Theft of Government Property Lawyer in Fairfax County, VA — Federal Defense
Theft of government property in Fairfax County is a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 641, prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. Conviction can lead to severe penalties, including up to 10 years in prison and fines. As a theft of government property lawyer Fairfax County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | Virginia General Assembly
Federal Statute on Theft of Government Property
The primary federal statute governing this offense is 18 U.S.C. § 641. This law makes it a crime to embezzle, steal, purloin, or knowingly convert to one’s own 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 statute covers a wide range of property, from physical items like equipment or supplies to intangible assets like data or funds. The value of the property stolen significantly impacts the potential penalties. A conviction requires the government to prove you knowingly took property that belonged to the U.S. government with the intent to deprive the government of its use.
External Legal Resources
For the official text of the federal statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 641 (Cornell Legal Information Institute). For information on the local federal court where these cases are heard, visit the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia website.
Federal Court Process in Fairfax County
Federal theft cases in Fairfax County are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia and heard at the Alexandria or Richmond federal courthouses. The process is markedly different from state court, with stricter procedural rules and often more extensive pre-trial investigation. Federal agencies like the FBI, IG offices, or GSA OIG typically conduct the initial probe. As a government asset theft lawyer Fairfax County, we know that early intervention during an investigation can be critical to preventing formal charges.
- Initial Investigation: A federal agency investigates allegations of missing property.
- Grand Jury Indictment: The U.S. Attorney presents evidence to a grand jury to secure an indictment.
- Arraignment: You appear in federal court, are formally charged, and enter a plea.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney reviews all evidence and files pre-trial motions to challenge the case.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: The case may be resolved through negotiation or proceed to a jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows federal guidelines, often involving a pre-sentence investigation report.
Potential Penalties for Theft of Government Property
In Fairfax County, theft of government property under 18 U.S.C. § 641 is a federal felony. Penalties escalate based on the property’s value, with higher-value thefts carrying maximum prison sentences of 10 years.
| Offense Level | Property Value | Maximum Incarceration | Maximum Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felony | Over $1,000 | 10 years | $250,000 (individual) | Restitution, felony record, loss of federal benefits/employment |
| Misdemeanor | $1,000 or less | 1 year | $100,000 | Restitution, criminal record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Firm’s Experience in Federal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys bring a combined 120+ years of legal experience to complex federal cases. We understand that a federal charge threatens your liberty, career, and future. Our approach is to meticulously analyze the government’s evidence, challenge procedural errors, and advocate for the best possible resolution, whether that is case dismissal, charge reduction, or a favorable plea agreement.
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
Our firm has a documented history of achieving favorable outcomes in complex cases. In federal and state courts, we have secured dismissals, not-guilty verdicts, and favorable plea agreements for our clients. For example, in Fairfax County General District Court, we have successfully resolved cases involving multiple counts of credit card fraud and felony petit larceny with suspended sentences and probation.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Fairfax Federal Defense Lawyers
Our Fairfax location serves clients throughout Northern Virginia, including Fairfax County. We represent individuals facing federal investigations and charges at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
We serve communities including Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and the Falls Church area.
FAQs: Theft of Government Property Charges
What is considered “government property” under federal law?
It depends. Government property includes any money, asset, record, or thing of value owned by the U.S. or any federal agency. This ranges from office supplies and tools to data, funds, and military equipment. The key is that the government must have a possessory interest or ownership in the item at the time of the alleged theft.
Can I be charged if I didn’t know the property belonged to the government?
No, knowledge is a required element. The government must prove you knew the property belonged to the U.S. government. A skilled theft of government property lawyer Fairfax County can challenge whether the government can meet this burden of proof, which is a common defense strategy.
What’s the difference between state and federal theft charges?
Federal charges apply when the property belongs to the U.S. government or a federal agency. They are prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys in federal court under federal statutes like 18 U.S.C. § 641. State charges involve property owned by the Commonwealth of Virginia or local entities and are handled in state courts like Fairfax County General District Court under Virginia code sections.
What should I do if a federal agent wants to question me?
Politely decline to answer questions and immediately request to speak with a federal property theft defense lawyer. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Anything you say can be used against you. Contact our firm at (888) 437-7747 before speaking with investigators.
Is restitution always required in these cases?
Yes, if convicted. Federal law mandates restitution to the government for the full value of the property stolen. A judge must order it as part of the sentence. Your attorney can negotiate the amount or payment terms as part of a plea agreement.
For related legal assistance, see our pages on Fairfax County Criminal Defense and Virginia Federal Criminal Defense.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for current legal guidance.