Grand Larceny Lawyer Virginia, VA
A grand larceny charge in Virginia carries serious consequences, including the possibility of a felony conviction and incarceration. Under Virginia law, grand larceny is defined in Va. Code § 18.2-95 as the theft of property valued at $1,000 or more, or theft of any firearm regardless of value, or theft directly from a person of money or items worth $5 or more. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Concentrates its practice on criminal defense, including the defense of grand larceny allegations throughout the Commonwealth. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder, and his Of Counsel team bring extensive experience to these matters, having practiced since 1997. To discuss a pending or potential grand larceny matter, reach our location at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Grand Larceny Means in Virginia
Grand larceny is a felony offense prosecuted in Virginia’s Circuit Courts. The threshold for grand larceny, set at $1,000 by a 2020 amendment to Va. Code § 18.2-95, means that thefts of property valued below that amount are generally treated as petit larceny, a misdemeanor. Because the value assigned to the property is a central issue in many cases, the defense often involves challenging the alleged value. Virginia’s court system divides criminal proceedings between the General District Court, where misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings are held, and the Circuit Court, which has jurisdiction over felony trials. A person accused of grand larceny will first appear before a General District Court judge for an advisement of the charge and a bond determination; if the case is certified to the grand jury, it moves to the Circuit Court for trial or other disposition.
Penalties for grand larceny in Virginia are severe. Under the law, a conviction can result in a term of imprisonment of one to twenty years or, at the discretion of the jury, up to twelve months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. In addition to incarceration, a felony record creates collateral consequences that affect employment, housing, firearm rights, and professional licensing. The Commonwealth’s Attorney in each Virginia locality prosecutes these cases, and the experience of the defense team matters. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Appears in courts across Virginia, from the Northern Virginia region to the Tidewater area, and is familiar with the practices of the Commonwealth’s Attorneys throughout the state. Because the decision about how to proceed—whether to negotiate, file pretrial motions, or prepare for trial—depends on a careful review of the evidence, early involvement by experienced counsel is important.
Grand larceny in Virginia, defined as the theft of property valued at $1,000 or more or theft of a firearm regardless of value, is punishable as a felony with a sentence of one to twenty years’ imprisonment or, at the jury’s discretion, up to twelve months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500 (Va. Code § 18.2-95).
Source: Va. Code § 18.2-95. Virginia Legislative Information System
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Grand Larceny Cases
When Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. is engaged on a grand larceny matter, the first step is a thorough review of the charging documents, the evidence, and the circumstances of the alleged offense. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel examine the basis for the property valuation, the chain of custody of any physical evidence, and the statements made by witnesses. Because the value of the property is often the line between felony and misdemeanor treatment, the team pays particular attention to the methodology used to establish that figure. If the evidence supports a challenge, counsel may file a motion to reduce the charge or to suppress evidence obtained in violation of constitutional protections.
The team is also experienced in working with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to explore alternatives to a felony conviction. Depending on the facts, it may be possible to negotiate an amendment to a lesser offense or to pursue a deferred disposition if the client is eligible. In every case, the focus is on protecting the client’s rights and working toward favorable outcomes. Because each case is unique, the strategy is tailored to the specific facts and the goals of the person represented. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel do not guarantee any particular result, but they bring extensive experience and a disciplined approach to each matter. Results may vary.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced criminal defense since 1997. He is a former prosecutor and has tried cases in both state and federal courts. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. His approach to grand larceny defense is informed by his experience on both sides of the courtroom, and he maintains a manageable caseload to ensure individual case review to each client.
The Of Counsel team at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Includes attorneys with backgrounds in prosecution and law enforcement, as well as deep litigation experience. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented firm-wide results to the defense of criminal charges, including grand larceny. Results may vary. When you engage the firm, you benefit from a collaborative defense that draws on that collective knowledge. While no law firm can promise a particular outcome, the team works diligently on behalf of every client.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I am facing grand larceny charges in Virginia?
Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately and refrain from discussing the facts with anyone other than your lawyer. Grand larceny is a felony, and the stakes are high. You have the right to remain silent and to have counsel present during any questioning. Avoid posting about the matter on social media, and do not attempt to explain your side to law enforcement without legal advice. Early involvement by counsel can help preserve evidence, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and protect your rights from the outset. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against grand larceny charges?
A defense may involve challenging the valuation of the property, the sufficiency of the evidence, or the procedures used by law enforcement. Because grand larceny requires proof that the property was worth $1,000 or more, an experienced attorney will scrutinize how that value was determined—whether through receipts, appraisals, or estimates. Other defenses may include mistaken identity, lack of intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property, or violation of the defendant’s constitutional rights during a search or interrogation. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel build a defense strategy based on the specific facts of each case under Va. Code § 18.2-95. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
What are the potential penalties for grand larceny in Virginia?
A conviction for grand larceny can result in one to twenty years of imprisonment, or at the jury’s discretion, up to twelve months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. In addition to incarceration and fines, a felony record carries long-term consequences that can affect employment opportunities, professional licenses, firearm possession, and voting rights. The specific sentence depends on factors including the defendant’s prior record, the value of the property taken, and whether a plea agreement is reached. Because of the severity of the potential penalties, it is important to have knowledgeable counsel who can present mitigation evidence and advocate for the most lenient disposition possible. Results may vary.
Which courts handle grand larceny cases in Virginia?
Grand larceny cases begin in the General District Court for a preliminary hearing and are then certified to the Circuit Court for trial or other disposition. The General District Court does not have jurisdiction to try felony cases; it determines whether there is probable cause to believe the defendant committed the offense. If probable cause is found, the case is sent to the Circuit Court, where the defendant will be indicted by a grand jury and can elect a jury trial or a bench trial. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear in Circuit Courts throughout Virginia, including those in Fairfax County, Prince William County, Loudoun County, and the Richmond area. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Related pages: Virginia Petit Larceny Lawyer · Virginia Assault Lawyer · Virginia Felony Theft Lawyer
Primary sources: Virginia Code Title 18.2 · Virginia Courts
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Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.