Theft of Government Property lawyer DC
When a federal agent or investigator contacts you about the misuse of government funds, property, or equipment, or when you learn that a grand jury has returned an indictment charging you with theft of government property, the situation demands an immediate, measured response. In Washington, D.C., federal theft‑of‑government‑property cases are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and investigated by agencies such as the FBI, the Department of Defense, the Secret Service, and various Offices of Inspector General. The charges arise under Title 18 of the United States Code and are litigated in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia before a federal judge. A conviction can bring a prison sentence, substantial fines, restitution, and a supervised‑release tail that follows you for years. Because the federal conviction rate exceeds 90 percent and there is no parole in the federal system, having a defense team that understands both the prosecutorial process and the local federal court is essential. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring decades of criminal‑defense experience to clients facing theft‑of‑government‑property charges in the District of Columbia. To discuss your situation, call (888) 437‑7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Theft of Government Property Means in Washington, D.C.
Federal theft of government property is defined broadly under 18 U.S.C. Title 18. It encompasses the unlawful taking, conversion, or misuse of anything of value that belongs to the United States or to a federal agency. The property can be tangible—cash, equipment, vehicles, electronics—or intangible, such as funds electronically diverted from a government account. In the District of Columbia, these offenses are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. The U.S. Attorney’s Office handles both local‑offense prosecutions (under D.C. Code) and federal‑offense prosecutions (under the U.S. Code), but a theft‑of‑government‑property case is a purely federal matter. Investigations are often led by FBI special agents, agents from a specific Inspector General’s office, or other federal law‑enforcement components. The case proceeds through the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, located in the E. Barrett Prettyman Courthouse on Constitution Avenue.
The federal sentencing guidelines play a central role in every theft‑of‑government‑property case. The potential sentence is influenced by the amount of loss, the defendant’s role in the offense, whether the property was obtained through abuse of a position of trust, and the defendant’s criminal history. Convictions can result in imprisonment, an order of restitution equal to the loss, and a term of supervised release. In the federal system, there is no parole, meaning that an individual who receives a custodial sentence will serve the majority of that sentence without early release. Because Washington, D.C. Is the seat of the federal government, theft‑of‑government‑property cases can also attract intense media and political scrutiny, adding pressure that must be managed alongside the legal defense. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides representation for clients throughout the District of Columbia, including Georgetown, Capitol Hill, Dupont Circle, and neighborhoods across every ward. The firm’s Arlington location is located just across the Potomac and serves as a convenient point of contact for DC‑area clients.
How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Theft of Government Property Cases
Every theft‑of‑government‑property defense begins with a careful review of the charging instrument and the discovery the government is obligated to provide. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys examine whether the property at issue is truly “government property” as defined by statute, whether the government can prove the requisite intent, and whether any constitutional violations—such as an unlawful search or a failure to give Miranda warnings—may support a motion to suppress evidence. In many cases, the defense can be strengthened by a thorough forensic accounting or a detailed examination of the financial records that the government relies upon. The firm works with independent attorneys where necessary, always focusing on the specific facts of the client’s case rather than on generic strategies.
Pretrial litigation often includes motions to dismiss for insufficiency of the indictment, motions for a bill of particulars, and challenges to the admissibility of evidence. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, understands the internal procedures of a U.S. Attorney’s Office and can anticipate how the government will attempt to build its case. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring additional experience in federal criminal trials, complex evidentiary hearings, and sentencing advocacy. If a negotiated resolution becomes appropriate, the firm explores all avenues—from pre‑indictment negotiation to a plea agreement that limits exposure—while always keeping the client fully informed. When a trial is in the client’s interest, the defense team prepares for every phase: jury selection, cross‑examination of federal agents and financial analysts, and presentation of a defense that challenges the government’s narrative. The goal is a well‑prepared defense that protects the client’s rights and seeks the most favorable outcome possible under the circumstances.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., a multi‑state law firm that has been representing individuals in criminal, family, and immigration matters since 1997. Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor whose experience includes criminal trial work and a thorough understanding of how charges are evaluated and pursued by the government. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Mr. Sris is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He keeps his personal caseload small so that he can remain deeply involved in the matters he accepts.
