Felony Theft Lawyer Georgetown, DC
A felony theft charge in Georgetown, Washington, D.C., is a serious matter. Theft offenses in the District are governed by D.C. Code Title 22. When the value of the property allegedly taken exceeds $1,000, or when the offense involves a firearm or a theft directly from another person, the charge rises to first-degree theft—a felony carrying a potential penalty of up to ten years of incarceration. Theft of property valued at less than $1,000 is generally a second-degree theft, a misdemeanor. All criminal cases in Georgetown are heard at the D.C. Superior Court (Criminal Division), located at 500 Indiana Avenue NW. The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia prosecutes these cases. If you are facing a felony theft allegation in Georgetown, DC, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation.
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What Felony Theft Means in Georgetown, DC
Felony theft in the District of Columbia is defined by D.C. Code § 22-3211 (theft in the first degree) and D.C. Code § 22-3212 (theft in the second degree). First-degree theft is charged when the value of the stolen property is $1,000 or more, when the property is taken directly from the person of another, or when the property is a firearm. The maximum sentence upon conviction is ten years in prison. Second-degree theft is charged when the property value is below $1,000 and does not involve a firearm or a taking from the person; it carries a maximum of 180 days in jail and a fine.
Georgetown cases are handled exclusively at the D.C. Superior Court, a unified trial court that handles both local and some federal-offense prosecutions. The USAO-DC prosecutes criminal matters, including felony theft, under the D.C. Code. This unique federal-local hybrid structure means that procedures and pretrial services differ from those in neighboring states. The Pretrial Services Agency—a federal agency—assesses risk and makes release recommendations; the District does not use traditional cash bail for most offenses. The court’s calendar, the complexity of the evidence, and whether the case is resolved through negotiation or trial all affect the timeline of a felony theft matter.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Criminal Cases
When you work with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., you are represented by a team that approaches every felony theft case with a focus on protecting your rights and building a thorough defense. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, and his Of Counsel collectively bring extensive combined legal experience to each matter. The team examines the charging documents, reviews the discovery for weaknesses in the government’s evidence, and identifies procedural issues that may lead to suppression of evidence or dismissal of charges.
The firm’s lawyers also engage with the prosecutor’s office to explore resolutions that could reduce the impact of the charge. If a trial becomes necessary, the team is prepared to present a defense that challenges the elements the government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt—including the value of the property, the defendant’s intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property, and the identity of the person who committed the act. Throughout the process, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to achieve a favorable outcome, while keeping you informed about the status of your case.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who established the firm in 1997. 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 prosecution gives him critical insight into how the government builds its cases.
Mr. Sris is supported by a team of Of Counsel attorneys—experienced lawyers who concentrate their practice in criminal defense. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to felony theft defense in Georgetown, DC. Results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who prosecutes felony theft cases in Georgetown, DC?
Criminal cases in Washington, D.C., including felony theft, 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 territory, the U.S. Attorney’s Office handles the prosecution of D.C. Code offenses in D.C. Superior Court. The Assistant U.S. Attorneys assigned to these cases work out of the main office at 555 Fourth Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20530. Cases are heard at the D.C. Superior Court, Criminal Division, at 500 Indiana Avenue NW.
Does DC use cash bail for felony theft cases?
No, the District of Columbia does not rely on cash bail for most criminal offenses, including felony theft. Instead, the Pretrial Services Agency (a federal agency) conducts a risk assessment and recommends release conditions to the court. The judge then determines whether the defendant is released on personal recognizance or subject to conditions such as supervision, drug testing, or a stay-away order. The absence of cash bail means that a defendant’s ability to pay is not the deciding factor in pretrial release.
Can a felony theft conviction be sealed or expunged in DC?
Yes, under certain circumstances, a felony theft conviction can be sealed under D.C. Code § 16-803. The eligibility waiting period depends on the offense and whether the sentence was completed successfully. For a felony conviction, the waiting period is generally eight years after completion of the sentence, provided the person has not been convicted of any disqualifying offense in the interim. Arrests that do not result in a conviction and fully dismissed charges may be eligible for immediate sealing. The petition is filed at the D.C. Superior Court.
What should I do if I am arrested for felony theft in Georgetown?
If you are arrested, you should immediately request to speak with an attorney and refrain from making any statements to law enforcement. Do not discuss the facts of the case with anyone except your lawyer. Collect and preserve any documents, receipts, communications, or other evidence that may relate to the alleged theft. Contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible so that your legal team can begin working on your behalf before the first court appearance.
Do I need a lawyer for a felony theft charge in Georgetown, DC?
A lawyer is not required by law, but a felony theft charge carries the risk of a significant prison sentence and a permanent criminal record, making legal representation essential. An attorney can evaluate whether the government’s evidence meets the legal threshold, negotiate with the prosecutor for reduced charges or alternative dispositions, and—if necessary—defend you at trial. Proceeding without counsel is generally not advisable given the complexity of D.C. Criminal procedure and the potential consequences of a felony conviction.
How long does a felony theft case take in DC?
The timeline for a felony theft case in D.C. Varies depending on the complexity of the evidence, the court’s calendar, and whether the case goes to trial. Misdemeanor cases often move relatively quickly, while felony matters—especially those involving grand jury indictment—typically take longer. The Speedy Trial Act and local court rules impose time limits, but the actual duration from arrest to resolution is influenced by motions, discovery, plea negotiations, and the availability of witnesses. Your attorney can give you a more specific estimate based on the particular circumstances of your case.
Related pages:
Washington, D.C. Criminal defense |
Spring Valley criminal lawyer |
Cleveland Park criminal lawyer |
Chevy Chase criminal attorney |
American University Park criminal lawyer
Official D.C. Sources:
D.C. Code Title 22 (Criminal Offenses) |
D.C. Superior Court |
U.S. Attorney’s Office for D.C.
Contact: Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — (888) 437-7747 — Serving Georgetown from our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room 719, Arlington, VA 22209 — By appointment only.
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Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary.