Theft of Government Property lawyer St. Mary’s County, MD
Federal theft of government property charges in St. Mary’s County fall under 18 U.S.C. § 641, a felony statute that carries severe consequences. These matters are prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland—typically in the Southern Division, which sits in Greenbelt—and are investigated by agencies such as the FBI, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and the Inspector General’s office. Because St. Mary’s County is home to the Patuxent River Naval Air Station and other federal installations, charges arising from government-property disputes can involve unique factual and jurisdictional issues. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Concentrate a substantial portion of their practice on federal criminal defense and serve individuals throughout St. Mary’s County, including Leonardtown, Lexington Park, California, Great Mills, Hollywood, and Mechanicsville. Unlike state criminal matters, federal theft charges operate under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, there is no parole, and a conviction can result in imprisonment, substantial fines, restitution, and forfeiture. Early counsel is critical because federal investigations often begin months before an arrest, and the government’s resources are extensive. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience to federal matters, with 4,739+ documented firm-wide results, and are available to discuss your situation. Results may vary. Reach our firm at (888) 437‑7747 to schedule a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Theft of Government Property Means in St. Mary’s County
Federal theft‑of‑government‑property charges are not handled in the St. Mary’s County Circuit Court or the District Court of Maryland for St. Mary’s County. Those state courts address local theft offenses, but when the United States government is the alleged victim—whether the property is money, equipment, records, or intangible services—the case proceeds in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. The Southern Division of that court, located at 6500 Cherrywood Lane in Greenbelt, holds jurisdiction over criminal matters arising in St. Mary’s, Calvert, Charles, and Prince George’s Counties. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel routinely appear in that federal courthouse and are familiar with the procedures, the Assistant U.S. Attorneys who handle these cases, and the expectations of the federal magistrate and district judges.
Theft of government property under 18 U.S.C. § 641 encompasses a broad range of conduct: embezzlement of federal funds, conversion of property belonging to a federal agency, theft of government equipment, or even the wrongful sale of property that was obtained through a federal program. The statute applies whether the property is tangible or intangible, and it covers acts committed on military installations, federal buildings, and anywhere within the territorial jurisdiction of the United States. Investigative agencies, particularly the FBI, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, actively pursue these offenses. Because St. Mary’s County has a significant federal presence, individuals and businesses that interact with government contracts or work on federal property can unexpectedly find themselves under investigation. The government’s burden is to prove that the defendant knowingly stole, converted, or embezzled property belonging to the United States with the intent to deprive the government of its use or benefit. An experienced federal criminal defense attorney reviews every element of the charge, challenges the sufficiency of the evidence, and examines whether the government can establish the necessary federal nexus. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel assess the case from the earliest stage, often before charges are filed, to protect the client’s rights and explore avenues for a favorable resolution.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Theft of Government Property Cases
Federal theft‑of‑government‑property cases move through a distinct procedural path that is different from state court. After an investigation, the matter is typically presented to a federal grand jury; if an indictment is returned, the client is arraigned before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the Greenbelt courthouse. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel begin with a thorough review of the government’s discovery, which in federal cases often includes voluminous documents, financial records, witness statements, and electronic evidence. They assess whether the government can prove the property belonged to the United States, that the client knowingly appropriated it, and that the client acted with the requisite criminal intent. In many matters, the defense team engages in early discussions with the Assistant U.S. Attorney to explore pretrial resolution, including diversion programs where available, or to present mitigating facts that may influence charging decisions.
If a resolution is not reached, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel prepare the case for trial. This includes filing appropriate pretrial motions—to suppress evidence, to challenge the indictment, to compel discovery, or to seek a bill of particulars. The federal system is heavily driven by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which calculate an advisory range based on the offense level, the value of the loss, and the defendant’s criminal history. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to identify every permissible departure or variance under the guidelines, including acceptance of responsibility, minimal role, or substantial assistance to the government, when applicable. Sentencing advocacy in federal court requires a detailed understanding of the guidelines and the ability to present a compelling narrative to the sentencing judge. Throughout the process, the client is kept informed of developments and is advised on the consequences of each decision. The firm’s approach is grounded in decades of federal courtroom experience, and Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel handle each matter with a focus on achieving favorable outcomes under the facts. Results may vary.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., concentrates his practice on federal criminal defense and has been handling serious felony matters since 1997. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and he has represented clients in federal district courts across multiple jurisdictions. A former prosecutor, Mr. Sris understands how the government builds its cases and uses that insight to develop effective defense strategies. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His background in accounting and information systems gives him an advantage when analyzing complex financial evidence that frequently appears in federal theft cases.
