Is embezzlement a Class U felony in Virginia?
Asked by: Dr. Kayli Ondricka PhD | Last update: June 10, 2026Score: 4.6/5 (19 votes)
Yes, embezzlement in Virginia can be a Class U (unclassified) felony, typically when the value of the embezzled property is significant (often cited as $500 or $1,000 or more, depending on the source), while smaller amounts are misdemeanors, but the key is the value of the stolen property, making it a felony grand larceny offense in those higher value cases, carrying penalties of up to 20 years in prison.
What is a Class U felony embezzlement in Virginia?
Felony Embezzlement
If your embezzlement charge is elevated to a felony due to the stolen property or funds being valued at $1,000 or more, you would be charged with a Class U felony. If convicted, your punishment can include a prison sentence of up to 20 years, a maximum fine of $2,500, and restitution to the victim.
What class felony is embezzlement?
In the example statute listed above, a Class I Felony Embezzlement charge may result in a fine of $1,000 and a prison sentence of 1-3 years. A more serious charge such as a Class G felony charge might result in a fine of $5,000 and a prison sentence of 5 years.
What is a class U felony in Virginia?
This class is sometimes referred to as Class U or Unclassified and includes criminal offenses such as certain sex offenses, shoplifting, grand larceny, and drug possession. What is unique about Class U felonies is that each crime and suggested minimum sentence is described in its statute.
What is a class U infraction in Virginia?
In Virginia, misdemeanors are divided into four classes. Class 1 misdemeanors are the most serious, followed by Class 2 misdemeanors, Class 3 misdemeanors, and Class 4 misdemeanors. In addition to these four classes of charges, there is also an unclassified—or Class U—misdemeanor that is used in rare cases.
I Have An Embezzlement Case, Now What?
What does "unclassified" mean in jail?
Inmates who are unclassified are pending a permanent housing location therefore they are unable to receive phone calls or visits at this time.
What is the lowest class felony in Virginia?
In Virginia, felonies are classified from Class 1 (most severe) to Class 6 (least severe) under Virginia Code § 18.2-10. A Class 6 felony is the lowest-level felony, but its consequences can still be life-altering.
What's the lowest felony class?
What is the Federal Classification System?
- Class A Felonies: Maximum of life imprisonment or death.
- Class B Felonies: Maximum of 25 years or more.
- Class C Felonies: Maximum of 10-25 years.
- Class D Felonies: Maximum of 5-10 years.
- Class E Felonies: Maximum of 1-5 years.
What happens to someone who embezzled money?
If you embezzle money, you face serious criminal and financial penalties, including jail time, hefty fines, and mandatory repayment (restitution) to the victim, with severity depending on the amount stolen; it also leads to a permanent criminal record, job loss, and reputational damage, making future employment difficult. Consequences range from misdemeanor charges for smaller amounts to felony charges for larger sums, potentially involving years in prison, according to state and federal laws.
How to prove someone is guilty of embezzlement?
What must a prosecutor prove? The burden of proof in this case, as in any criminal case, is with the prosecution. The prosecutor must demonstrate both that you were in legitimate possession of the property and that it was given to you by another person in order to prove embezzlement.
Is embezzlement a big crime?
Yes, embezzlement is a very serious crime, classified as a white-collar offense, carrying severe penalties like significant prison time, hefty fines, full restitution, and long-term collateral consequences such as a permanent criminal record that damages career prospects and civil rights. The severity depends on the amount stolen but often involves breach of trust, making it particularly damaging to victims and leading to substantial legal and professional fallout.
How is intent proven in embezzlement cases?
Circumstantial Nature of Evidence
Prosecutors typically do not have a “smoking gun” proving fraudulent intent; instead, they must build a case based on financial records, emails, text messages, and witness testimony.
How much stolen money is considered a felony in Virginia?
If the value of the stolen property is $1,000 or more, it becomes grand larceny, a felony under Virginia Code § 18.2-95. A felony conviction can lead to one to 20 years in prison and large fines.
Does a felony conviction always mean jail time?
California Felony Sentences
Unless the law requires a sentence to jail or prison, a judge might instead place the defendant on probation. A few California felonies require the judge to impose a sentence. Those crimes tend to be the most serious offenses (including murder and some sexual assaults).
How much money is considered a felony in Virginia?
In Virginia, felonies are divided into six classes (1-6) with penalties ranging from up to 5 years in prison (Class 6) to life imprisonment (Class 1), plus potential fines up to $100,000, depending on the crime's severity, with Class 1 being the most serious and Class 6 the least severe. Penalties include potential prison time, large fines (up to $100,000 for higher classes), and long-term consequences like impacting employment and firearm rights.
Is a class U felony bad?
Its a felony charge for an offense that does not neatly fit into the Class 1, Class 2, Class 3..... up to Class 6 felony categories. A VERY serious charge.
Can embezzlement be settled out of court?
A: In some cases, embezzlement charges may be resolved outside of court through restitution agreements, especially for first-time offenders. Most criminal charges are resolved without the need for going to trial.
What are the four elements of embezzlement?
For a case of embezzlement, four elements must typically be proven: a fiduciary relationship (trust) where property was entrusted to the defendant, the defendant obtained possession of that property through their position, they fraudulently converted it for personal gain, and they acted with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property's use or value.
What is a class U misdemeanor in Virginia?
Virginia Unclassified or Class U Misdemeanor
One example of a relatively common unclassified misdemeanor is the possession of marijuana, the first offense (note: this also depends on the amount in possession). It is punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $500.
How bad is a class a felony?
In most cases, if a felony is not classified by a letter grade in the section defining it, the felony is classified as follows: Class A: if the maximum term of imprisonment authorized is life imprisonment, or if the maximum penalty is death.
What are the 4 types of offenses?
Offences against person, property or state. Personal offences, fraudulent offences. Violent offences, sexual offences. Indictable/non-indictable offences etc.