Grand Larceny Lawyer Near Me
If you have been charged with grand larceny in Virginia—whether the accusation involves shoplifting, theft of a firearm, or taking property worth $1,000 or more—the stakes are high. A conviction can mean a felony record, incarceration, and long-term damage to your reputation, career, and personal life. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, provides experienced grand larceny defense representation to clients throughout Virginia. Our attorneys appear in courts across the Commonwealth, and we answer calls at (888) 437-7747 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Request a confidential consultation to discuss the facts of your case and the options available under Virginia law. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of the firm, understands how prosecutors build grand larceny cases because he served as a former prosecutor earlier in his career. Together with the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys, he works to protect your rights, challenge the evidence, and pursue a resolution that minimizes the consequences you face. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to grand larceny matters. Results may vary.
What Grand Larceny Means in Virginia
Virginia Code § 18.2‑95 defines grand larceny. The offense includes three categories: theft of money or property valued at $1,000 or more, theft directly from the person of another of $5 or more, and theft of any firearm regardless of its value. The distinction between grand larceny (a felony) and petit larceny (a misdemeanor under § 18.2‑96) often turns on the value of the item taken. A prosecutor must prove both the taking and the value element beyond a reasonable doubt. Because the felony threshold drives the severity of the charge, careful valuation analysis is often a central defense strategy.
Grand larceny cases in Virginia are handled in the General District Court for preliminary hearings and in the Circuit Court for felony trials and sentencing. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for each locality decides how to prosecute the case. A felony grand larceny conviction carries potential imprisonment of one to twenty years, though under Virginia’s unique sentencing framework a jury may instead impose up to twelve months in jail and a fine. Beyond the direct punishment, a felony record can affect employment opportunities, firearm rights, and professional licenses. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., appears in courts statewide—including Fairfax County Circuit Court, Prince William County Circuit Court, and courthouses throughout Northern Virginia, Central Virginia, and the Shenandoah Valley—to defend individuals facing these charges.
Under Va. Code § 18.2‑95, grand larceny is a felony; the authorized punishment is imprisonment of not less than one nor more than twenty years, or, in the discretion of the jury, confinement in jail for not more than twelve months and a fine of not more than $2,500.
Source: Va. Code § 18.2‑95, as amended. Virginia Code
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Grand Larceny Cases
When you contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. about a grand larceny matter, the first step is a detailed, confidential conversation about the circumstances of the arrest, the evidence the Commonwealth may present, and your personal background. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys evaluate whether the value of the property was overstated, whether there is a valid claim of ownership or permission, or whether a procedural error occurred—such as an illegal stop or an involuntary statement. Because Virginia allows plea negotiations under Rule 3A:8 of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia, counsel may also discuss whether a charge reduction to petit larceny or another lesser offense is achievable.
Throughout the court process, the firm’s attorneys appear at every hearing, from arraignment through trial. They examine the discovery materials, challenge the admissibility of evidence where the law supports it, and prepare you to testify if necessary. If a trial is not in your best interest, they work toward negotiated resolutions that protect your record and your future. Every grand larceny case is handled with focused attention—never as a routine file. The timeline of each case depends on the court’s calendar and the complexity of the specific matter.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Mr. Sris founded Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 1997. He is a former prosecutor who now limits his personal caseload to matters he can directly shape, including complex grand larceny and felony theft cases. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His background in accounting and information systems gives him particular insight when valuation disputes turn on financial records, inventory losses, or forensic accounting.
The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys contribute additional layers of trial and negotiation experience. Together, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience to grand larceny defense. When you call (888) 437‑7747, you speak with a member of our team who can schedule a consultation and begin reviewing your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between grand larceny and petit larceny in Virginia?
The primary difference is the value of the property taken: grand larceny under Va. Code § 18.2‑95 involves theft of property worth $1,000 or more, or theft from a person of $5 or more, or any firearm; petit larceny under Va. Code § 18.2‑96 involves theft of property under $1,000. Grand larceny is a felony; petit larceny is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Because the threshold determines the severity of the charge, a robust challenge to the alleged value can be critical. An attorney may present evidence that the item was worth less than $1,000, or that the Commonwealth cannot prove the value beyond a reasonable doubt.
Do I need a lawyer for a grand larceny charge in Virginia?
Yes—a grand larceny charge is a serious felony that can result in imprisonment and a permanent criminal record; having experienced counsel is essential. An attorney can protect your rights during questioning, investigate the evidence, negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney, and present mitigating factors to the court. Even if you believe the accusation is minor, the long-term consequences of a conviction make legal representation a practical necessity. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
What potential defenses are available in a Virginia grand larceny case?
Defenses may include challenging the valuation of the property, demonstrating a claim of right or ownership, establishing consent, showing mistaken identity, or arguing that the evidence was obtained through an unlawful search or seizure. Each case is unique; the viability of any defense depends on the specific facts. An experienced attorney will review police reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. Virginia courts require proof beyond a reasonable doubt, and the defense need only create a reasonable doubt to prevail.
What should I do if I am arrested for grand larceny in Virginia?
Immediately after an arrest, remain silent and politely decline to answer any questions from law enforcement until you have spoken with an attorney. Do not discuss the facts with anyone else, and avoid posting about the situation on social media. Preserve any receipts, documents, or communications that may relate to the property. Then contact a criminal defense attorney to request a consultation. Prompt legal intervention can help secure your release, preserve evidence, and begin building a defense strategy. To discuss your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
How does the court process work for a grand larceny case in Virginia?
The case typically begins with a preliminary hearing in the General District Court, where the judge determines whether probable cause exists to send the case to the Circuit Court for trial. If the case is certified, it proceeds to the Circuit Court for arraignment, pretrial motions, and trial. Throughout this timeline, the Commonwealth’s Attorney and the defense may engage in plea discussions under Rule 3A:8. The court schedules hearings on its own calendar, so timelines vary. A felony trial may involve a jury, and the sentencing options include the possibility of a jury’s alternative misdemeanor sentence. For a consultation about your case, reach Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys at (888) 437‑7747.
Can a grand larceny charge be reduced to a misdemeanor in Virginia?
Yes, depending on the facts of the case and the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s discretion, a grand larceny felony may be amended to petit larceny—a Class 1 misdemeanor—or to another lesser offense. A reduction removes the felony designation and may lead to a significantly lighter sentence. Factors that can support a reduction include: the property value was borderline, the defendant has no prior record, the property was recovered, or the victim supports leniency. An experienced attorney can present these factors and negotiate on your behalf. Results may vary. each case is governed by its own facts and the applicable law.
Outbound Primary Source Authority
For the current text of the grand larceny statute, see the Virginia Code § 18.2‑95. Information about the court system is available on the Virginia’s Judicial System website. For authoritative understanding of plea procedures, review Virginia Supreme Court Rule 3A:8.
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Results may vary.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.