Theft of Government Property lawyer Prince George’s County, MD
When federal authorities investigate or charge you with theft of government property under 18 U.S.C. § 641, the matter moves to the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland — most often the Greenbelt Division, which handles cases arising in Prince George’s County and the surrounding region. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland prosecutes these cases actively, and a conviction can carry serious consequences, including imprisonment, substantial fines, and supervised release. Because the federal system has no parole and the Sentencing Guidelines heavily shape the outcome, having a defense team that understands how the government builds its case is critical. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., led by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, concentrates a significant portion of its practice on federal criminal defense. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented firm-wide results to matters before the Greenbelt federal courthouse and the broader District of Maryland. Results may vary. If you or someone you know is facing a theft-of-government-property investigation or charge in Prince George’s County, call (888) 437‑7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Theft of Government Property Means in Prince George’s County
Theft of government property under federal law encompasses a broad range of conduct — from embezzling funds from a federally funded program to stealing government equipment, benefits, or records. 18 U.S.C. § 641 makes it a crime to knowingly convert, steal, or obtain by fraud any “thing of value” belonging to the United States or to any department or agency thereof. Because many federal programs, military installations, and government offices operate in and around Prince George’s County — including Joint Base Andrews, the U.S. Census Bureau in Suitland, and numerous contracting agencies — residents of Upper Marlboro, Bowie, Greenbelt, College Park, and other nearby communities may find themselves under federal scrutiny for conduct that touches a government interest.
Federal prosecutors in the District of Maryland can pursue theft charges whether the alleged conduct occurred on federal property or merely involved federal funds or property located elsewhere. The U.S. Attorney’s Office typically presents the case to a grand jury, and an indictment may follow. Once charged, the defendant appears in the U.S. District Court in Greenbelt, where a federal magistrate judge handles initial proceedings and a district judge presides over the case. Federal prosecution carries a distinctive procedural rhythm: extensive discovery, motions practice governed by the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, and a Sentencing Guidelines calculation that determines the advisory range. Because the federal government has a high conviction rate, it is essential to work with counsel who can identify weaknesses in the government’s evidence early.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Federal Theft of Government Property Cases
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel begin each federal theft matter with a detailed review of the government’s investigation. They examine how the evidence was gathered — whether through a search warrant, grand-jury subpoena, or agency audit — and look for procedural missteps that may support a motion to suppress or a challenge to the indictment. As a former prosecutor, Mr. Sris has firsthand insight into the charging decisions and evidence-evaluation process used by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, which helps him anticipate the government’s strategy and craft a counter-narrative. His Of Counsel team, which includes attorneys with extensive federal-court experience, contributes careful motion practice, witness preparation, and sentencing advocacy.
In many cases, the goal is to resolve the matter before trial — either through a favorable plea agreement that reduces exposure or through dismissal when the evidence does not support the charge. When trial is the right path, the firm prepares thoroughly, challenging every element of the government’s proof. At sentencing, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel present compelling mitigating evidence, seek variances from the advisory guideline range, and argue for alternatives to incarceration where the law permits. Every case is different; the team tailors its approach to the specific facts and the client’s objectives. While no attorney can guarantee a particular result, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work vigorously to achieve the most favorable outcome possible under the circumstances. Results may vary.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris founded Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 1997 and serves as its Owner and Founder. A former prosecutor, he has practiced in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York for more than two decades. His background in criminal trial work gives him a perspective that many defense lawyers do not have: he understands how the prosecution evaluates evidence, decides to charge, and prepares for trial. Mr. Sris also testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).
Mr. Sris is joined by a team of Of Counsel attorneys who, together, bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. Each Of Counsel lawyer is engaged through Excella and handles cases in the areas and jurisdictions where they are admitted. The firm’s Maryland location serves clients throughout Prince George’s County, including those who appear at the U.S. District Court in Greenbelt. Clients benefit from a collaborative approach: Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel regularly confer on strategy, drawing on their collective knowledge of federal criminal procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is theft of government property under federal law?
