Theft of Government Property Lawyer in Louisa County, VA — Federal Defense
Theft of government property in Louisa County is a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 641, carrying severe penalties including up to 10 years in prison. As a Theft of Government Property lawyer Louisa County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. defends clients investigated by federal agencies.
Last verified: April 2026 | Federal District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | U.S. Code.
The federal statute 18 U.S.C. § 641 makes it a crime to embezzle, steal, purloin, or knowingly convert to one’s use anything of value belonging to the United States. This includes tangible property, money, or records. The law also covers receiving, concealing, or retaining such property with intent to convert it. Prosecution typically occurs in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. The government must prove you knowingly took or possessed property you knew belonged to the U.S. and intended to deprive the government of its use.
For official text, see 18 U.S.C. § 641 (official U.S. Code). For local court procedures, visit the Eastern District of Virginia Court website.
- Initial federal investigation by a federal agency.
- Case presented to a federal grand jury for indictment.
- Arraignment and initial appearance in U.S. District Court.
- Discovery phase and pre-trial motions.
- Plea negotiations or preparation for trial.
- Sentencing under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines if convicted.
In federal court, theft of government property under 18 U.S.C. § 641 carries penalties of up to 10 years in prison and fines if the property value exceeds $1,000; if the value is $1,000 or less, the maximum is one year.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft of Government Property (value > $1,000) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 (individual) | Restitution, felony record, loss of federal benefits |
| Theft of Government Property (value ≤ $1,000) | Federal Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year | Up to $100,000 | Misdemeanor record, restitution |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have a combined 120+ years of legal experience. We have handled over 4,739 cases with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Our approach is “Advocacy Without Borders.” For federal cases, our team includes Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor with multi-state bar admissions and a background that provides an advantage in complex financial cases.
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
Our firm has a documented record in federal and complex criminal defense. For example, in a federal property case in a neighboring jurisdiction, our defense led to a favorable pre-trial resolution. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Our government asset theft lawyer Louisa County team, including secondary attorney Matthew Greene with over 30 years of experience and a former CPS contract, works to protect your rights.
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
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our Richmond location serves clients at federal courts for Louisa County. We are accessible via I-64. We are a federal criminal defense lawyer near Louisa County, serving communities including Louisa, Mineral, and Zion Crossroads. Contact us 24/7.
FAQs: Theft of Government Property Defense in Louisa County
What is considered “government property” under federal law?
It depends. Government property includes any money, thing of value, or record belonging to the U.S. government or any department or agency. This can range from office supplies and equipment to funds, data, and military gear. The key is the government’s ownership interest 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 prosecution must prove you knew the property belonged to the United States. A defense often focuses on challenging the government’s ability to prove this specific intent, which can be a critical point for a federal property theft defense lawyer Louisa County to exploit.
What agencies investigate theft of government property?
Several. Common investigating agencies include the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Office of Inspector General for the relevant agency (e.g., GSA OIG, DoD OIG), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, or even the Department of Defense Criminal Investigative Service for military property.
What are the possible defenses to this charge?
Multiple defenses exist. These include lack of intent, mistaken identity, ownership dispute (arguing the property was not government-owned), entrapment, or insufficient evidence. A skilled Theft of Government Property lawyer Louisa County will analyze the investigation for procedural errors or violations of your rights.
Is this case handled in state or federal court?
Federal court. Theft of U.S. property is almost exclusively prosecuted in U.S. District Court. For Louisa County, this would be the Eastern District of Virginia, which may hold proceedings in Richmond or Alexandria.
For more information, see our Virginia Federal Criminal Defense hub page. We also assist with related matters like business law in Louisa County. If you are in a neighboring area, consider our federal criminal lawyer in Albemarle County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.