Los Angeles Government Property Theft Defense Lawyers

Are You in Need of a Theft of Government Property Attorney?

Allegations involving the theft of government property are aggressively prosecuted. These cases involve accusations of misusing public funds, government equipment, benefits, or other federally owned property. Defendants face severe penalties that may include lengthy prison sentences, substantial fines, restitution, and permanent damage to their personal and professional reputations.

At Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP, our Los Angeles government theft crime lawyers represent individuals who are facing complex state and federal criminal investigations. Our attorneys work to protect your constitutional rights from the very beginning of an investigation while developing a comprehensive defense strategy tailored to your circumstances. You should seek experienced legal counsel if you have:

• Been contacted by federal or state investigators
• Received a subpoena for records or testimony
• Been notified that you are the subject of an investigation
• Been accused of misusing government funds or property
• Been arrested for theft, fraud, or embezzlement involving a government agency
• Been questioned by investigators from the FBI, Office of Inspector General (OIG), Department of Justice (DOJ), or another government agency

Why Choose Us Over Other Theft of Government Property Lawyers in Los Angeles?

When you hire Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP, you gain the collective experience of an accomplished team of criminal defense attorneys who understand both sides of the courtroom. Our legal team includes former prosecutors. We understand how these cases are investigated, how evidence is gathered, and how to build strategic defenses designed to protect our clients' rights.

Here’s What Sets Our Firm Apart:

• Our firm was founded in 1994. We have decades of criminal defense experience representing clients in complex state and federal criminal matters throughout California and beyond.
• Former Deputy District Attorneys and former federal prosecutors on our legal team who bring valuable insider knowledge of prosecutorial strategies and courtroom procedures.
• Extensive experience defending white-collar and federal criminal cases involving fraud, financial crimes, public corruption, regulatory investigations, and other high-stakes allegations.
• Former Assistant United States Attorney and Deputy District Attorney Mark Werksman brings decades of prosecutorial and defense experience to complex government theft crime cases.
• AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell, reflecting the highest ethical standards and legal ability recognized through rigorous peer review within the legal profession.
• Multiple attorneys recognized by Super Lawyers based on peer reviews and independent research highlighting outstanding professional achievement and consistent client advocacy.
• Alan Jackson has tried more than 85 jury trials with a 96% career success rate built through decades of courtroom advocacy and proven results.
• Kelly Quinn is a certified specialist in writs and appeals who provides skilled appellate advocacy and strategic guidance in complex criminal matters.
• A collaborative legal team that develops strategic defenses for every client by combining diverse experience, careful case preparation, and innovative legal analysis.
• Free consultations. This allows you to discuss your situation with our legal team, understand your options, and make informed decisions without obligation.

Accused of Theft of Government Property?

State and federal prosecutors aggressively pursue these cases, making experienced legal representation essential. Call (213) 688-0460 to discuss your defense.

What Is Theft of Government Property?

Theft of government property refers to knowingly stealing, converting, embezzling, or unlawfully possessing money, property, records, equipment, or other assets owned by a federal, state, or local government entity.

Federal prosecutors may charge these offenses under 18 U.S.C. § 641, which prohibits the theft, embezzlement, conversion, or unauthorized sale of government property. Depending on the circumstances, prosecutors may also file additional charges involving fraud, conspiracy, false statements, wire fraud, or money laundering.

Government property may include:

• Money
• Equipment
• Vehicles
• Computers
• Firearms
• Medical supplies
• Government records
• Military property
• Public benefits
• Contracts
• Electronic data

Theft

Theft allegations generally involve unlawfully taking government property with the intent to permanently deprive the government of its use or value. The value of the alleged property may influence the severity of the criminal charges.

Examples of government property theft include stealing government equipment, removing government-owned supplies, or taking public funds without authorization. A person may also commit this offense by selling government property without permission or diverting government assets for personal use. Using government resources for personal gain may also qualify as government property theft, depending on the circumstances.

Embezzlement

Embezzlement differs from ordinary theft because the accused typically had lawful access to the property before allegedly converting it for personal use. Government employees, contractors, financial managers, and others entrusted with public assets may face embezzlement allegations involving:

• Government payroll funds
• Public grants
• Agency operating accounts
• Public contracts
• Procurement funds
• Reimbursement programs

Larceny

Larceny refers to the unlawful taking and carrying away of another person's property without permission. Investigators may rely upon surveillance footage, inventory records, witness testimony, and forensic evidence.