Theft of government property under 18 U.S.C. § 641 is the knowing conversion, embezzlement, or fraudulent obtaining of any thing of value belonging to the United States. This includes money, equipment, records, benefits, and intangible property. The government must prove that the defendant acted with intent to deprive the government of the property. Because federal property appears in many forms — from Social Security overpayments to misuse of a government credit card — the statute reaches a wide variety of conduct. In Prince George’s County, where numerous federal agencies and contractors operate, allegations often involve funds or goods tied to a federal contract, grant, or program.
What should I do if I am being investigated or charged with theft of government property in Prince George’s County?
If you learn that you are under federal investigation for theft of government property, you should contact an experienced federal criminal defense attorney immediately and refrain from discussing the matter with anyone other than your lawyer. Do not speak to agents from the FBI, HSI, IRS‑CI, or any other federal agency without counsel present. Do not destroy documents or attempt to “explain” the situation on your own, as any statement can be used against you. An attorney can help you understand the nature of the investigation, intervene with the government to potentially avert an indictment, and protect your rights from the earliest stage. In Prince George’s County, cases typically proceed through the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Greenbelt, and early engagement can influence charging decisions.
What are the potential consequences of a federal theft conviction?
A conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 641 can result in imprisonment, a substantial fine, and a period of supervised release, depending on the value of the property and the defendant’s criminal history. Federal sentencing does not include parole; an individual who receives a custodial sentence will serve the term imposed, less limited good-time credit. The court may also order restitution to the government. In addition to direct penalties, a felony conviction can affect employment, professional licenses, security clearances, and immigration status. Because federal guidelines strongly influence the sentence, a lawyer who knows how to navigate the guidelines can make a meaningful difference.
What are common defenses to federal theft of government property charges?
Common defenses in federal theft cases include lack of intent, authorization, insufficient evidence, mistaken identity, and violations of the defendant’s constitutional rights during the investigation. For example, if the accused had a good-faith belief that they were entitled to the property, the government may be unable to prove the requisite criminal intent. Similarly, if law enforcement obtained evidence through an unlawful search, that evidence may be suppressed. A thorough review of discovery — including witness statements, financial records, and agency audit trails — often reveals gaps in the prosecution’s case. Each defense strategy is fact-specific, and an attorney will evaluate which arguments are strongest for the particular situation.
How does a federal theft case proceed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland?
A federal theft case typically begins with an investigation by a federal agency, followed by a grand‑jury indictment, an initial appearance and arraignment in the Greenbelt federal courthouse, pretrial motions, discovery, possible plea negotiations, and, if no plea is reached, a trial and sentencing. At the initial appearance, a magistrate judge will advise the defendant of the charges and address pretrial release. The case is then assigned to a district judge. The Speedy Trial Act imposes deadlines, but complex theft cases can take many months. Throughout the process, the defendant has the right to counsel, the right to remain silent, and the right to challenge the government’s evidence. Consulting an attorney early allows the defense to begin shaping the case from the outset.
Do I need a lawyer for a federal theft charge in Prince George’s County?
You are not required to retain counsel, but the stakes in a federal theft case are so high that proceeding without representation is extremely inadvisable. Federal prosecutors are experienced and well-resourced; the rules of procedure and evidence are complex, and the sentencing guidelines are technical. An attorney can investigate the facts, negotiate with the government, file motions to dismiss or suppress, and, if necessary, try the case. Without a lawyer, a defendant risks making statements or decisions that jeopardize the defense. If you cannot afford private counsel, the court may appoint a lawyer through the Criminal Justice Act panel, though many people choose to retain their own attorney to have greater control over the representation. For a confidential discussion about your situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. is located at 199 E. Montgomery Avenue, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850. By appointment only. Call (888) 437‑7747 to schedule.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.