Theft of Government Property lawyer Montgomery County, VA
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients facing federal theft of government property charges in Montgomery County, Maryland and throughout Virginia. The firm’s founder, Mr. Sris, is admitted in both Maryland and Virginia, giving the defense team deep familiarity with the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland — which handles federal prosecutions arising in Montgomery County — as well as the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia. If you are under investigation or have been charged, the guidance of a federal criminal defense attorney who understands both the substantive law and the local court procedures can make a critical difference. To request a consultation with Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Federal Theft of Government Property Means in Montgomery County, MD
Federal theft of government property is prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. § 641, which makes it a crime to embezzle, steal, or knowingly convert to one’s own use any record, voucher, money, or thing of value belonging to the United States or any federal agency. The government must prove that the defendant acted with intent to deprive the government of its property. Because the property at issue is federally owned, the case is heard in U.S. District Court rather than in Maryland’s state courts.
In Montgomery County, the relevant federal court is the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. The court sits in Baltimore and Greenbelt, and cases involving Montgomery County defendants or investigations are typically assigned to the Greenbelt division. Federal investigations in this region are often conducted by agencies such as the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, or the Department of Defense, and the prosecutions are handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland. Knowing how these agencies operate in Montgomery County and understanding the local pretrial and motion practice gives our defense team substantial insight into building a thorough defense.
Montgomery County, with its many federal employees, government contractors, and proximity to Washington, D.C., sees a meaningful share of federal theft-of-government-property cases. Allegations can range from contractor billing disputes and misuse of government purchase cards to misappropriation of funds from federal grant programs. Whatever the specific context, a federal charge demands careful attention to the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, mandatory minimums (where applicable), and the reality that there is no parole in the federal system.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Theft of Government Property Cases
When our firm takes on a federal theft of government property matter, we begin by analyzing the indictment or criminal complaint, the government’s evidence, and the investigative record. Because these cases often involve voluminous records — contracts, invoices, timesheets, emails — a systematic review is essential. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work with the client to understand the factual narrative, identify potential defenses, and assess the strength of the government’s proof.
Defense strategies may include challenging whether the property involved actually belonged to the federal government, whether the defendant had the requisite intent to deprive, or whether the loss calculation that drives the sentencing guideline range is overstated. In some cases, we may identify procedural errors in the investigation that support a motion to suppress evidence. Our team is also prepared to negotiate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for a resolution that reduces exposure, and if trial is necessary, to present a well-prepared defense before the court. Because Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor, the firm brings to the defense table an understanding of how charging decisions and plea negotiations are typically conducted by the government.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has been practicing law since 1997. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. His background as a former prosecutor provides perspective on the strategies used by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in federal criminal cases. Mr. Sris 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 and have achieved 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. The Of Counsel team includes attorneys with extensive litigation backgrounds, including a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney, further deepening the firm’s understanding of how criminal cases are built and prosecuted. Together, they work collaboratively to prepare each defense, drawing on the collective experience of the entire team.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is theft of government property under federal law?
Theft of government property under 18 U.S.C. § 641 involves the embezzlement, stealing, or conversion of any money, record, voucher, or thing of value belonging to the United States. The crime requires proof that the property belonged to the federal government and that the defendant acted with intent to deprive the government of its property. The statute covers a wide range of conduct — from taking physical items to misappropriating funds through fraudulent schemes. A defense attorney can evaluate whether the government can establish each element beyond a reasonable doubt.
What are the penalties for federal theft of government property in Maryland?
If the value of the government property exceeds the statutory threshold, the maximum penalty under 18 U.S.C. § 641 is ten years in federal prison; for property valued at or below the statutory threshold, the maximum is one year. In addition to imprisonment, the court may impose fines and order restitution to reimburse the government for the loss. Federal sentencing guidelines, the defendant’s criminal history, and any acceptance of responsibility all influence the actual sentence. There is no parole in the federal system, although good-time credits can reduce the time served.
Results may vary.
How does a federal theft of government property case proceed in Maryland?
After an investigation by a federal agency, the case typically begins with a grand jury indictment filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, followed by an arraignment, pretrial motions, discovery, and either a plea agreement or trial. The case is assigned to either the Baltimore or Greenbelt division. Montgomery County matters are usually heard in Greenbelt. Throughout the process, deadlines are governed by the Speedy Trial Act, and the judge will schedule hearings according to the court’s calendar. Having counsel familiar with the judges and practices in the Greenbelt division can help the defense team anticipate procedural expectations.
What should I do if I am under investigation for theft of government property?
If you learn you are under federal investigation, refrain from discussing the matter with anyone other than your attorney and decline to speak with agents without counsel present. Federal investigators may contact you, your employer, or your colleagues. Statements you make — even if you think they are helpful — can be used against you. Contact a federal criminal defense lawyer promptly so that your rights are protected from the earliest stage of the investigation.
How can a Maryland federal criminal defense lawyer help me?
A federal criminal defense lawyer can review the charges, challenge the government’s evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and, if necessary, represent you at trial. In theft of government property cases, an attorney can also evaluate whether the property is properly classified as governmental, whether the loss amount is accurately calculated, and whether any defenses — such as lack of intent — apply. Because federal guidelines are complex, having experienced counsel can help you understand the potential exposure and the options available.
Do I need a lawyer if I am charged with theft of government property?
Yes — federal charges carry significant consequences, and proceeding without legal representation significantly increases the risk of a severe outcome. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecutes these cases actively, and the federal sentencing guidelines can result in lengthy imprisonment even for first-time offenders. An attorney can develop a strategy tailored to your situation and help you make informed decisions at every stage. For a confidential discussion of your case, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Related federal criminal defense pages:
Prince George’s County federal criminal defense |
Howard County federal defense |
Anne Arundel County federal criminal lawyer |
Frederick County federal charges |
Baltimore County federal defense
Outbound authority sources:
18 U.S.C. § 641 (Cornell) |
U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland |
U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland
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Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
Results may vary.