Federal Theft of Government Property
Federal law makes it a crime to embezzle, steal, or convert property of the United States Government. 18 U.S.C. § 641 is a broad statute that criminalizes many different types of behavior from government employees embezzling government funds to shoplifting from a military base’s PX store. With so many military bases around Washington, DC and Northern Virginia, including Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Fort Belvioir, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, and Quantico, it is common that theft on base by civilians is prosecuted under this statute.
Penalties for Theft of Government Property
Federal law makes it a crime to embezzle, steal, or convert property of the United States Government. Depending on the value of the item, a violation of this statute can be prosecuted as a misdemeanor or a felony. If the value is more than $1,000, then it is prosecuted as a felony, but if the value is less than $1,000, it is prosecuted as a misdemeanor.
A misdemeanor conviction of 18 U.S.C. § 641 can result in a fine or imprisonment of up to one year, or both. A felony conviction can result in a fine or imprisonment of up to 10 years, or both. Misdemeanor and felony convictions can have damaging impacts on you both personally and professionally, especially as a government employee or someone with business on base.
18 U.S.C. § 641 reads:
Whoever embezzles, steals, purloins, or knowingly converts to his use or the use of another, or without authority, sells, conveys or disposes of any record, voucher, money, or thing of value of the United States or of any department or agency thereof, or any property made or being made under contract for the United States or any department or agency thereof; or
Whoever receives, conceals, or retains the same with intent to convert it to his use or gain, knowing it to have been embezzled, stolen, purloined or converted—
Shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both; but if the value of such property in the aggregate, combining amounts from all the counts for which the defendant is convicted in a single case, does not exceed the sum of $1,000, he shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.
How Our Attorneys Can Help You
Our federal criminal defense attorneys are experienced in defending clients facing misdemeanor and felony charges in federal court. Each case varies depending on the specific circumstances and a good defense attorney will be able to determine what arguments to make Our criminal defense attorneys can assist you with cases in the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia and the District Court for the District of Columbia. Our office is conveniently located less than a mile and a half from the Alexandria Division of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. Contact us today for a free consultation regarding your theft of government property charge.
