In Fairfax County, theft of government property is a federal offense under 18 U.S.C. § 641, carrying up to 10 years in prison. A Theft of Government Property lawyer Fairfax from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 501 documented results in Fairfax County. Contact us 24/7.
Last verified: April 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Statutory Definition of Theft of Government Property
Under 18 U.S.C. § 641, theft of government property involves embezzling, stealing, or knowingly converting property of the United States government. This includes money, records, or any other thing of value belonging to a federal agency. A Theft of Government Property lawyer Fairfax understands that this statute covers both tangible items and intangible assets like confidential information. The government must prove you acted with intent to deprive the owner of the property. Penalties depend on the property’s value, with amounts over $1,000 triggering felony charges. A federal property theft defense lawyer Fairfax can challenge the valuation and intent elements of the prosecution’s case.
External Citation Links
Review the official statute at 18 U.S.C. § 641 (official U.S. Code). Court procedures are governed by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (official court website).
Insider Procedural Edge for Fairfax County Federal Cases
Federal theft cases in Fairfax County are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. This district is known for aggressive prosecution and high conviction rates. A government asset theft lawyer Fairfax must act quickly to preserve evidence and challenge search warrants.
- Preserve all evidence related to the alleged theft immediately.
- Do not speak to investigators without your attorney present.
- Request a detention hearing to argue for pretrial release.
- File motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence.
- Negotiate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for a favorable plea.
- Prepare for trial if no acceptable resolution is reached.
In Fairfax County, theft of government property under 18 U.S.C. § 641 carries up to 10 years in federal prison for amounts over $1,000.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft of government property (under $1,000) | Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year | Up to $100,000 | None | Federal criminal record |
| Theft of government property (over $1,000) | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | None | Asset forfeiture, loss of federal benefits |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Bryan Block, Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. Former Virginia State Trooper (15 years). View Bryan Block’s Profile
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 in Fairfax County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 501 documented results in Fairfax County: 336 dismissed/not guilty, 143 reduced/amended, 5 other favorable (97% favorable outcome rate).
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for theft of government property in Fairfax County?
Yes, penalties depend on the property value. Under 18 U.S.C. § 641, theft of property valued over $1,000 is a felony carrying up to 10 years in federal prison and fines up to $250,000.
Can theft of government property charges be dismissed in Fairfax County?
Yes, dismissal is possible if the government cannot prove intent or if evidence was obtained illegally. A Theft of Government Property lawyer Fairfax can file motions to suppress evidence or challenge the property valuation.
Do I need a federal property theft defense lawyer Fairfax for a first offense?
Yes, even a first offense carries serious consequences including federal prison time and asset forfeiture. A federal property theft defense lawyer Fairfax can negotiate for pretrial diversion or a reduced charge.
How long does a federal theft case take in Fairfax County?
It depends on the complexity. Under the Speedy Trial Act, trial must occur within 70 days of indictment. Typical federal cases in the Eastern District of Virginia take 6 to 18 months from arrest to resolution.
What is the difference between theft of government property and fraud?
Theft of government property involves taking physical or intangible property belonging to the U.S. government. Fraud involves deception to obtain money or property. A government asset theft lawyer Fairfax can explain which statute applies to your case.