Embezzlement lawyer Near Me
When federal investigators are building an embezzlement case, you need an experienced attorney who understands how the U.S. Attorney’s Office operates and how to respond before an indictment is returned. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys represent individuals under investigation or charged with federal embezzlement in Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. The firm’s multi-state practice means you can reach legal counsel wherever your case is filed, without delay. Early involvement often shapes the direction of a federal investigation. To request a consultation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Embezzlement Means in Federal Court
Federal embezzlement involves the fraudulent taking of money or property entrusted to an individual by the government or an organization receiving federal funds. Prosecutions most often proceed under 18 U.S.C. § 641 (theft or embezzlement of government property) or 18 U.S.C. § 666 (theft or bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds). Unlike a state-level theft charge, a federal embezzlement case puts the resources of agencies such as the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, or the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General behind the prosecution.
Because federal sentencing guidelines apply, a conviction can lead to a substantial term of imprisonment and significant financial penalties. In the District of Maryland, the United States Attorney’s Office handles embezzlement matters through its Baltimore and Greenbelt divisions, drawing on years of experience prosecuting financial crimes. The trial court is the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, where procedural rules differ from those in state court. The firm’s familiarity with federal practice—from initial appearances and detention hearings through discovery and trial—allows clients to make informed decisions at every stage.
How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Embezzlement Cases
The approach begins with an early assessment of the government’s evidence and legal theories. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, reviews the charging documents, search-warrant affidavits, and financial records to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys support this effort with experience in federal criminal defense, helping to evaluate whether the government can prove each element of the charged offense beyond a reasonable doubt.
Pretrial strategy often focuses on challenging the sufficiency of the allegations, negotiating with the Assistant U.S. Attorney, and presenting mitigating information to the government before formal charges are filed. If indictment occurs, the firm prepares for motion practice, including challenges to the admissibility of evidence obtained through questionable investigative techniques. At sentencing, the firm works to present a complete picture of the client’s background and the circumstances of the offense, all while adhering to the advisory guidelines. Throughout the process, the goal is to protect the client’s rights and work toward a favorable resolution.
Results may vary.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced law since 1997. A former prosecutor, he concentrates a portion of his practice on federal criminal defense, including embezzlement and related financial crimes. His background in accounting and information systems—obtained at George Mason University—provides an analytical lens in complex federal fraud cases. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York.
The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience. They work collaboratively with Mr. Sris on federal criminal matters, ensuring that every case benefits from multiple perspectives. Each Of Counsel attorney has well over a decade of practice experience. When the firm represents a client in a federal embezzlement prosecution, the client receives the focused attention of a small, dedicated team—not a large-volume operation.
Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is federal embezzlement?
Federal embezzlement is the fraudulent taking of money or property that belongs to the U.S. Government or an organization receiving federal program funds, by a person who has lawful access to that money or property. It is most commonly charged under 18 U.S.C. § 641 or § 666 and carries penalties that can include federal prison time, fines, restitution, and post-confinement supervised release. The government must prove the defendant acted with intent to convert the property for personal use, not simply that a mistake or accounting error occurred.
Do I need a lawyer for an embezzlement charge?
Yes, you should engage a lawyer immediately if you are facing a federal embezzlement investigation or charge. Federal prosecutors have extensive resources and high conviction rates. An experienced attorney can intervene before indictment, communicate with investigators on your behalf, and work to shape the direction of the case. Trying to handle the situation alone or speaking to investigators without counsel can unintentionally harm your defense.
How does an embezzlement case begin in Maryland federal court?
A federal embezzlement case in Maryland typically begins with a grand jury investigation led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Baltimore or Greenbelt. Investigators may execute search warrants, subpoena bank records, and interview witnesses before an indictment is handed down. After indictment, the defendant makes an initial appearance in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, followed by an arraignment and a detention hearing if the government seeks pretrial detention. From there, the case moves through discovery, pretrial motions, and potentially trial.
What penalties can I face for federal embezzlement?
Penalties for federal embezzlement depend on the statute, the amount of money involved, and the defendant’s criminal history. Under 18 U.S.C. § 641, a conviction can result in a prison sentence of up to ten years. Additional penalties may include fines, mandatory restitution, and a term of supervised release. Because there is no parole in the federal system, an individual serves the majority of any sentence imposed. The advisory sentencing guidelines strongly influence the final sentence.
What should I do if I am under investigation but not yet charged?
If you suspect you are under federal investigation for embezzlement, contact an attorney before speaking with any law enforcement agent. Federal agents may approach you at home or work and attempt to interview you. You have a right to decline to answer questions and to have counsel present. Early legal counsel can engage with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to understand the status of the investigation and, where appropriate, present evidence or arguments that may influence charging decisions.
Can an embezzlement charge be dismissed or reduced?
A federal embezzlement charge may be dismissed or reduced when the evidence is insufficient or procedural violations undermine the prosecution’s case. Defense strategies may focus on challenging whether the government can prove intent, whether the property qualifies as government property under the statute, or whether the indictment relies on improperly obtained evidence. In some cases, negotiation with the prosecutor can lead to a plea to a lesser offense or a favorable Sentencing Guideline calculation, but past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
How does the firm approach a federal embezzlement defense?
The firm carefully examines the government’s evidence, identifies legal and factual weaknesses, and develops a strategy tailored to each client. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys review the financial documents, analyze the chain of custody, and assess whether the government can prove every element of the charged offense. The firm explores all available pretrial, trial, and sentencing strategies relevant to the federal guidelines.
Will my case go to trial?
Most federal criminal cases resolve short of trial, but the firm prepares every case as if it will be tried. The decision to go to trial rests with the client after a thorough discussion of the risks and benefits. The firm’s trial preparation includes witness evaluation, evidentiary motions, and a fully developed theory of the defense. A thorough trial-ready posture often strengthens the client’s position during plea negotiations.
What is the difference between state and federal embezzlement?
State embezzlement charges are prosecuted in state court under state law, while federal embezzlement charges involve violations of federal statutes and are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney in federal district court. Federal charges typically carry stiffer penalties and subject defendants to the federal sentencing guidelines. In Maryland, the State’s Attorney handles state-level theft and embezzlement, whereas federal prosecutors handle cases involving federal funds, federal programs, or federal agencies. The procedural rules, discovery obligations, and sentencing structures are different in each system.
How do I request a consultation with a federal embezzlement lawyer?
To request a consultation about a federal embezzlement matter, call Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. The firm answers phones 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. An initial discussion helps determine whether the firm can provide assistance and allows you to ask preliminary questions about the process. All communications are confidential.
For additional information about federal criminal practice, see our Federal Criminal Lawyer in Maryland page. You may also visit Federal Criminal Defense Practice for a broader overview. For a general description of the firm’s work, see Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C..
Outbound primary-source authority: 18 U.S.C. § 641 (Cornell Legal Information Institute), U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland, U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland.
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