Embezzlement in Chesapeake, Virginia, is a criminal offense under Va. Code § 18.2-111, carrying penalties that range from a Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine) to a felony (up to 20 years in prison), depending on the value of the misappropriated property. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Chesapeake: 1 dismissed or not guilty.
Embezzlement Lawyer Chesapeake, Virginia
Embezzlement, defined under Va. Code § 18.2-111, occurs when a person fraudulently appropriates property entrusted to them by another. In Chesapeake, this charge is prosecuted at the Chesapeake General District Court for misdemeanor offenses and at the Chesapeake Circuit Court for felony-level cases. The statute covers a wide range of conduct, from an employee taking company funds to a fiduciary misusing assets. The value of the property determines the classification: under $1,000 is typically a Class 1 misdemeanor, while $1,000 or more elevates the charge to a felony, punishable by 1 to 20 years in prison. A misappropriation of funds defense lawyer Chesapeake can help you handle these serious allegations.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly — official site
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
For the full text of the embezzlement statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-111 (Virginia General Assembly — official site). For information on the Chesapeake General District Court, visit Chesapeake General District Court (Virginia Courts — official site).
In Chesapeake General District Court, prosecutors routinely file embezzlement charges based on financial records and witness statements. We have observed that early intervention often leads to more favorable outcomes.
- Do not speak to investigators without your lawyer present.
- Preserve all financial records and communications.
- Contact a white collar crime defense lawyer Chesapeake immediately.
- Do not attempt to repay the alleged victim without legal advice.
- Attend all court hearings at the designated court.
- Follow your attorney’s guidance on plea negotiations.
In Chesapeake, embezzlement carries penalties that depend on the value of the property misappropriated, ranging from a Class 1 misdemeanor to a felony.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Embezzlement under $1,000 | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record |
| Embezzlement $1,000 or more | Felony | 1 to 20 years | Up to $100,000 | None | Loss of professional licenses, difficulty finding employment |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience, 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. Advocacy Without Borders is the firm’s guiding principle, ensuring clients receive dedicated representation regardless of the complexity of their case.
Bryan Block, Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. Former Virginia State Trooper (15 years). View Bryan Block’s Profile
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Chesapeake: 1 dismissed or not guilty — a favorable-outcome rate of 100% in all reported instances. Results may vary. Firm-wide, SRIS has 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ.
Our location in Richmond is approximately 90 miles from Chesapeake General District Court, with access via I-64 and I-464. If you need an embezzlement lawyer near Chesapeake, we are ready to assist. Serving the communities of Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225
(804) 201-9009 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Chesapeake, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Chesapeake carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor: up to 6 months/$1,000. Common charges include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57), petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96), and driving on suspended (§ 46.2-301). Cases heard at Chesapeake General District Court (307 Albemarle Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23322).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Chesapeake, Virginia?
Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. Most convictions cannot be expunged. The petition is filed in Chesapeake Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Chesapeake, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Chesapeake. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Chesapeake General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Chesapeake (City), Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges carry possible jail time, fines, and a permanent record that affects employment, housing, professional licenses, and immigration status. Even a misdemeanor at Chesapeake General District Court (misdemeanor) and Chesapeake Circuit Court (felony) has serious long-term consequences. Under § 19.2-295.1, penalties can include Class 1 misdemeanor: up to 12 months jail, up to $2,500 fine; Class 2 misdemeanor: up to 6 months, $1,000; Class 5 felony: 1-10 years (or up to 12 months plus $2,500 at jury discretion). Early legal representation is critical.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Chesapeake?
Chesapeake General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Chesapeake Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying jail time.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against embezzlement charges?
Defense strategies for embezzlement in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under Va. Code § 18.2-111 to build the strongest possible defense.
What should I do if I am facing embezzlement charges in Virginia?
If facing embezzlement charges in Virginia, contact a criminal attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents and evidence. The statute of limitations and court deadlines under Virginia law require prompt action.
Learn more about our services: Assault Lawyer Virginia (state hub). Explore related pages: Petit Larceny Defense Lawyer Prince William County, Petit Larceny Defense Lawyer Poquoson, Family Law Lawyer Chesapeake, and Separation Lawyer Chesapeake.
Last verified: April 2026. This page was generated on 2026-04-28.