Theft of Government Property lawyer Alexandria, VA
Federal theft of government property charges prosecuted in the Eastern District of Virginia carry the full weight of the United States Attorney’s Office. At the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia — Albert V. Bryan Courthouse at 401 Courthouse Square in Alexandria — these matters proceed under 18 U.S.C. § 641, the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, and procedural rules distinct from Virginia state court. A conviction under § 641 can lead to imprisonment of up to ten years, a substantial fine, and a permanent federal criminal record. There is no parole in the federal system. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys represent individuals facing federal theft of government property allegations in Alexandria and throughout the Eastern District of Virginia. For a consultation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Federal Theft of Government Property Means in Alexandria, Virginia
Federal theft of government property under 18 U.S.C. § 641 covers the knowing conversion, embezzlement, or unauthorized sale of any record, voucher, money, or thing of value belonging to the United States government. The statute is broad. It reaches theft from federal agencies with a presence in Northern Virginia — the Department of Defense at the Pentagon, federal contractors, the Patent and Trademark Office, and military installations including Fort Belvoir and Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. An Alexandria federal grand jury returns indictments after investigation by agencies such as the FBI, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the IRS Criminal Investigation Division, or the relevant Office of Inspector General. Because Alexandria sits just across the Potomac from Washington, D.C., many § 641 cases in this district involve federal employees, government contractors, or individuals whose conduct crossed into federal jurisdiction through the use of government-issued equipment, funds, or facilities.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia — long known for its “Rocket Docket” — moves cases from indictment to trial more rapidly than most federal districts nationwide. Under the Speedy Trial Act, trial generally begins within seventy days of indictment, subject to excludable delays. This accelerated timeline makes early engagement with experienced federal defense counsel especially important. The firm’s Arlington location serves clients whose matters proceed at the Alexandria federal courthouse; the firm routinely handles proceedings before the magistrate judges and district judges of the Eastern District of Virginia.
How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Federal Theft of Government Property Cases
A federal theft of government property investigation often begins well before an arrest or indictment. Federal agents may execute search warrants, issue grand jury subpoenas for financial and employment records, and interview coworkers, supervisors, or family members. The firm’s approach starts with an assessment of whether charges have already been filed or whether the matter remains in the investigative stage. During a pre-indictment investigation, the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work to understand the scope of the government’s inquiry, communicate with the assigned Assistant U.S. Attorney where appropriate, and evaluate whether a declination or pre-indictment resolution is attainable. If an indictment has already issued, the focus shifts to the detention hearing, discovery review, and motion practice under the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure.
Sentencing exposure in a § 641 case is calculated under the United States Sentencing Guidelines. The guideline range depends on the loss amount attributed to the defendant, any role-in-the-offense adjustment, acceptance of responsibility, and criminal history category. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys prepare each case with attention to the guideline calculation, the possibility of a downward variance, and any statutory factors the court must consider under 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a). In appropriate cases, the firm explores whether a pre-trial diversion program or a deferred prosecution agreement may be available. Every federal theft case is unique. The firm’s attorneys evaluate the specific evidence, the loss calculation methodology the government intends to present, and the client’s objectives before recommending a particular course of action. Results may vary.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced since 1997. A former prosecutor, he brings firsthand understanding of how federal criminal investigations are built and how charging decisions are made. Mr. Sris is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His practice concentrates on federal criminal defense, including matters prosecuted in the Eastern District of Virginia.
The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring substantial collective experience to federal criminal matters. They handle proceedings from initial appearance through trial and sentencing, working with forensic accountants, valuation attorneys, and other professionals where the government’s loss calculation or evidence presentation requires independent analysis. The Arlington location — at 1655 Fort Myer Drive, Suite 700, by appointment — serves Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, Kingstowne, and surrounding communities. Reach the firm at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is theft of government property under federal law?