When government property is involved, prosecutors may allege:

• Theft of military equipment
• Removal of government inventory
• Theft from public offices
• Unauthorized removal of evidence
• Theft of government vehicles

Medicare Fraud

A major category of theft of government property involves allegations of Medicare or other government healthcare program fraud.

Healthcare fraud investigations are frequently conducted by multiple agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), the FBI, and the Department of Justice.

Because these cases can involve complex billing systems and regulatory requirements, experienced legal representation is essential.

These cases may include accusations of:

• Billing for services never provided
• Submitting false reimbursement claims
• Upcoding medical procedures
• Paying illegal kickbacks
• Using stolen patient information
• Double billing government healthcare programs

Examples of Theft of Government Property

Government property theft allegations arise in many different situations. Many cases involve complicated financial transactions, accounting procedures, or administrative issues that require careful legal analysis.

Examples may include:

• Stealing government-issued laptops or electronics
• Misappropriating grant funds
• Diverting government contract payments
• Selling government-owned equipment
• Using public funds for personal expenses
• Filing fraudulent reimbursement requests
• Obtaining government benefits through false information
• Misusing military property
• Taking confidential government records
• Fraudulently billing Medicare or Medicaid
• Theft involving public construction projects
• Unauthorized use of government purchasing cards

Build a Strong Defense

Our lawyers defend clients facing complex federal theft and white-collar crime allegations. Call (213) 688-0460 for a free case review.

How an Attorney Can Help

Government property theft cases often involve years of financial records, thousands of electronic documents, and investigations conducted by multiple agencies. Government investigations often begin long before criminal charges are filed, making prompt legal representation especially important.

Our Los Angeles theft crime lawyers may help by:

• Conducting an independent investigation
• Reviewing financial and accounting records
• Protecting you during interviews with investigators
• Challenging improperly obtained evidence
• Consulting forensic accountants and financial experts
• Negotiating with prosecutors
• Seeking dismissal or reduction of charges
• Representing you during trial if necessary

Effective Defense Strategies

Our theft of government property defense lawyers carefully evaluate every aspect of the government's investigation before developing a defense strategy.

Lack of Criminal Intent

Many government theft offenses require prosecutors to prove that the defendant knowingly intended to steal or convert government property. Administrative errors, accounting mistakes, misunderstandings, or negligence do not necessarily establish criminal intent.

Ownership or Authorization Disputes

Some cases involve legitimate disagreements regarding ownership, authorization, or permitted use of government property. Employment responsibilities, contractual authority, or agency policies may provide lawful explanations for the alleged conduct.

Insufficient Evidence

The prosecution must prove every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. Weak or incomplete evidence may lead to acquittal or dismissal of charges.

Our theft of government property attorneys carefully review:

• Financial records
• Procurement documents
• Digital communications
• Accounting reports
• Witness testimony
• Electronic evidence
• Government investigative reports

Mistaken Identity

In cases involving electronic transactions or complex financial systems, investigators may incorrectly identify the individual responsible. We thoroughly investigate alternative explanations and identify weaknesses in the government's identification evidence.

Illegal Search and Seizure

Government investigations frequently involve search warrants for offices, homes, computers, electronic devices, and financial records. If investigators violated constitutional protections while obtaining evidence, we may seek suppression of unlawfully obtained materials.

Good Faith

Some defendants reasonably believed they had authority to possess, transfer, or use government property. Evidence demonstrating a good-faith belief or lack of fraudulent intent may significantly weaken the prosecution's case.

Challenging Financial Analysis

Government prosecutors often rely on forensic accountants and financial experts. Our criminal defense attorneys carefully examine accounting methods, calculations, assumptions, and investigative conclusions to identify inaccuracies or alternative explanations.

Case Results

No Convictions in Workers’ Compensation Fraud Case

Mark Werksman secured a mistrial in a complex four-week workers' compensation insurance fraud trial, preventing the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office from obtaining a conviction against his client. Prosecutors alleged that the Inland Empire payroll service provider orchestrated a $3 million fraud by failing to obtain workers' compensation insurance for business clients. After hearing testimony from 37 prosecution witnesses and reviewing extensive financial evidence, the jury deliberated for three days before deadlocking.

The result reflected Mr. Werksman's tenacious advocacy and strategic challenge to the prosecution's case. By analyzing and rebutting hundreds of thousands of pages of discovery and presenting a clear, persuasive defense, he created sufficient reasonable doubt to prevent a unanimous guilty verdict. As Mr. Werksman noted, "While a hung jury is not an ideal outcome, our job is to prevent our client from being convicted, and we accomplished that critical goal."

