Embezzlement Lawyer Roanoke County, VA
You open a letter from the Roanoke County Commonwealth’s Attorney: you are charged with embezzlement under Virginia Code § 18.2‑111. Your employer accuses you of misappropriating company funds, and now you face a court date at the Roanoke County General District Court in Salem. An embezzlement charge can end your career and burden you with a criminal record. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel represent individuals in these situations—contact us at (888) 437‑7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
Strategy Options for Embezzlement Defense
When Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel take on an embezzlement case in Roanoke County, they examine every angle. The defense may challenge the prosecution’s evidence, scrutinize the chain of custody for financial records, and identify procedural missteps by investigators. A former prosecutor leads the team, so the firm understands how the Commonwealth’s Attorney builds its case—and where it can be attacked. In many matters, negotiation yields a favorable resolution: the attorney may present mitigating circumstances, push for a charge reduction from felony to misdemeanor, or advocate for a deferred disposition that keeps a conviction off your record. If trial is necessary, the team prepares thoroughly, drawing on over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented firm-wide results to craft a clear, well‑prepared defense. Results may vary.
What to Expect After an Embezzlement Charge in Roanoke County
An embezzlement case moves through either the Roanoke County General District Court (for misdemeanors) or the Roanoke County Circuit Court (for felonies). After an arrest or the issuance of a summons, the first step is usually an initial appearance where bond is set. Bond for property offenses like embezzlement may be on personal recognizance or a secured amount—the magistrate considers factors such as community ties and the alleged loss. Next, for a felony, a preliminary hearing takes place in General District Court. If the judge finds probable cause, the case is certified to Circuit Court for trial. At any stage, plea negotiations can occur; Virginia law permits plea bargaining, though the judge is not a party to the deal. Some first‑time offenders may be eligible for programs that lead to dismissal after successful completion, but these options are never past results do not guarantee a similar outcome and depend on the specific facts.
Penalties for Embezzlement in Virginia
Embezzlement under Va. Code § 18.2‑111 is punished as larceny. That means the charge level turns on the value of the property or money involved.
Embezzlement of money or property valued at $1,000 or more is grand larceny, a felony punishable by imprisonment of one to twenty years.
Source: Va. Code § 18.2‑95. Virginia Legislative Information System
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia carries a maximum of twelve months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
Source: Va. Code § 18.2‑11. Virginia Legislative Information System
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
If the amount taken is under $1,000, the offense is petit larceny—a Class 1 misdemeanor with the penalty ceiling described above. A felony embezzlement conviction can also bring long‑term consequences: a permanent criminal record, loss of professional licenses, and difficulty finding employment. In some circumstances, the federal government may pursue parallel federal embezzlement charges under 18 U.S.C. § 641, which carries up to ten years in prison and no parole. An experienced defense team assesses all potential exposure and works to mitigate both the immediate punishment and the collateral damage.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., began practicing in 1997. A former prosecutor, he brings firsthand insight into how the state builds its case. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and handles serious criminal matters throughout the Commonwealth.
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented firm-wide results to embezzlement defense. Results may vary. The team includes lawyers who have prosecuted criminal cases, served in law enforcement, and handled countless trials in Virginia courts. Every case benefits from that collective knowledge, whether it resolves through negotiation or at trial.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I am facing embezzlement charges in Roanoke County?
If you are facing embezzlement charges, contact a criminal defense attorney immediately and do not discuss the case with anyone else. Preserve any documents, emails, and financial records related to the alleged misconduct. Do not attempt to explain your side to the police or your employer without counsel present—any statement you make can be used against you. Virginia law treats embezzlement as a larceny offense, so the stakes are high. Early involvement of a lawyer can influence how the Commonwealth’s Attorney views the case and may open the door to alternatives that avoid a conviction.
Is embezzlement a felony or a misdemeanor in Virginia?
Embezzlement is a felony when the value of the money or property is $1,000 or more, and a misdemeanor when the value is under $1,000. Specifically, Virginia Code § 18.2‑111 punishes embezzlement as larceny. Under § 18.2‑95, taking $1,000 or more is grand larceny, a felony with a potential sentence of one to twenty years in prison. A taking of less than $1,000 is petit larceny under § 18.2‑96, a Class 1 misdemeanor that carries up to twelve months in jail and a $2,500 fine. An attorney can examine the evidence to challenge the valuation or seek a reduction.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against embezzlement charges?
Defense strategies often involve challenging the prosecution’s proof of intent, exposing weaknesses in the financial evidence, and negotiating with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a reduced charge or alternative resolution. Because embezzlement requires a showing that the accused wrongfully and fraudulently converted property, the defense may focus on whether the handling of funds was authorized, whether there was a genuine misunderstanding, or whether the accounting is inaccurate. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel review every transaction, interview witnesses, and often bring in forensic accounting attorneys to support the defense.
Do I need a lawyer for an embezzlement charge in Virginia?
Yes, a lawyer is critical because even a misdemeanor embezzlement conviction can create a permanent criminal record and derail your career. Embezzlement is a crime of dishonesty, and a conviction may affect professional licenses, security clearances, and future employment. Navigating the Roanoke County court system without representation exposes you to procedural pitfalls and leaves you without someone to negotiate with the prosecutor. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to protect both your immediate freedom and your long‑term record.
How does bond work for embezzlement charges in Roanoke County?
After an arrest for embezzlement in Roanoke County, a magistrate sets bond based on factors like community ties, the alleged loss amount, and flight risk; many first‑offense, non‑violent property offenses result in a personal recognizance bond. If a secured bond is required, you may need to post cash or work with a bail bondsman. Bond can be reviewed by the Roanoke County General District Court. An attorney can argue for a lower bond or personal recognizance at the initial appearance and ensure you understand any conditions—such as remaining employed or avoiding contact with the alleged victim.
Can an embezzlement charge be dismissed in Roanoke County?
Yes, embezzlement charges can be dismissed through pretrial negotiations, successful completion of a deferred disposition program, or a finding of not guilty at trial. The Commonwealth’s Attorney may agree to dismiss the charge if the evidence is weak or if restitution is made. Virginia courts have first‑offender programs for certain property crimes, but eligibility is fact‑specific and not automatic. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel explore every avenue to resolve your case with a dismissal or a reduced charge that avoids a permanent criminal record.
Get Help With Your Embezzlement Case
If you have been accused of embezzlement in Roanoke County, Virginia, speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747 to request a consultation. Our location serving Roanoke County is 505 N Main St, Suite 103, Woodstock, VA 22664—by appointment.
Related Resources:
Virginia criminal defense overview ·
Fairfax criminal defense ·
Prince William criminal defense
Virginia Primary Sources:
Va. Code § 18.2‑111 (embezzlement) —
Virginia LIS
Va. Code § 18.2‑95 (grand larceny) —
Virginia LIS
Roanoke County General District Court —
vacourts.gov
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.