The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys are independent, experienced practitioners who concentrate in federal criminal defense and complex litigation. Together, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys provide clients in Washington, D.C. With a defense team that understands both federal procedure and the unique dynamics of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The firm serves DC clients from its Arlington, Virginia location. To discuss your case, call (888) 437‑7747 and ask to speak with Mr. Sris or the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is theft of government property under federal law?
Theft of government property is the unauthorized taking, conversion, or misuse of any item of value belonging to the United States or a federal agency. The offense is prosecuted under Chapter 31 of Title 18 of the U.S. Code. It covers a wide range of conduct—from embezzlement of federal funds by a government employee to the physical theft of federal equipment. The government must prove that the property belonged to the United States, that the defendant knowingly took or converted it, and that the defendant acted with the intent to deprive the government of its use or benefit. An experienced federal criminal lawyer can explain how these elements apply to a specific set of facts and can identify weaknesses in the government’s proof early in the case.
How does a theft of government property case proceed in Washington, D.C.?
A theft‑of‑government‑property case in Washington, D.C. Begins with a federal investigation, often led by the FBI or an Inspector General, and may result in a grand‑jury indictment returned in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. After an indictment, the defendant is arraigned, pretrial discovery begins, and motions are filed. The government must disclose its evidence, and the defense has the opportunity to challenge the legality of searches, seizures, and statements. If the case is not resolved through a plea agreement, it proceeds to trial before a U.S. District Judge. Because the federal system has no parole, the timeline and strategy of the case can have life‑altering consequences. The firm guides clients through each stage.
What are the potential consequences of a conviction for theft of government property in D.C.?
A conviction for theft of government property can result in a term of imprisonment, a fine, restitution, and a period of supervised release. The length of imprisonment depends on the value of the property, the defendant’s role in the offense, and the application of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. No parole is available in the federal system, so a person who receives a custodial sentence will serve the majority of that time. A conviction also carries collateral consequences such as loss of professional licenses, damage to security clearances, and difficulty securing future employment. The firm works to mitigate these consequences at every stage, including at sentencing.
How can an attorney help if I am under investigation for theft of government property?
An attorney can help at the earliest stage by intervening with investigators, preserving evidence, and advising you on your rights before any formal charge is filed. Early representation often shapes the entire direction of a case—what statements you make or do not make can determine whether charges are brought. An experienced lawyer can communicate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office on your behalf, present exculpatory information, and work to resolve the matter without an indictment. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys have handled federal investigations from the earliest contact through trial, and they can be reached at (888) 437‑7747.
Can theft of government property charges be dropped before trial?
Yes, federal theft‑of‑government‑property charges can be dismissed before trial if the defense can show legal or evidentiary deficiencies. A motion to dismiss may be filed on grounds such as insufficient evidence, constitutional violations, or failure to state an offense. Additionally, pre‑trial negotiations can sometimes result in the government electing not to proceed, particularly if the evidence of intent or ownership is weak. Every case is fact‑specific, so it is critical to have an attorney review the government’s file thoroughly. For a consultation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
Do I need a lawyer if I am charged with theft of government property in Washington, D.C.?
Because federal theft‑of‑government‑property charges carry the possibility of imprisonment and lifetime collateral consequences, obtaining experienced legal representation is essential. The federal criminal process is complex, and navigating it without counsel places you at a severe disadvantage. An attorney can protect your rights, challenge the government’s evidence, negotiate with the prosecution, and present a defense at trial. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys have defended individuals facing federal charges in the District of Columbia and can be reached at (888) 437‑7747.
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Official Primary Sources
U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia |
U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia |
Title 18 of the U.S. Code
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