Theft of Government Property Lawyer in Manassas Park, VA — What Are Your Defense Options?
Theft of government property in Manassas Park is a serious federal offense under 18 U.S.C. § 641, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and fines. As a theft of government property lawyer Manassas Park, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for charges involving federal assets. Our team includes former prosecutors with direct insight into federal prosecution strategies.
Last verified: April 2026 | Federal courts in the Eastern District of Virginia | U.S. Code via Congress.gov
Federal Statute on Theft of Government Property
The primary federal law governing theft of government property is 18 U.S.C. § 641. This statute makes it a crime to knowingly embezzle, steal, purloin, or knowingly convert to one’s use or the use of another, any record, voucher, money, or thing of value of the United States or of any department or agency thereof. The law also covers receiving, concealing, or retaining such property with intent to convert it. The term “government property” is broad and can include physical items, funds, data, or intellectual property owned by any federal agency. A conviction requires proof that the defendant acted knowingly and that the property belonged to the U.S. government.
The firm was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, whose background in accounting and information systems provides a unique advantage in cases involving complex financial or technical government assets.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the federal theft statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 641 (U.S. Code via Legal Information Institute). For information on the local federal court handling these cases, visit the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia website.
Defense Strategy for a Theft of Government Property Charge
Defending against a federal theft of government property charge requires a precise, multi-faceted approach. The prosecution must prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt, including your knowledge that the property was government-owned and your intent to deprive the government of it. Common defense strategies focus on attacking these elements.
- Initial Case Assessment: Immediately secure all evidence and conduct a thorough review of the alleged act, the property involved, and your access to it.
- Investigation & Discovery: File for all discovery materials from the prosecution, including reports from investigating agencies like the FBI, OIG, or GSA OIG.
- Legal Motion Strategy: File pre-trial motions to suppress evidence obtained improperly or to challenge the sufficiency of the indictment.
- Negotiation & Mitigation: Engage in discussions with the AUSA, potentially focusing on restitution, cooperation, or pleading to a lesser offense.
- Trial Preparation: If no resolution is reached, prepare a vigorous trial defense centered on lack of intent, mistaken identity, or lack of knowledge.
- Sentencing Advocacy: If convicted, present compelling mitigation evidence at sentencing to argue for a sentence below the federal guidelines.
Potential Penalties for Theft of Government Property
In Manassas Park and throughout the federal system, theft of government property under 18 U.S.C. § 641 carries severe penalties, with sentences influenced by the property’s value and the defendant’s criminal history.
| Offense Level | Property Value | Maximum Incarceration | Maximum Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Misdemeanor | Does not exceed $1,000 | Up to 1 year | Up to $100,000 | Restitution, felony record |
| Felony | Exceeds $1,000 | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | Restitution, loss of federal benefits, employment disqualification |
| Aggravated | Any value (during national emergency) | Up to 30 years | Up to $1,000,000 | All of the above, plus potential terrorism enhancements |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Federal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to federal criminal defense. Founded in 1997, our firm is built on a foundation of former prosecutorial insight, which is invaluable when defending against federal charges like theft of government property. We understand how federal agencies build their cases and how U.S. Attorney’s Offices evaluate them. Our approach is direct and focused on the specific details of your situation.
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
Documented Case Experience
Our attorneys have extensive experience defending against property and theft charges in Virginia courts. For example, in Fairfax County General District Court, we secured a result where a client facing a Class 6 felony petit larceny third offense received a sentence of 12 months in jail with 8 months suspended. In another case involving four counts of credit card fraud, we negotiated a disposition of a 2-year suspended sentence with probation. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Secondary attorney Matthew Greene, with over 30 years of experience including a former 14-year contract with Child Protective Services in Alexandria, provides additional depth to our defense team on complex cases.
Contact Our Manassas Park Federal Defense Lawyers
Our Fairfax location serves clients in Manassas Park facing federal charges. We are accessible via Route 28, Route 234, and I-66. We provide representation for individuals in Manassas Park and surrounding communities.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions: Theft of Government Property
What is considered “government property” under federal law?
It depends. Government property includes any money, asset, record, voucher, or thing of value belonging to the United States or any federal department or agency. This can range from office supplies and tools to data, funds, and military equipment. The key is federal ownership.
Can I be charged if I didn’t know the property belonged to the government?
No, knowledge is a required element. A successful defense by a federal property theft defense lawyer Manassas Park often focuses on proving you lacked knowledge that the property was government-owned or that you had no intent to steal it, such as in a case of mistaken belief of ownership.
What agencies investigate theft of government property?
Several agencies can investigate, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Office of Inspector General (OIG) for the specific agency involved (e.g., GSA OIG, VA OIG), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (if mail is involved), or the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) for military property.
Is restitution always required in these cases?
Yes, restitution to the government is virtually mandatory upon conviction. The court will order you to repay the full value of the property stolen. An experienced government asset theft lawyer Manassas Park can sometimes negotiate the amount or a payment plan as part of a plea agreement.
What is the difference between state and federal theft charges?
Federal charges apply when the property belongs to the U.S. government or the crime occurs on federal land. Federal penalties are often more severe, and cases are prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys in federal district court, not local Commonwealth’s Attorneys in state court.
Internal Resources: For more on federal defense, see our Virginia Federal Criminal Defense hub page. For related local defense, consider our Fairfax County criminal defense lawyer or Manassas Park business lawyer pages.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.