Embezzlement Lawyer Henrico County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Embezzlement in Henrico County is a serious white-collar crime prosecuted under Virginia and federal law, carrying severe penalties. If you are under investigation or charged, securing an experienced embezzlement lawyer in Henrico County is critical. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for clients facing misappropriation of funds allegations in Henrico County General District and Circuit Courts.
Virginia Embezzlement Law and Penalties
Embezzlement in Virginia is defined as the fraudulent appropriation of property by a person to whom it has been entrusted. The specific charges and penalties depend heavily on the value of the property involved, as outlined in the Virginia Code.
Last verified: April 2026 | Henrico County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Under Va. Code § 18.2-111, embezzlement is larceny. If the value of the money, goods, or property is less than $1,000, the offense is petit larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. If the value is $1,000 or more, it is grand larceny, which can be a felony. Grand larceny is typically a Class 6 felony, carrying 1 to 5 years in prison, or at the discretion of the jury, confinement in jail for up to 12 months and a fine of up to $2,500. For values of $5,000 or more, it can be charged as a Class 5 felony, punishable by 1 to 10 years in prison, or, in the discretion of the jury, up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
If the alleged embezzlement involves federal programs, banks, or crosses state lines, federal charges under statutes like 18 U.S.C. § 641 may apply, prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Federal penalties are often more severe and include lengthy prison sentences.
In Henrico County, an embezzlement charge can range from a misdemeanor with jail time to a felony with years in prison, depending on the amount involved and whether state or federal law applies.
| Charge / Value | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petit Larceny (Embezzlement under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months in jail | Up to $2,500 | Criminal record, restitution, difficulty finding employment. |
| Grand Larceny (Embezzlement $1,000+) | Class 6 Felony | 1 to 5 years in prison (or up to 12 months in jail) | Up to $2,500 | Felony record, loss of professional licenses, restitution, ineligibility for certain jobs. |
| Grand Larceny (Embezzlement $5,000+) | Class 5 Felony | 1 to 10 years in prison (or up to 12 months in jail) | Up to $2,500 | Severe felony penalties, substantial restitution, long-term collateral damage. |
| Federal Embezzlement (e.g., 18 U.S.C. § 641) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years per count (often more under guidelines) | Substantial fines | Federal prison, mandatory restitution, asset forfeiture, supervised release. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Defending Embezzlement Charges in Henrico County
An effective defense against embezzlement requires a detailed understanding of financial records, intent, and procedural rules. In Henrico County, these cases are heard at the Henrico County General District Court for misdemeanors and preliminary hearings, and the Henrico County Circuit Court for felony trials. A skilled white collar crime defense lawyer in Henrico County will scrutinize every aspect of the prosecution’s case.
- Initial Case Review & Investigation: We immediately secure all evidence, including financial statements, emails, and internal policies, to understand the full context of the allegations.
- Challenge the Element of Intent: Embezzlement requires fraudulent intent. We build a case showing lack of intent, such as a belief of permission, a misunderstanding, or a bookkeeping error.
- Negotiate with Prosecutors: Before trial, we engage with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to present mitigating factors, seek a reduction in charges (e.g., from felony to misdemeanor), or negotiate for a diversion program.
- Pre-Trial Motions: We file motions to suppress improperly obtained evidence or dismiss charges if procedural errors or lack of probable cause exist.
- Trial Preparation & Defense: If the case proceeds to trial in Henrico Circuit Court, we prepare a strong defense, using financial experts and witness testimony to create reasonable doubt.
- Post-Trial & Restitution: If a conviction occurs, we advocate for minimal sentencing and work to structure a feasible restitution plan.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Embezzlement Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We have a documented record of favorable outcomes in complex financial cases. Mr. Sris’s background in accounting and information systems provides a unique advantage in dissecting financial evidence and building a technical defense against misappropriation of funds allegations.
Our team includes former prosecutors like Kristen Fisher, who understand how the other side builds a case, and seasoned litigators like Bryan Block. We approach each embezzlement case with a detailed, evidence-driven strategy case-specific to the Henrico County courts.
Matthew Greene, Senior Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. 30+ years criminal defense. Death penalty certified (formerly). View Matthew Greene’s Profile
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Our commitment to client defense is reflected in our approach and results. In Henrico County, we have secured dismissals and favorable resolutions in various criminal matters. For instance, we have successfully defended clients against charges like reckless driving in excess of 80 mph and passing a school bus, achieving dismissals in Henrico General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
While every case is unique, our systematic approach to challenging evidence, negotiating with prosecutors, and preparing for trial is applied to every embezzlement defense we undertake. We fight to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future.
Embezzlement Lawyer Near Henrico County
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Henrico County courts (4301 East Parham Road). We represent individuals in Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, and surrounding communities.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
Phones 24/7/365. Office by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Embezzlement Defense in Henrico County
What is the difference between embezzlement and theft in Virginia?
Yes, there is a key difference. Theft (larceny) involves taking property without the owner’s consent. Embezzlement involves the fraudulent conversion of property that was lawfully entrusted to you. Both are prosecuted under larceny statutes in Virginia (Va. Code § 18.2-111), but the element of lawful possession at the outset defines embezzlement.
Can I go to jail for a first-time embezzlement charge in Henrico County?
It depends on the value of the property. For a first-time offense involving less than $1,000 (petit larceny), jail time is possible but not guaranteed. For amounts over $1,000 (felony grand larceny), the court can impose prison time. An experienced embezzlement lawyer in Henrico County can advocate for alternatives like probation, restitution, or diversion programs, especially for first-time offenders.
What should I do if I am under investigation for embezzlement at work?
Do not speak to your employer, colleagues, or law enforcement without an attorney. Politely decline to answer questions and immediately contact a criminal defense lawyer. Anything you say can be used against you. A lawyer can advise you on your rights, interact with investigators on your behalf, and begin building your defense before charges are even filed.
Is embezzlement a state or federal crime?
It can be either, or both. Most embezzlement cases are prosecuted under state law in Virginia courts. However, if the offense involves federal funds, a federally insured bank, or crosses state lines, federal agencies like the FBI may investigate, skilled to federal charges in U.S. District Court, which carry typically longer sentences.
What are common defenses to an embezzlement charge?
Common defenses include lack of fraudulent intent (it was a mistake or misunderstanding), consent from the owner, entrapment, insufficiency of evidence, and challenging the validity or interpretation of financial records. A misappropriation of funds defense lawyer in Henrico County will identify the strongest defense based on the specific facts of your case.
Related Pages: For other legal issues in Henrico County, see our pages on DUI Defense and Family Law. For an overview of our criminal defense practice, visit our Virginia Criminal Defense hub.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your specific situation.