Embezzlement Lawyer Roanoke County, VA

Last reviewed: July 2026

You are at your desk when a supervisor asks to speak with you privately. The tone shifts. You learn that company funds appear to have been redirected, and your name is attached to the transactions. Now you are facing questions you never expected, and the prospect of criminal charges in Roanoke County can feel overwhelming. An embezzlement accusation disrupts your career, your reputation, and your peace of mind. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team understand that an arrest or investigation under Virginia Code § 18.2-111 demands careful, experienced legal guidance. For a consultation about your situation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

What Embezzlement Means in Roanoke County

Embezzlement in Virginia is the wrongful and fraudulent use or disposal of money or property that a person has received on behalf of another, typically an employer or principal. Under Va. Code § 18.2-111, the offense is prosecuted as larceny, meaning the charge level depends on the value at issue. If the amount involved is the statutory threshold or more, the matter proceeds as a felony in the Roanoke County Circuit Court; if the value is below the statutory threshold, the charge is a misdemeanor heard in the Roanoke County General District Court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Roanoke County prosecutes these cases, and the proceedings are distinct from civil litigation over the same transactions.

The courts located at 305 East Main Street in Salem handle all stages of a criminal case. Misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings take place in the General District Court. Felony jury trials and any appeal from the district court are heard in the Roanoke County Circuit Court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney does not engage in plea bargaining in the same manner as some other states; however, the prosecutor may agree to amend charges or recommend a sentence, subject to court approval. A person charged with embezzlement has the right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time. The proceeding timeline depends on the court’s calendar and the complexity of the financial evidence.

A conviction for embezzlement carries significant consequences beyond the immediate sentence. A felony record can restrict employment opportunities, professional licenses, and firearm rights. Even a misdemeanor conviction creates a permanent criminal record that can limit future prospects. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have documented case results in Roanoke County. Results may vary.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Embezzlement Cases

Defending an embezzlement charge often turns on the financial records and the intent behind the transactions. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, and his Of Counsel work methodically: they examine bank statements, accounting entries, email correspondence, and employment records to test whether the prosecution can prove every element of the offense. The defense may challenge whether the accused had lawful possession of the property, whether there was an intent to defraud, and whether any alleged shortfall is the result of poor record-keeping rather than criminal conduct. Because embezzlement cases depend on complex documentation, early involvement of legal counsel helps ensure that exculpatory records are preserved.

In Roanoke County, the initial appearances and bond hearings are critical. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team appear at the Roanoke County General District Court to argue for release on personal recognizance or to seek reasonable bail conditions. Throughout the proceeding, they engage with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to explore alternatives such as charge amendment, first-offender programs where eligible, or deferred dispositions. Their strategy focuses on achieving a thorough, well-prepared defense tailored to the specific facts of your matter.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced since 1997. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. A former prosecutor, Mr. Sris brings an understanding of how the prosecution builds financial-crime cases. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His Of Counsel attorneys add extensive combined legal experience, including backgrounds in law enforcement and criminal trial work. The team works collaboratively to defend people facing embezzlement and other criminal charges. For a confidential discussion, reach the firm at (888) 437-7747.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I am facing embezzlement charges in Roanoke County?

Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately and refrain from discussing the facts with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all financial records, emails, and any communication related to the transactions at issue. An experienced attorney can evaluate the evidence, determine whether the charge can be challenged, and advise you on interactions with law enforcement or your employer. Early legal guidance helps protect your rights throughout the investigation and any court proceedings in Roanoke County.

How does a Virginia lawyer defend against embezzlement charges?

Defense strategies often focus on challenging the evidence of intent to defraud, the existence of a fiduciary relationship, or the accuracy of financial records. Because embezzlement requires proof that the accused wrongfully converted property to their own use, an attorney may demonstrate that the transactions were authorized, that there was no fraudulent intent, or that the alleged loss is actually an accounting error. Negotiating with the prosecution to reduce or amend charges is also a common approach under Virginia law.

Is embezzlement a felony or misdemeanor in Virginia?

Embezzlement is punished as larceny, so the classification depends on the value of the property involved. If the value is the statutory threshold or more, the charge is grand larceny, a felony prosecuted in the Roanoke County Circuit Court. If the value is under the statutory threshold, the charge is petit larceny, a misdemeanor heard in the Roanoke County General District Court. The distinction is significant: a felony conviction can result in more severe penalties and long-term civil disabilities, while a misdemeanor still carries the possibility of jail time and a permanent record.

What are the potential penalties for an embezzlement conviction in Roanoke County?

Penalties follow the larceny classification: a misdemeanor petit larceny may result in up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500; a felony grand larceny carries a range of one to twenty years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to $100,000. The actual sentence is determined by the judge or jury based on factors such as the amount taken, the defendant’s prior record, and whether restitution has been made. A deferred disposition or first-offender program may be available in the discretion of the court.

Do I need a lawyer for an embezzlement charge in Roanoke County?

Yes, because a conviction can lead to incarceration, a criminal record, and long-term damage to your career and reputation. Embezzlement cases involve complex financial evidence and procedural rules that require experienced defense counsel. An attorney can identify flaws in the prosecution’s case, advise on whether to accept a plea offer or proceed to trial, and work to pursue a favorable resolution. Self-representation is especially risky when the stakes include a potential felony record.

What is the court process for an embezzlement case in Roanoke County?

A misdemeanor embezzlement charge begins with an arraignment at the Roanoke County General District Court and proceeds to trial before a judge. Felony cases start with a preliminary hearing in the General District Court, where a judge decides whether there is probable cause to certify the charge to the grand jury. If certified, the case moves to the Roanoke County Circuit Court for a jury trial. Throughout the process, your attorney can negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to seek a reduced charge or alternative resolution.

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Official Virginia Sources

Virginia Code § 18.2-111 (Embezzlement)
Roanoke County General District Court
Virginia Courts

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Attorney responsible for this advertising: Mr. Sris. Results may vary.

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Shenandoah Location: 505 N Main St, Suite 103, Woodstock, VA 22664. By appointment only. Call (888) 437-7747.