Embezzlement Lawyer Navy Yard, DC

You work in government contracting, a nonprofit, or a startup based in Navy Yard. An internal audit has surfaced questionable transfers, and now the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia is investigating you for embezzlement. The accusation alone can cost you your security clearance, your job, and your standing in the community. A conviction under D.C. Code can mean a felony record, incarceration, and an order to pay restitution. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team bring extensive combined legal experience to DC criminal defense matters. To discuss your situation with an experienced embezzlement defense lawyer serving Navy Yard, reach our firm at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

What Embezzlement Charges Mean in Navy Yard, DC

Embezzlement in the District of Columbia is typically charged as a theft offense under D.C. Code Title 22. Unlike many states, the District is a federal territory where local crimes are prosecuted not by a district attorney but by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia (USAO‑DC). Cases are heard in D.C. Superior Court, located at 500 Indiana Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001 — roughly two miles from Navy Yard via I‑395 or South Capitol Street.

Because embezzlement often involves a position of trust, prosecutors treat these cases seriously. The charge may be classified as a felony or misdemeanor depending on the value of the property or funds involved and the defendant’s prior record. DC does not use cash bail; instead, the federal Pretrial Services Agency assesses risk and recommends release conditions. Still, an embezzlement allegation can trigger a warrant, an arrest, and immediate pretrial supervision. The guidance of a defense team familiar with DC Superior Court procedure is critical from the first contact with investigators.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Approach Embezzlement Defense

When you engage Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel begin by examining the government’s evidence: bank records, accounting ledgers, email communications, and any statements you made during an audit or interview. Embezzlement charges often hinge on intent — the government must prove that you knowingly and wrongfully converted property belonging to another. A defense may challenge the prosecution’s ability to prove fraudulent intent, establish that you lacked access to the funds, or demonstrate that the transactions were authorized.

The team works with forensic accounting attorneys when necessary and scrutinizes every element of the alleged offense. Early engagement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office may lead to a declination, a reduction of charges, or a pretrial diversion agreement. If the case proceeds to trial, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel prepare a thorough defense that includes cross‑examination of financial witnesses, challenges to documentary authenticity, and presentation of exculpatory records. Throughout the process, they keep you informed and involved in strategic decisions.

Penalty Overview

The potential consequences of an embezzlement conviction in DC depend on how the offense is charged. A misdemeanor theft conviction can result in up to 180 days in jail and fines. A felony conviction, typically pursued when the value exceeds a statutory threshold, can carry a sentence of years in prison, substantial fines, and a restitution order. A felony record can also affect employment, professional licensing, and immigration status. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to resolve cases as favorably as possible, whether through negotiation, pretrial motion practice, or trial.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who founded the firm in 1997. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to criminal defense. Results may vary.

The firm’s Of Counsel team includes attorneys with deep familiarity with DC Superior Court procedures, including pretrial motions, discovery disputes, and the Pretrial Services Agency’s release-assessment process. They work collaboratively under Mr. Sris’s leadership to build a defense strategy tailored to each client’s circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is embezzlement under DC law?

Embezzlement in the District of Columbia is a form of theft involving the fraudulent conversion of property entrusted to an individual by an employer, client, or other principal. It is charged under D.C. Code Title 22 and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for DC. To obtain a conviction, the government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you intended to permanently deprive the owner of the property and that you acted without authorization. Because intent is often the central issue, a strong defense examines financial records and witness accounts to challenge the prosecution’s narrative.

Who prosecutes embezzlement cases in DC?

Criminal cases in DC, including embezzlement, are prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia (USAO‑DC), not a local district attorney. The District is a federal territory, so local crimes under the D.C. Code are handled by federal prosecutors in D.C. Superior Court. This unique arrangement means that Assistant U.S. Attorneys bring the resources of the Department of Justice to bear on local theft and fraud cases. Defense counsel must be prepared to engage with federal prosecutors and understand both D.C. Criminal procedure and federal practice norms.

Do I need a lawyer if I am under investigation for embezzlement?

Yes, retaining a criminal defense attorney as early as possible is essential when facing an embezzlement investigation. Investigators from the Metropolitan Police Department or federal agencies may seek to interview you, review your financial records, or obtain search warrants. Statements you make without counsel can later be used against you. A lawyer can communicate with investigators on your behalf, preserve evidence that supports your defense, and work to avoid charges before they are filed. Early legal intervention can often influence whether a case is charged and at what level.

Can I get my DC embezzlement record sealed?

Yes, DC allows record sealing under D.C. Code § 16‑803 for acquittals, dismissals, and qualifying convictions after waiting periods. If your case is dismissed, you are acquitted, or you are sentenced under certain diversion programs, you may petition D.C. Superior Court to seal the arrest and court records. Even some convictions become eligible for sealing after a statutory waiting period. Marijuana offenses have expanded sealing eligibility. An experienced DC criminal lawyer can advise you on your eligibility and guide you through the petition process.

Does DC use cash bail in embezzlement cases?

No, the District of Columbia does not use a cash bail system for most offenses, including financial crimes like embezzlement. Instead, the Pretrial Services Agency — a federal agency — evaluates each defendant’s background, ties to the community, and risk of flight or danger. PSA then recommends release conditions to the court, which may include supervision, drug testing, travel restrictions, or electronic monitoring. Most defendants are released without posting money while their case proceeds. A defense attorney can advocate for the least restrictive conditions during the initial presentment hearing.

Contact an Embezzlement Lawyer Serving Navy Yard, DC

If you are facing an embezzlement charge or investigation in the Navy Yard area, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team are available to discuss your defense. Call (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. The firm serves clients in Navy Yard and throughout the District from its Arlington location:
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room 719
Arlington, VA 22209
By appointment only. (888) 437-7747

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Results may vary.

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