What Clients Are Saying About Us

Fantastic defense attorney- Alex B. (5-Star Avvo Review)

Fantastic defense attorney. Alan Jackson is an incredibly skilled and seasoned attorney. He has passion for his clients and the law, and you would be a fool not to hire him.

I cannot thank him enough- Allen T. (5-Star Yelp Review)

Mark Werksman is a professional, educated, and articulate lawyer. He goes above and beyond to successfully represent his clients. He is full of wit and quick on his feet. Before I came to Mark, my mind was full of doubt with previous lawyers. One of them even told me there was nothing they could do to help me. Mark managed to settle my case beyond my expectations. He kept me updated with constant positive follow-ups. He stays on top of things and he strives to achieve nothing but the best results for all of his clients. I felt this every time I spoke with him. Thanks to Mark, the stress and worries are out the window. I cannot thank him enough. There are many lawyers out there. However, rationale, quick thinking, and intellect are rare. Mark meets the criteria for a top-notch lawyer.

Speak With an Experienced Los Angeles Government Property Theft Defense Attorney

Being investigated for theft of government property can be overwhelming, particularly when federal agencies are involved. A Los Angeles white collar crime attorney can protect your rights, evaluate the government's evidence, and immediately begin building an effective defense.

Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP defends clients who are facing complex white-collar crime allegations in both state and federal courts. Our legal team combines decades of criminal trial experience with the insight of former prosecutors who understand how government agencies investigate and prosecute financial crimes.

If you have been accused of stealing, embezzling, or unlawfully obtaining government property, schedule your free consultation.

Call (213) 688-0460 to learn more today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Theft of Government Property Charges

What is theft of government property?

Theft of government property involves knowingly stealing, embezzling, converting, or unlawfully possessing money, equipment, records, or other assets owned by a federal, state, or local government agency. Depending on the facts, these cases may be prosecuted under state or federal law.

Can theft of government property be charged as a federal crime?

Yes. Many theft of government property cases are prosecuted in federal court, particularly when the alleged offense involves federal agencies, federal funds, military property, or government benefit programs. Federal prosecutors often pursue these cases aggressively.

What penalties can I face if convicted of theft of government property?

The penalties depend on the value of the property involved, the specific charges filed, your criminal history, and whether the case is prosecuted in state or federal court. A conviction may result in imprisonment, substantial fines, restitution, probation, and a permanent criminal record.

What types of property are considered government property?

Government property can include public funds, government-issued equipment, vehicles, computers, firearms, official records, military property, medical supplies, grant funds, and other assets owned or controlled by a government agency.

What should I do if federal investigators contact me?

If federal investigators contact you, avoid answering questions or providing documents before speaking with an attorney. An experienced Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer can protect your rights and communicate with investigators on your behalf.

How do prosecutors prove theft of government property?

Prosecutors may rely on financial records, accounting reports, surveillance footage, electronic communications, witness testimony, digital evidence, and forensic analysis. They generally must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you knowingly engaged in unlawful conduct involving government property.

Can Los Angeles theft of government property charges be dismissed?

Yes. Depending on the circumstances, charges may be reduced or dismissed if the prosecution lacks sufficient evidence, investigators violated your constitutional rights, or the government cannot prove criminal intent. Every case requires a careful legal evaluation.

Meet Our Theft of Government Property Defense Attorneys

Mark Werksman is the founding partner of Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP and a highly respected criminal defense attorney with decades of experience handling complex state and federal criminal cases. A former Deputy District Attorney and former Assistant United States, Mark represents executives, professionals, public officials, and individuals facing serious criminal allegations, earning a reputation for meticulous preparation, strategic advocacy, and persuasive courtroom litigation.

Alan Jackson

Alan Jackson is a partner at Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP and one of the nation's most respected criminal defense attorneys. A former prosecutor and Assistant Head Deputy of the Major Crimes Division at the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, he has extensive experience handling complex, high-profile criminal cases in both state and federal courts. Alan has represented celebrities, business executives, public officials, and other clients facing serious criminal allegations, earning a reputation for exceptional trial advocacy and strategic defense.

Kelly Quinn

Kelly Quinn is a partner at Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP and an accomplished criminal defense attorney recognized for her extensive appellate experience and strategic legal advocacy. A Certified Appellate Law Specialist by the State Bar of California, she represents clients in complex criminal appeals, writ proceedings, and post-conviction matters in both state and federal courts. Kelly’s exceptional legal research, persuasive writing, and meticulous attention to detail have earned her a reputation as a trusted advocate in high-stakes criminal cases.