Theft of Government Property lawyer Somerset County, NJ
Federal theft of government property charges under 18 U.S.C. § 641 can upend your life. A conviction carries the possibility of substantial prison time, fines, restitution, and the loss of certain civil rights—and because there is no parole in the federal system, every day of a sentence must be served. If you have been contacted by federal agents or an indictment has been returned out of the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey for conduct alleged to have occurred in Somerset County, you are facing a prosecution brought by the United States Attorney’s Office. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team represent individuals in Somerset County and throughout New Jersey in federal criminal matters, including theft of government property. Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor who founded Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 1997, and the firm serves clients from its New Jersey location in Tinton Falls by appointment. To request a consultation, reach the firm at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Federal Theft of Government Property Means in Somerset County, NJ
Theft of government property is a felony defined under 18 U.S.C. § 641. The statute makes it a crime to knowingly steal, embezzle, convert, sell, convey, or dispose of any record, voucher, money, or thing of value belonging to the United States or any of its departments or agencies. The offense also reaches the knowing receipt, concealment, or retention of such property with the intent to convert it. Because the property at issue must be that of the federal government, these investigations are often triggered by audits, whistleblower complaints, or internal agency referrals—and the investigating agencies are federal, most commonly the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, or the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Somerset County is part of the District of New Jersey. Federal criminal cases originating in Somerset County are generally heard at the federal courthouse in Newark or, depending on judicial assignment and caseload, in Trenton. The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey prosecutes these matters. Federal sentencing is governed by the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account the amount of the loss, the defendant’s role in the offense, abuse of a position of trust, and other factors. Federal conviction rates are high—a reality that makes early and strategic defense representation critical. The mandatory-restitution provisions of the Mandatory Victims Restitution Act may also apply, requiring a defendant to repay the full amount of the loss. A federal theft charge, unlike a state charge, comes with no prospect of parole, and supervised release follows any term of imprisonment. In short, the stakes are significant, and a deep familiarity with federal practice in the District of New Jersey is essential.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Federal Theft Cases
Representation frequently begins before an indictment is returned. Federal agents may attempt to interview a target or execute a search warrant in Somerset County, and the decisions made at that stage—whether to speak with agents, what documents to preserve, and how to assess potential exposure—can shape the entire case. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel guide clients through that preliminary phase, working to protect their rights and to open a channel of communication with the prosecutor. If charges are filed, the case proceeds through initial appearance, arraignment, and the pretrial-motion phase in the U.S. District Court. The defense team examines discovery for constitutional and evidentiary challenges, negotiates with the government concerning plea offers, and when appropriate, prepares the matter for trial.
Mr. Sris’s background as a former prosecutor gives him insight into how the government builds its cases, and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience to federal matters. Results may vary. The approach in every case is tailored to the facts—whether that means seeking dismissal through pretrial motions, advocating for a charge reduction, presenting mitigation evidence at sentencing, or litigating a suppression issue. Throughout the process, clients receive direct guidance on the federal sentencing guidelines and the realistic range of exposure, so that every decision is made with a clear understanding of the potential consequences.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. He is a former prosecutor who has been practicing since 1997, and he is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. His experience includes complex criminal defense in the federal system, 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 team consist of attorneys engaged through Excella, each contributing substantial litigation experience in criminal defense. Collectively, they have documented 4,739+ case results across all practice areas since 1997. Results may vary. The firm’s New Jersey location is in Tinton Falls, and clients in Somerset County can meet with counsel there by appointment. To request a consultation, call (888) 437-7747.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is theft of government property under federal law?
Theft of government property is a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 641 that involves stealing, embezzling, or knowingly receiving any property belonging to the United States. The statute covers a wide range of property, from physical goods and vehicles to money and intangible records. Because the victim is a federal entity, the case is investigated by federal law enforcement and prosecuted in federal court, not state court. The penalties can include years in prison, substantial fines, and mandatory restitution to the government.
Do I need a lawyer if I am charged with theft of government property in Somerset County?
Yes, if you are facing a federal theft of government property charge in Somerset County, you should immediately seek experienced defense counsel. A federal indictment carries serious consequences, and an attorney can help protect your rights from the earliest stage—whether by engaging with prosecutors before charges are filed, challenging the admissibility of evidence, or negotiating a resolution. Without legal representation, it is easy to make statements or decisions that worsen your situation. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can advise you on the specific steps to take based on the facts of your case.
How does a federal theft case proceed in New Jersey?
A federal theft of government property case in New Jersey typically begins with an investigation by a federal agency, followed by a grand jury indictment in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. After indictment, the defendant appears for an initial appearance and arraignment, then the parties engage in discovery and pretrial motion practice. The government may extend a plea offer, and if no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial. Sentencing under the advisory guidelines occurs after a finding of guilt. Because federal cases move on a structured timeline, it is important to have counsel who is familiar with the local federal court procedures.
What should I bring to my first meeting with a federal defense attorney?
You should bring any documents you have received from law enforcement or the court, including a target letter, subpoena, indictment, or search warrant. Also bring any correspondence with federal agencies and your own notes of any interactions with investigators. Do not bring original documents that you might need; copies are sufficient. It is also helpful to prepare a brief written timeline of events as you recall them. The attorney will use this information to assess the charges and begin building a defense strategy.
Can theft of government property charges be dropped or reduced?
Yes, depending on the facts, theft of government property charges can sometimes be dismissed through pretrial motions, or the government may agree to a reduced charge as part of a plea negotiation. For example, if evidence was obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment, a motion to suppress could result in the exclusion of key evidence, which may lead to dismissal. In other circumstances, demonstrating mitigating facts—such as a minor role in the offense or full cooperation—can lead to a more favorable resolution. Every case is different, and an experienced attorney can evaluate the strength of the government’s case and pursue favorable outcomes under the circumstances.
How do I find a theft of government property lawyer in Somerset County, NJ?
You can find a qualified federal theft of government property lawyer in Somerset County by seeking a firm with extensive federal criminal defense experience and attorneys admitted to practice in the federal courts of New Jersey. Look for lawyers who have handled 18 U.S.C. § 641 cases, are familiar with the federal court in Newark or Trenton, and are available to meet for a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients in Somerset County from its New Jersey location in Tinton Falls. To speak with Mr. Sris or an Of Counsel attorney about your situation, call (888) 437-7747.
For other federal criminal defense matters in New Jersey, you may also find these pages helpful: New Jersey Federal Criminal Defense, Federal Fraud Lawyer NJ, Federal Drug Trafficking Defense NJ, and Federal Appeals NJ.
Authoritative primary sources on federal law include: Title 18, U.S. Code, U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, and the U.S. Department of Justice.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Attorney responsible for this advertising: Mr. Sris. Results may vary.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.