Theft of government property under 18 U.S.C. § 641 makes it a federal crime to knowingly steal, embezzle, convert, or sell any record, voucher, money, or item of value belonging to the United States government without authorization. The statute applies whether the property is taken directly from a federal agency or from a government contractor in possession of federal funds or equipment. The value of the property taken determines whether the offense is a misdemeanor — for property valued at $1,000 or less — or a felony carrying up to ten years of imprisonment for property exceeding $1,000. The government must prove that the defendant acted knowingly and that the property in question belonged to the United States. For a consultation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How does the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Virginia prosecute theft of government property?
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia prosecutes § 641 cases by presenting evidence to a federal grand jury sitting in Alexandria, which returns an indictment upon a finding of probable cause. Federal investigative agencies — including the FBI, the relevant Office of Inspector General, or the Defense Criminal Investigative Service — build the case file before referral to the Assistant U.S. Attorney. After indictment, the case proceeds through initial appearance, detention hearing, arraignment, discovery, and motion practice before trial. The Eastern District of Virginia’s “Rocket Docket” means these stages often move faster than in other federal districts nationwide. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What are the potential penalties for federal theft of government property?
Under 18 U.S.C. § 641, penalties depend on the value of the property: if the value exceeds $1,000, the offense is a felony punishable by up to ten years of imprisonment and a fine; if the value is $1,000 or less, it is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year of imprisonment. The Federal Sentencing Guidelines calculate the advisory range based on the loss amount, the defendant’s role, acceptance of responsibility, and criminal history. There is no parole in the federal system, though good-time credit of up to fifty-four days per year may apply. The court may also order restitution to the affected government agency. A federal conviction carries collateral consequences for security clearances, professional licenses, and future employment. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How does a lawyer defend against federal theft of government property charges in Alexandria?
Defense strategies in a federal § 641 case may include challenging the government’s evidence that the property belonged to the United States, disputing the loss-amount calculation under the Sentencing Guidelines, contesting whether the defendant acted with the requisite knowing intent, and negotiating with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for a pre-indictment resolution or a favorable plea agreement. In some matters, the defense may identify statutory or procedural grounds for suppressing evidence obtained through an unlawful search or interrogation. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys evaluate whether the charged conduct falls within the scope of § 641 or whether a different statute — or no federal statute at all — properly applies. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys at (888) 437-7747.
What should I do if I am facing federal theft of government property charges in Alexandria, Virginia?
If you are facing federal theft of government property charges, contact an experienced federal criminal defense attorney immediately and do not discuss the facts of your case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents, emails, and records — but do not destroy or alter any material, as doing so may lead to additional obstruction charges. Early engagement with defense counsel permits the firm to evaluate whether an indictment has already issued, whether a detention hearing is pending, and what steps can be taken to present a strong response to the government’s allegations. Federal agents may attempt to interview you before charges are filed; you have the right to decline and to have counsel present. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your matter.
Do I need a lawyer for federal theft of government property charges?
Yes — federal criminal charges carry consequences that can include years of imprisonment, substantial fines, restitution obligations, and a permanent federal record, and navigating the federal system without experienced defense counsel presents significant risk. Federal court procedure, the Sentencing Guidelines, and the government’s investigative resources are distinct from those in Virginia state court. An attorney who concentrates in federal criminal defense can evaluate the indictment, calculate the applicable guideline range, identify available defenses, and negotiate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office from a position of knowledge about how these cases are handled in the Eastern District of Virginia. For a consultation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
For additional federal criminal defense resources in nearby Virginia localities, see:
- Federal Criminal Lawyer in Fairfax County
- Federal Criminal Lawyer in Prince William County
- Federal Criminal Lawyer in Manassas
- Federal Criminal Lawyer in Falls Church
Primary-source authority:
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia — court schedules, local rules, and procedural orders for the Alexandria division
- 18 U.S.C. § 641 — Public Money, Property or Records — statutory text of the federal theft of government property provision
- United States Sentencing Commission — Federal Sentencing Guidelines and policy statements applicable to § 641 offenses
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary. Engaging Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Requires a signed engagement agreement. The firm’s Arlington location serves clients at the Alexandria federal courthouse; consultations are by appointment. © 1997-2026 Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.