Mr. Sris is supported by Of Counsel attorneys who collectively bring over 120 years of combined legal experience to the firm’s federal practice, with 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. The Of Counsel team includes a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney who prosecuted cases in both District and Circuit Courts, providing valuable insight into how the government evaluates and pursues federal and state charges. Every attorney working on federal matters has extensive litigation experience and is committed to thorough preparation. The firm serves St. Mary’s County and the entire Southern Maryland region from its Rockville location, located at 199 E. Montgomery Avenue, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850. By appointment only. Call (888) 437‑7747 to schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is federal theft of government property?
Federal theft of government property is the knowing conversion, embezzlement, or stealing of money, property, or records belonging to the United States, prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. § 641. The statute covers a wide range of conduct, from misappropriating federal grant money to taking equipment from a military base. Because the offense is prosecuted in federal court, a conviction carries the potential for imprisonment, fines, restitution, and the loss of certain civil rights. The government must prove that the property was owned by the United States and that the defendant acted with criminal intent. An experienced federal criminal defense lawyer can assess whether the evidence supports each element and advise on the trusted course of action.
How is federal theft of government property different from state theft charges in Maryland?
Federal theft of government property is prosecuted in U.S. District Court under federal statutes, while state theft charges are handled in Maryland District or Circuit Court under the Maryland Criminal Code. The federal system operates under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which are advisory but heavily influence the sentence, and there is no parole in the federal system. Investigations are typically conducted by federal law enforcement agencies, and prosecution is led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office rather than a State’s Attorney. The penalties, procedural rules, and collateral consequences can be significantly different. Because federal and state charges can sometimes arise from the same conduct, it is important to have counsel who understands both systems.
What should I do if I am being investigated for theft of government property in St. Mary’s County?
If you are being investigated, do not speak with law enforcement without an attorney present, preserve any relevant documents, and contact an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer immediately. Federal investigations often begin long before an arrest, and anything you say to an agent or investigator can be used against you. It is common for agents to approach individuals at their home or workplace without prior notice. Politely decline to answer questions and refer them to your lawyer. Early involvement of counsel can help you understand the scope of the investigation, protect your rights, and possibly influence the direction of the case before charges are filed.
Can federal theft of government property charges be reduced or dismissed?
Yes, under certain circumstances federal theft of government property charges can be reduced or dismissed, though each case is fact‑specific and past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. A skilled defense lawyer may challenge the sufficiency of the indictment, file motions to suppress evidence obtained unconstitutionally, or negotiate a plea to a lesser offense when the government’s case has weaknesses. Pretrial diversion programs are sometimes available for certain first‑time offenders, though eligibility varies. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel evaluate every available avenue and work to achieve the most favorable outcome possible under the facts and the law.
Will I have to go to court in Greenbelt if I am charged with a federal crime in St. Mary’s County?
Yes, federal criminal cases arising in St. Mary’s County are typically heard in the Southern Division of the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, which is located in Greenbelt, Maryland. Initial appearances, arraignments, detention hearings, and most other proceedings take place at the Greenbelt courthouse. The courthouse is at 6500 Cherrywood Lane, Greenbelt, MD 20770. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel regularly appear at that courthouse and are familiar with its procedures. While the drive from St. Mary’s County can be considerable, an experienced federal defender can often minimize the number of required court appearances for the client.
What penalties could I face if convicted of theft of government property?
A conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 641 can result in a term of imprisonment, a substantial fine, an order of restitution, and a term of supervised release following incarceration. The exact sentence is determined by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which calculate a recommended range based on the value of the loss, the nature of the offense, and the defendant’s criminal history, among other factors. Because there is no parole in the federal system, any sentence of incarceration will be served almost in full. The court also has the authority to order forfeiture of property connected to the offense. A thorough understanding of the guidelines and strong sentencing advocacy are crucial. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
Montgomery County federal criminal lawyer — Prince George’s County federal criminal lawyer — Anne Arundel County federal criminal lawyer
Primary sources: 18 U.S.C. § 641 | U.S. District Court, District of Maryland
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Results may vary.
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