Petit Larceny Lawyer Henrico County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Petit larceny in Henrico County is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-96, carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented results in Henrico County for theft-related charges. A skilled petit larceny lawyer Henrico County can challenge the evidence and intent required for conviction.
Virginia Petit Larceny Law
Petit larceny is defined as the theft of goods valued at less than $1,000. It is prosecuted under Va. Code § 18.2-96. This statute is the foundation for all theft charges under this threshold in Virginia. The prosecution must prove you intentionally took property belonging to another with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it.
Last verified: April 2026 | Henrico County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
The firm was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor whose background in accounting provides a unique advantage in cases involving financial evidence.
Official Legal Resources
For the official statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-96 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information and procedures can be found on the Henrico County General District Court website.
Handling a Petit Larceny Charge in Henrico County
In Henrico County, the Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes petit larceny cases at the General District Court on East Parham Road. A key local procedural fact is that first-offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 are available; successful completion can result in dismissal. For a shoplifting charge lawyer Henrico County, the focus is often on lack of intent or mistaken identity.
- Secure representation from a petit larceny lawyer Henrico County immediately after arrest or receiving a summons.
- Your attorney will obtain all evidence, including store surveillance and witness statements.
- We will negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a dismissal, reduction, or diversion program.
- If no favorable plea is possible, we will prepare for a bench trial in General District Court.
- If convicted in GDC, we can file an appeal for a new jury trial in Henrico County Circuit Court.
Penalties for Petit Larceny in Virginia
In Henrico County, petit larceny is a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail, a fine up to $2,500, and creates a permanent criminal record.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petit Larceny (Value < $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record; impacts employment, housing, professional licenses |
| Petit Larceny 3rd+ Offense (Va. Code § 18.2-104) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record; loss of civil rights |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. We have achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to every client. In Henrico County, we have a documented record of successful outcomes for clients facing theft charges.
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
Case Results in Henrico County
In Henrico County, we have 8 documented criminal case results: 7 dismissed/not guilty and 1 reduced/amended, representing a 100% favorable outcome rate for those cases. For example, our team has successfully defended against petit larceny charges by challenging witness identification and proving lack of intent to steal.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our secondary attorney on complex criminal matters is Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a multi-state practice and a background in accounting that aids in financial case analysis.
Petit Larceny Lawyer Near Henrico County
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Henrico County courts (4301 East Parham Road). We are accessible via I-64, I-95, and I-295. We are a petit larceny lawyer near Short Pump Town Center and the Innsbrook Corporate Center.
We serve the communities of Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, and Mechanicsville (partial).
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Henrico County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Henrico County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor: up to 6 months/$1,000. Common charges include petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96). Cases are heard at Henrico County General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Henrico County, Virginia?
It depends. Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. Most convictions cannot be expunged. The petition is filed in Henrico County Circuit Court. First-offense petit larceny may qualify through a deferred disposition or first offender program.
How does bail work in Henrico County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors like petit larceny in Henrico County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Henrico County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer for a petit larceny charge in Henrico County?
Yes. Petit larceny charges are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Henrico County General District Court. Even as a misdemeanor, it carries up to 12 months jail and creates a permanent criminal record visible to employers and landlords.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Henrico County?
Henrico County General District Court handles misdemeanor petit larceny trials. Henrico County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court if your case is appealed.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for current guidance.
For more information, see our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Chesterfield County. In Henrico County, we also handle related matters like DUI defense.