Theft of Government Property lawyer Chesapeake, VA

A federal charge of theft of government property brings the resources of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and federal investigative agencies to bear on a defendant. In Chesapeake, Virginia, matters arising under the federal theft-of-government-property statutes are prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA). The firm’s Richmond Location serves clients throughout the Hampton Roads region, including Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier, and the firm’s attorneys appear in EDVA proceedings involving 18 U.S.C. Title 18 offenses. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work with individuals facing federal theft allegations to build a prepared defense. Because federal conviction rates exceed ninety percent and the federal system has no parole, early engagement with experienced counsel is important. For a consultation, call (888) 437‑7747.
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What Theft of Government Property Means in Chesapeake, Virginia

Federal theft of government property is prosecuted under Title 18 of the U.S. Code. The statute covers a broad range of conduct—taking, converting, or embezzling money, public records, equipment, or any thing of value belonging to the United States or one of its agencies. Cases in the Chesapeake area typically originate from investigations by the FBI, DEA, IRS Criminal Investigation, ATF, or other federal law enforcement agencies, and they are handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. The EDVA has divisions in Alexandria, Richmond, Norfolk, and Newport News; Chesapeake matters often proceed through the Norfolk or Newport News division, depending on the judicial assignment.

A person facing a theft‑of‑government‑property charge in Chesapeake enters a federal process that includes an initial appearance before a magistrate judge, a detention hearing, and, for felony charges, grand jury indictment. Pretrial release conditions, discovery, and motion practice follow the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. Sentencing, if there is a conviction, is governed by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. While the guidelines are advisory after United States v. Booker, they strongly influence judicial discretion. Mandatory minimums can apply in some federal theft cases, and the absence of parole in the federal system makes every phase of the proceeding important. The firm’s attorneys understand the EDVA’s local practices and work to protect clients’ rights throughout the process.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Federal Theft Cases

Federal theft investigations often begin long before an arrest—with subpoenas, search warrants, or grand jury testimony. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys enter the matter as early as possible, which frequently means engaging during the investigation stage. The goal is to preserve evidence, present mitigating information to prosecutors before an indictment is returned, and, where possible, negotiate a pretrial resolution that avoids the full weight of a potential indictment. If charges are filed, the defense concentrates on challenging the government’s evidence, examining whether the property was in fact “of the United States,” whether the defendant acted with the requisite intent, and whether law enforcement complied with constitutional and procedural requirements.

The firm’s approach is shaped by Mr. Sris’s background as a former prosecutor and by the extensive combined legal experience between Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys. Because federal theft cases often involve voluminous documentary evidence and witness testimony, the team works closely with clients to review the government’s discovery, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s theory, and prepare for possible trial. In the Eastern District of Virginia, cases move quickly under the Speedy Trial Act—indictment must occur within thirty days of arrest and trial within seventy days of indictment, subject to excludable delays. The firm’s attorneys are familiar with that pace and ready to act promptly on behalf of their clients.

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

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced law since 1997. As a former prosecutor, he understands how the government builds a federal theft case and where its case is vulnerable. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and he concentrates his practice on federal criminal defense and related matters. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring additional courtroom experience and knowledge of federal procedure. Together, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work as a collaborative defense team on federal theft‑of‑government‑property matters. Clients receive the benefit of a group of experienced lawyers who evaluate the case from multiple angles. The firm serves Chesapeake and the surrounding communities from its Richmond Location. Results may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is theft of government property in federal court?

Federal theft of government property involves taking or converting money, records, equipment, or any thing of value that belongs to the United States or a federal agency. The offense is prosecuted under Title 18 of the U.S. Code in U.S. District Court. Unlike state theft charges, federal cases are brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and often follow a long investigation by federal agents. Conviction can result in significant prison time under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and there is no parole in the federal system. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

What should I do if I am facing a theft of government property charge in Chesapeake, Virginia?

Contact a federal criminal defense attorney immediately, preserve all relevant documents, and do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Federal theft charges are serious; investigators may have been building a file for months. Early legal intervention can affect whether charges are filed and what they look like. A defense attorney can communicate with prosecutors, evaluate the strength of the government’s evidence, and advise you on steps to protect your interests. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

How does federal court in Chesapeake, Virginia, differ from state court?

Federal court in Chesapeake operates under the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia and follows the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, which differ substantially from Virginia state court practice. Federal prosecutors have greater investigative resources—the FBI, DEA, IRS, and other agencies may be involved. Sentencing is guided by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and there is no parole. Additionally, federal conviction rates are very high, and the pace of litigation is often faster because of the Speedy Trial Act. If you are facing a federal theft charge, experienced federal defense counsel can help you navigate these differences.

Do I need a federal criminal defense lawyer for a theft of government property charge?

Yes, because federal theft charges carry serious consequences and the procedures, discovery rules, and sentencing structure in the federal system are unique. A lawyer with experience in the EDVA can evaluate the government’s case, identify procedural or constitutional issues, and negotiate with an Assistant U.S. Attorney who is likely very familiar with the local judges and their expectations. Without that knowledge, a defendant risks missteps that can affect pretrial release, plea negotiations, and eventual sentencing. For a consultation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

What are the possible penalties for theft of government property?

Penalties vary widely depending on the value of the property, the specific statute charged, and the defendant’s criminal history under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. Theft of government property can be charged as a felony, and a conviction may result in imprisonment, fines, restitution, and supervised release. Because the federal system has abolished parole, any prison sentence imposed will be served at least eighty‑five percent of the term. A thorough review of the charges by a defense attorney is necessary to assess potential exposure. The firm’s attorneys can explain the likely range based on the specific facts of the case.

For official information on federal criminal procedure and the Eastern District of Virginia, see the court’s website at U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia. To review the statutory text, consult Title 18 of the U.S. Code (Crimes and Criminal Procedure).

Last reviewed: July 2026

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. maintains a location at 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225. By appointment only. Reach the firm at (888) 437‑7747.

Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.