Theft of Government Property lawyer Fairfax, VA

Last reviewed: July 2026 Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

Federal theft of government property charges in the Fairfax, Virginia area are handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia in the U.S. District Court. These cases can involve allegations of stealing, fraudulently obtaining, or converting money or assets belonging to a federal agency or program. The federal criminal system imposes substantial penalties, including imprisonment and significant fines, with no possibility of parole. Given the complexity and severity of federal prosecution, individuals under investigation or charged should seek experienced legal representation promptly. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor with experience in federal criminal defense. He and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys appear in the Eastern District of Virginia and offer a defense strategy tailored to the circumstances of each case. Fairfax residents accused of federal theft of government property also face ancillary consequences, such as asset forfeiture and restitution orders. Because federal investigations often begin with grand jury subpoenas, search warrants, or interviews by federal agents from agencies such as the FBI or the Office of Inspector General, early intervention by defense counsel can influence the course of the investigation. To discuss a theft of government property matter in Fairfax, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

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What Theft of Government Property Means in Fairfax, Virginia

Theft of government property under federal law generally refers to the unauthorized taking, embezzlement, or conversion of money, assets, or records belonging to the United States or any federal department or agency. The conduct is prosecuted under various provisions of Title 18 of the U.S. Code, and the government must prove that the defendant knowingly took or converted property of the United States with the intent to deprive the government of its use. In the Fairfax area, these allegations frequently arise from investigations involving federal grant funds, military contracts, government benefit programs, or theft from federal installations such as Fort Belvoir or Marine Corps Base Quantico. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia—widely recognized for its active prosecution of fraud and theft offenses—presents these cases to a grand jury in Alexandria. Because the facts of each case can involve multiple federal agencies and complex financial records, an accused person benefits from counsel who understands how federal charging decisions are made and how to challenge the government’s evidence before trial.

The Eastern District of Virginia covers Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, and all of Northern Virginia. A person investigated for theft of government property may be contacted by agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation division, or other federal investigative bodies. Unlike a state charge in the Fairfax County General District Court or Circuit Court, a federal theft charge proceeds entirely in the U.S. District Court under the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. Pretrial detention, discovery, and sentencing all operate under federal standards. Because the process differs materially from state court, an attorney who is familiar with the local federal court and the practices of the Alexandria division can help a Fairfax resident navigate each stage.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Theft of Government Property Cases

When a Fairfax resident becomes aware of a federal theft investigation—whether through a target letter, a subpoena, or a visit from federal agents—obtaining counsel before any statement is made is critical. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys concentrate on early engagement: reviewing the government’s allegations, preserving exculpatory evidence, and intervening with the prosecutor to potentially narrow the scope of the investigation. The firm’s approach focuses on crafting a defense that addresses the specific factual and legal elements of the charge. For example, whether the property is truly “government property” under the statute, whether the accused possessed the requisite intent, and whether any constitutional or procedural violations occurred during the investigation are all examined. Throughout the case, the firm works to present arguments at every stage—from the initial appearance and detention hearing through potential motion practice and trial—designed to protect the client’s rights and work toward a favorable outcome.

Because the federal sentencing guidelines apply and the court has broad discretion in fashioning a sentence, the firm’s defense strategy also accounts for sentencing exposure from the earliest stages. Mr. Sris and the Of Counsel attorneys examine the loss amount, the offense level, any acceptance-of-responsibility adjustments, and the possibility of a departure or variance under the guidelines. They present mitigating information to the court and, where appropriate, negotiate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to resolve the matter in a way that minimizes the collateral impact on the client. Throughout the representation, the firm maintains communication with the client and explains each procedural step so that the client can make informed decisions about the case.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has been practicing since 1997 and is a former prosecutor. He has testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Mr. Sris concentrates in federal criminal defense and appears in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience to federal criminal matters. Results may vary.

Together, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys examine every federal theft of government property case with an eye toward evidentiary weaknesses, procedural defenses, and sentencing mitigation. The firm does not make promises about results, but it commits to a thorough, prepared defense grounded in experience with federal criminal procedure and the practices of the Eastern District of Virginia. To discuss a Fairfax theft of government property matter, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is theft of government property under federal law?

Theft of government property is the unauthorized taking, embezzlement, or conversion of money, assets, or records belonging to the United States. Federal statutes, primarily in Title 18, make it a crime to knowingly obtain or convert property of the federal government without authorization. The prosecution must prove the defendant acted with intent to deprive the government of the property. Examples include stealing equipment from a military base, misusing federal grant funds, or converting government computers for personal use. Because the offense is federal, the case proceeds in U.S. District Court and is prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, not state authorities. To discuss your specific situation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

What are the potential penalties for theft of government property?

Penalties for federal theft of government property depend on the specific statutory provision charged and are determined by the court under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. A conviction can result in a term of imprisonment, a monetary fine, an order of restitution to the affected agency, and a period of supervised release. The exact exposure is driven by factors such as the value of the property taken, the defendant’s role in the offense, and any relevant criminal history. Because there is no parole in the federal system, a custodial sentence means the defendant serves the majority of the term imposed. For a consultation about potential penalties in a specific case, reach Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys at (888) 437-7747.

How is a federal theft of government property case investigated in Fairfax?

Investigations typically involve federal law enforcement agencies such as the FBI, the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, or the IRS‑Criminal Investigation division. Agents may use grand jury subpoenas, search warrants, witness interviews, and financial record analysis. A target of an investigation may receive a letter from the U.S. Attorney’s Office or be contacted directly by agents. Because statements made to investigators can be used in court, anyone who believes they are under investigation should consult counsel before providing any information. Early legal representation can help safeguard rights and influence the direction of the investigation. For guidance on your specific situation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

What should I do if I am contacted by a federal agent about theft of government property?

You should politely decline to answer questions until you have spoken with an experienced federal criminal defense attorney. Federal agents are trained to obtain statements that may later be used to support a prosecution. You have the right to remain silent and to have counsel present during any questioning. After contact, avoid discussing the matter with anyone other than your attorney, and do not destroy or alter any documents that may be relevant. Promptly contacting a lawyer who handles federal cases in the Eastern District of Virginia allows the attorney to assess the situation and communicate with the government on your behalf. To discuss the details of your matter, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

How can a lawyer help defend against a theft of government property charge?

An attorney can challenge the government’s evidence, negotiate with the prosecutor, and develop a sentencing mitigation strategy. Defense counsel examines whether the property at issue qualifies as “government property” under the statute, whether the defendant possessed the required criminal intent, and whether any procedural or constitutional violations occurred during the investigation. In many cases, the attorney can present mitigating facts to the U.S. Attorney’s Office to seek a reduction in charges or a favorable plea resolution. If the case proceeds to trial, counsel presents a vigorous defense. Throughout the process, the lawyer explains each step and the associated risks so the client can make informed decisions. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.

Additional Resources
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia |
U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Virginia

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