Embezzlement Lawyer Virginia Beach, VA

An embezzlement accusation can upend your career, your financial standing, and your personal freedom. When you face charges under Va. Code § 18.2‑111 in Virginia Beach—whether the accusation involves company funds, entrusted property, or financial instruments—the prosecution moves quickly. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team represent individuals charged with embezzlement throughout Virginia Beach, from the Virginia Beach General District Court at 2425 Nimmo Parkway to the Virginia Beach Circuit Court. We understand that many embezzlement cases turn on accounting records, employment agreements, and questions of intent rather than overt theft. Call (888) 437‑7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

What Embezzlement Charges Mean in Virginia Beach

Virginia treats embezzlement as a form of larceny. Under Va. Code § 18.2‑111, a person who wrongfully converts money or property entrusted to them by an employer, principal, or another may be guilty of larceny. The severity of the charge—misdemeanor or felony—depends on the value of the property involved. If the value is $1,000 or more, the matter is grand larceny, a felony punishable by one to twenty years in prison. If the value is less than $1,000, the charge is petit larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor that carries up to twelve months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. A conviction also creates a permanent criminal record.

In Virginia Beach, embezzlement cases are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Misdemeanor trials are heard in the Virginia Beach General District Court, while felony matters proceed through a preliminary hearing in that court and then to the Virginia Beach Circuit Court for trial. The court at 2425 Nimmo Parkway, Building 10B, serves the entire city, including neighborhoods from Sandbridge to Oceana. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear regularly in these courts and bring a detailed understanding of local procedures to every case.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Embezzlement Cases

Embezzlement defense often requires a forensic examination of financial records, interviews with accounting personnel, and a close analysis of the accused’s authority over the funds at issue. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel evaluate every element that the Commonwealth must prove—including whether the accused acted with fraudulent intent, whether the property was received for the benefit of another, and whether any conversion actually occurred. Because many embezzlement accusations arise from workplace disputes or bookkeeping errors, a defense frequently focuses on intent rather than the movement of money.

Early engagement is important. Once a charge is filed, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can communicate with the prosecutor, seek a thorough review of the evidence, and pursue avenues that may lead to a reduction or dismissal of the charges. Throughout the process, we keep clients informed about the realistic options and the likely timeline, which the court determines based on its calendar and the nature of the case. For first-time offenders, deferred-disposition programs may be available in appropriate circumstances, but past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. We work to achieve a favorable resolution under the specific facts of each matter.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris founded Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 1997 after serving as a prosecutor. His experience inside the criminal justice system informs the way he and his Of Counsel evaluate embezzlement allegations—the same attention to detail that builds a prosecution case also reveals its weaknesses. Mr. Sris is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and he has testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).

Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience with 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. The team includes former law enforcement and former prosecution professionals who understand both sides of the courtroom. On every embezzlement matter, the client works with Mr. Sris and the Of Counsel collective, not a single attorney operating in isolation.

Verify admissions: Virginia State Bar · Maryland Judiciary · DC Bar · NJ Courts · NY OCA

Last reviewed: June 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Virginia Beach, Virginia?

A Class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia Beach carries up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500; a Class 2 misdemeanor carries up to 6 months and $1,000. Common misdemeanor charges include petit larceny (embezzlement under $1,000), assault and battery, and certain first-offense drug possession. Cases are heard at the Virginia Beach General District Court, 2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B. A conviction creates a permanent criminal record and can affect employment, housing, and professional licenses.

Can criminal charges be expunged in Virginia Beach, Virginia?

Yes, under Va. Code § 19.2‑392.2, Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi outcomes; most convictions cannot be expunged. The petition is filed in the Virginia Beach Circuit Court. Certain first-offense matters resolved through deferred disposition may also become eligible after successful completion. The process requires specific pleadings and a hearing. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can evaluate whether your record qualifies for expungement.

How does bail work in Virginia Beach, Virginia?

A magistrate sets bond shortly after arrest; personal recognizance (no cash payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors, while secured bond is more typical for felonies. The magistrate considers factors such as ties to the community, employment, and the nature of the charge. Bail can be appealed to the Virginia Beach General District Court. If a secured bond is set, a bail bondsman typically requires a non-refundable premium of approximately ten percent of the bond amount.

What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Virginia Beach?

The General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings; the Circuit Court tries felony cases and hears appeals from the General District Court. Defendants have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time. The Virginia Beach General District Court is located at 2425 Nimmo Parkway, and the Circuit Court is nearby. Understanding which court will hear your case early on helps in preparing a defense.

How does a Virginia lawyer defend against embezzlement charges?

A defense against embezzlement in Virginia typically challenges the evidence of fraudulent intent, disputes the ownership or authorization of the funds, or presents mitigating circumstances that support a reduction of the charge. Under Va. Code § 18.2‑111, the prosecution must prove that the accused received property for the benefit of another and then wrongfully converted it. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel scrutinize financial records, employee handbooks, and witness statements to identify weaknesses in the government’s case.

What should I do if I am facing embezzlement charges in Virginia Beach?

If you learn you are under investigation or have been charged with embezzlement, refrain from discussing the matter with anyone other than a lawyer, preserve all relevant documents, and contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. Statements made to employers, colleagues, or law enforcement can be used against you. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can advise you on how to respond to any inquiry and begin building a defense while the evidence is fresh.

Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor embezzlement charge in Virginia Beach?

Yes. Even a misdemeanor embezzlement conviction can result in jail time, a substantial fine, and a criminal record that follows you for life. A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Beyond the immediate penalty, a conviction can affect employment, professional licensing, security clearances, and immigration status. An experienced attorney can assess whether the evidence supports the charge and explore alternatives that may avoid a conviction.

How long does an embezzlement case take in Virginia Beach?

The timeline depends on the court’s calendar, the complexity of the financial records, and whether the defendant exercises the right to a jury trial. Misdemeanor cases in General District Court are often resolved within a few months. Felony cases, which move from a preliminary hearing in General District Court to trial in Circuit Court, generally take longer. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel will provide a realistic outlook once the specific facts of the case are clear.

Can an embezzlement charge be reduced in Virginia?

Yes, a charge may be reduced if the prosecutor agrees to amend it to a lesser offense, often after defense counsel presents mitigating information or challenges the evidence. For example, a felony embezzlement charge might be reduced to a misdemeanor if the value of the property is disputed or the evidence of intent is weak. Virginia courts permit plea agreements under Rule 3A:8 of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia. A reduction can mean a significantly lighter sentence and a less severe criminal record.

What factors determine whether embezzlement is a felony or misdemeanor in Virginia?

The primary factor is the value of the property taken: $1,000 or more makes the offense grand larceny, a felony; less than $1,000 is petit larceny, a misdemeanor. Other considerations include the defendant’s criminal history and whether the embezzlement involved a breach of fiduciary duty or multiple victims. The same act may also be charged federally if it involves government funds or crosses state lines. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel evaluate both the state and potential federal exposure.

For additional Virginia criminal defense resources, see our pages for: Fairfax County, Fairfax City, Falls Church, Prince William County, and Manassas.

Primary legal sources: Virginia Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) · Va. Code § 18.2‑111 (Embezzlement) · Virginia Judicial System

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