the substantive law applied is the D.C. Code. For a defendant, understanding this structure can be important when evaluating the strength of the government’s case and the likelihood of a negotiated resolution.

What are the penalties for embezzlement in D.C.?

Embezzlement is prosecuted as theft in D.C.; penalties depend on the value of the property taken. If the amount exceeds $1,000, the offense is first‑degree theft, a felony punishable by up to 10 years of imprisonment. When the amount is $1,000 or less, the charge is second‑degree theft, a misdemeanor carrying a maximum of 180 days in jail. The court may also order the defendant to pay restitution to the victim, and fines may be imposed. In addition, a felony conviction can affect employment, professional licensing, and immigration status. Because the United States Attorney’s Office for D.C. Prosecutes these cases, the prosecution may seek enhanced penalties if the embezzlement involved a position of trust or a government entity. The specific sentence in any case depends on the facts, the defendant’s prior record, and the presence of any aggravating or mitigating circumstances.

Does D.C. Have cash bail for embezzlement charges?

No, the District of Columbia does not use a cash‑bail system; release decisions are based on a risk assessment conducted by the Pretrial Services Agency. After an arrest for embezzlement, a defendant is typically presented before a judicial officer within 24 hours. Instead of setting a monetary bond, the court relies on a report from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA), a federal agency that evaluates the risk of flight and danger to the community. PSA may recommend release conditions such as supervision, drug testing, or a stay‑away order. Most defendants are released without posting money. Understanding this process early can help a defendant prepare for the initial appearance and present a strong case for release on the least restrictive conditions possible.

Can I get my D.C. Criminal record sealed after an embezzlement charge?

Yes, the District of Columbia allows record sealing under D.C. Code § 16‑803 for acquittals, dismissals, and certain qualifying convictions after a waiting period. If your embezzlement charge is dismissed, you are found not guilty, or the prosecution enters a nolle prosequi, you may petition the D.C. Superior Court to seal your arrest record immediately. For conviction‑based sealing, eligibility depends on the offense class, the sentence imposed, and the time that has passed since the completion of the sentence and any supervision. Some misdemeanor theft convictions may become eligible after a waiting period, while certain felony convictions may never be eligible for sealing. Marijuana‑related offenses have expanded sealing eligibility, but embezzlement does not fall under those provisions. An attorney can help you determine whether your specific case qualifies under the current law.

How long does an embezzlement case take in D.C. Superior Court?

The timeline for an embezzlement case in D.C. Superior Court varies based on the complexity of the financial records, the number of witnesses, and the court’s calendar. A misdemeanor case may be resolved in a few months, while a felony case can take significantly longer—often a year or more if it proceeds to trial. The Speedy Trial Act and local court rules impose deadlines, but pretrial motions, discovery disputes, and the negotiation process can extend the timeline. Competency evaluations, if ordered, also add time. Because each case is different, there is no single timeframe that applies to all embezzlement prosecutions. Having counsel who can move the case forward efficiently—while also ensuring that you receive the full benefit of discovery and motion practice—is essential to managing both the timeline and the outcome.

Do I need a lawyer for embezzlement charges in Georgetown?

While you are not legally required to have an attorney, embezzlement charges carry serious consequences, and navigating the D.C. Superior Court system without counsel is exceptionally difficult. An attorney can evaluate whether the evidence supports the charge, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and negotiate with the United States Attorney’s Office. Because embezzlement often turns on financial documents and questions of intent, a lawyer experienced in fraud and theft cases can challenge the government’s interpretation of the records and present a defense that a layperson would be unlikely to develop alone. If you have been contacted by law enforcement or have been charged, it is advisable to seek legal advice before speaking further about the case. To discuss your situation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

Related Criminal Defense Pages

If you are looking for broader information about criminal defense in the District of Columbia, you may find these pages helpful:

Last reviewed: July 2026

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