Grand Larceny Lawyer Alexandria — What Are Your Defense Options?
Grand larceny in Alexandria is a felony under Va. Code § 18.2-95, defined as theft of property valued at $1,000 or more. A conviction can result in 1 to 20 years in prison. As a grand larceny lawyer Alexandria, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: April 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Grand Larceny Law and Penalties
In Virginia, grand larceny is a serious felony offense. The statute, Va. Code § 18.2-95, defines it as the theft of money, goods, or chattels valued at $1,000 or more. This is distinct from petit larceny (theft under $1,000), which is a misdemeanor. The value of the stolen property is a critical element the Commonwealth must prove beyond a reasonable doubt. Cases are prosecuted by the Alexandria Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at the Alexandria General District Court for preliminary hearings and the Alexandria Circuit Court for trials.
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm has a deep understanding of the local legal field. A skilled felony theft defense lawyer Alexandria knows that challenging the prosecution’s evidence on value or intent is often the key to a favorable outcome.
Potential Penalties for a Grand Larceny Conviction
In Alexandria, a grand larceny conviction under Va. Code § 18.2-95 is a felony punishable by 1 to 20 years in prison, or at the jury’s discretion, up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Long-Term Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Larceny (Value $1,000+) | Felony | 1 – 20 years in prison (or up to 12 months in jail at jury discretion) | Up to $2,500 | Permanent felony record, loss of voting rights, difficulty finding employment and housing, ineligibility for certain professional licenses. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
- Initial Court Appearance (Arraignment): You will be formally charged and enter a plea of not guilty at Alexandria General District Court.
- Preliminary Hearing: For felony charges, a hearing is held in General District Court to determine if there is probable cause to send the case to Circuit Court.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If bound over, you will be re-arraigned in Alexandria Circuit Court, where you can request a jury trial.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney will file motions to suppress evidence and obtain all discovery from the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Plea Negotiation or Trial: Your lawyer will negotiate for a reduction or dismissal. If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing (if convicted): The judge will impose a sentence based on Virginia’s sentencing guidelines and any mitigating factors presented by your defense.
Why Choose Our Alexandria Grand Larceny Defense Team
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our grand larceny lawyer Alexandria team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper, giving us unique insight into how the other side builds its cases. We have a documented record of achieving favorable outcomes for our clients.
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
Matthew Greene, Senior Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. 30+ years criminal defense. Death penalty certified (formerly). View Matthew Greene’s Profile
Our secondary attorney on complex criminal matters is Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a background in accounting, which is particularly valuable in theft cases involving financial evidence.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While every case is unique, our approach is consistently thorough. We investigate all aspects of the accusation, from the legality of the search and seizure to the methods used to determine the property’s value. For instance, we have successfully argued for reductions from felony grand larceny to misdemeanor petit larceny by challenging the prosecution’s valuation evidence. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Grand Larceny Defense Serving Alexandria, VA
Our Arlington location serves clients in Alexandria. We are accessible for meetings to discuss your grand larceny charge.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719
Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
We serve the communities of Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne.
Frequently Asked Questions: Grand Larceny in Alexandria
What is the difference between grand larceny and petit larceny in Virginia?
The key difference is the value of the stolen property. Theft of property valued at $1,000 or more is grand larceny, a felony. Theft under $1,000 is petit larceny, a misdemeanor. The value is determined at the time of the theft.
Can a grand larceny charge be reduced to a misdemeanor?
It depends. A skilled felony theft defense lawyer Alexandria can often negotiate a reduction, especially if the evidence regarding the property’s value is weak. Successfully arguing the value was below the $1,000 threshold can lead to an amendment to petit larceny.
What are common defenses to a grand larceny charge?
Common defenses include mistaken identity, lack of intent to permanently deprive the owner (borrowing), ownership dispute, insufficient evidence of value exceeding $1,000, and unlawful search and seizure that leads to suppression of key evidence.
Do I need a lawyer for a grand larceny charge in Alexandria?
Yes. Grand larceny is a felony with severe, life-altering penalties. The Alexandria Commonwealth’s Attorney vigorously prosecutes these cases. An experienced grand larceny lawyer Alexandria is essential to protect your rights, challenge the evidence, and work toward the best possible outcome.
What court will my grand larceny case be in?
Your case will start with a preliminary hearing at the Alexandria General District Court. If probable cause is found, it will be bound over to the Alexandria Circuit Court for a jury trial, as you have a right to a jury for any offense carrying jail time.
Related Practice Areas: If you are facing other charges, our firm also provides representation for DUI charges in Alexandria and family law matters in Alexandria.
More Virginia Resources: For a broader view of our criminal defense practice, visit our Virginia criminal defense hub page. We also serve clients in neighboring areas like Arlington County.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your grand larceny charge.