Embezzlement Lawyer Virginia Beach, VA
An embezzlement charge in Virginia Beach can lead to a criminal record, incarceration, and lasting professional consequences. Embezzlement, defined under Va. Code § 18.2‑111, is the wrongful taking or misuse of property entrusted to a person by an employer, principal, or another party. Because Virginia punishes embezzlement as larceny—meaning the charged offense follows the same grading as theft—the potential penalty hinges directly on the value of the property involved. A charge may be filed as a misdemeanor or a felony, and the case will move through the Virginia Beach General District Court or the Virginia Beach Circuit Court. Our firm represents individuals facing embezzlement allegations throughout the Virginia Beach area, from Sandbridge to Oceana. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel focus on building a thorough defense, examining the evidence, and working to protect your rights at every stage. To request a consultation, call (888) 437‑7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Embezzlement Means in Virginia Beach
Virginia embezzlement law, codified at Va. Code § 18.2‑111, treats the offense as a form of larceny. A person may be charged with embezzlement when they are accused of wrongfully using, disposing of, concealing, or misappropriating money or other personal property that they received on behalf of an employer, principal, or bailee. The prosecution must prove that the accused acted with fraudulent intent and that the property was taken in violation of a fiduciary or employment relationship. In Virginia, embezzlement is not a stand‑alone offense with its own penalty chart; instead, the punishment is determined by the value of the property, as set out in the grand larceny (Va. Code § 18.2‑95) and petit larceny (Va. Code § 18.2‑96) statutes. When the property is valued at $1,000 or more, the case is typically charged as grand larceny, which is a felony. A value below that threshold may result in a misdemeanor petit larceny charge. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive experience analyzing the valuation of property in embezzlement cases—a critical factor in the potential outcome.
In Virginia Beach, embezzlement cases are heard in the Virginia Beach General District Court for misdemeanors and for felony preliminary hearings. The courthouse is located at 2425 Nimmo Parkway, Building 10B, Virginia Beach, VA 23456. Felony cases that pass the preliminary hearing stage proceed to the Virginia Beach Circuit Court for trial. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Virginia Beach prosecutes these matters. Because the legal process can move quickly, early involvement of defense counsel is important. Our Richmond Location—at 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225—represents clients in Virginia Beach courts. We help individuals understand the charges, evaluate the evidence, and prepare a defense strategy tailored to the specific circumstances. Contact us at (888) 437‑7747 to schedule a consultation by appointment.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Embezzlement Cases
When a person is accused of embezzlement, the government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused intended to defraud. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel examine every aspect of the case to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s proof. This often begins with a careful review of the financial records, employment agreements, and any documentation related to the handling of the alleged funds or property. The defense may challenge the valuation of the property—since the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony can depend on the dollar figure—or question whether the accused had the requisite fraudulent intent. Sometimes the evidence shows a misunderstanding, an accounting error, or a lack of criminal intent rather than a purposeful theft.
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel also evaluate whether the government followed proper procedures in obtaining evidence. If a search, seizure, or interrogation was conducted in violation of the accused’s constitutional rights, it may be possible to seek suppression of that evidence. Throughout the process, the defense works to negotiate with the prosecutor when it is in the client’s best interest, while always preparing for trial. Virginia courts permit plea agreements under Rule 3A:8 of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia; the Commonwealth’s Attorney may agree to amend charges or recommend a specific sentence. The ultimate goal is to pursue the most favorable resolution available under the facts of the case. Because each case is unique, the timeline and strategy will vary. Results may vary.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced law since 1997. A former prosecutor, he brings insight into how the government builds its cases. 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 to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and have achieved 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. The team works collectively on embezzlement matters, drawing on backgrounds that include prosecutorial experience, law enforcement insight, and extensive criminal defense work. Our Richmond Location is at 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225. Call (888) 437‑7747 to request a consultation by appointment.
Outbound primary sources: Virginia Code Title 18.2 · Virginia Beach General District Court · SCC business entity filings
Frequently Asked Questions
What is embezzlement under Virginia law?
Embezzlement under Virginia law is the wrongful misuse or taking of property that a person has been entrusted to hold for another. Codified at Va. Code § 18.2‑111, it is prosecuted as larceny—meaning the punishment is tied to the value of the property. If the value is $1,000 or more, the charge is typically a felony grand larceny; lower amounts may be treated as a misdemeanor petit larceny. The Commonwealth must prove that the accused acted with fraudulent intent and that a fiduciary or employment relationship existed. Because the grading of the offense turns on the dollar figure, an accurate valuation of the property is a critical part of the defense. For a consultation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
What should I do if I am accused of embezzlement in Virginia Beach?
If you are accused of embezzlement in Virginia Beach, you should immediately contact a criminal defense attorney and avoid discussing the allegations with anyone except your lawyer. Do not speak with law enforcement, employers, or coworkers about the matter without counsel present. Preserve all financial records, communications, and other documents that may relate to the allegations, but do not alter or destroy anything. The Virginia Beach General District Court and the Virginia Beach Circuit Court handle these cases, and early legal representation can help protect your rights from the initial investigation through any court proceedings. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
How does a lawyer defend against embezzlement charges?
A lawyer defends against embezzlement charges by examining the prosecution’s evidence, challenging the valuation of the property, and questioning whether the accused acted with fraudulent intent. The defense may investigate whether there was a misunderstanding about authorization to use the funds, an accounting error, or a lack of criminal intent. Procedural challenges, such as whether the government obtained evidence through an improper search or interrogation, may also be raised. Because Virginia permits plea agreements under Supreme Court Rule 3A:8, the defense may negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduction of charges or a favorable sentencing recommendation when that strategy serves the client’s interests. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437‑7747.
What are the possible penalties for embezzlement in Virginia?
Embezzlement penalties in Virginia depend on the value of the property and whether the offense is charged as a felony or a misdemeanor. If the property is valued at $1,000 or more, embezzlement is typically charged as grand larceny, a felony punishable by one to twenty years in prison, or at the discretion of a jury, up to twelve months in jail and a fine. Below $1,000, the offense is generally a misdemeanor petit larceny, which carries a maximum of twelve months in jail. A conviction can also result in a permanent criminal record, loss of professional licenses, and other long‑term consequences. The specific sentence in any case will depend on the facts, including the accused’s prior record. To discuss the range of possible outcomes in your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
How does the court process work for an embezzlement case in Virginia Beach?
An embezzlement case in Virginia Beach begins with an arrest or a summons, followed by an arraignment and, if the charge is a felony, a preliminary hearing in the Virginia Beach General District Court. Misdemeanor embezzlement trials are held entirely in the General District Court. For felony charges, the General District Court judge determines whether there is probable cause to send the case to the Virginia Beach Circuit Court for trial. In Circuit Court, the accused has the right to a jury trial. Throughout the process, the defense may file motions, engage in discovery, and negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney. The timeline varies by case. For a consultation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
Do I need a lawyer for an embezzlement charge?
Yes, you need a lawyer for an embezzlement charge because a conviction carries the risk of incarceration, a permanent criminal record, and serious collateral consequences for your career and personal life. Even a misdemeanor embezzlement conviction can affect employment opportunities, professional licenses, and immigration status. An experienced defense attorney can scrutinize the evidence, negotiate with the prosecutor, and protect your rights at every stage of the proceeding. Attempting to handle the matter on your own can be risky given the complexity of Virginia’s larceny‑based embezzlement framework and the procedural rules that govern the Virginia Beach courts. To discuss your situation with Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel, call (888) 437‑7747.
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