Petit Larceny Lawyer Prince George County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Petit larceny in Prince George 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 documented results defending theft charges in Prince George County General District Court. A conviction creates a permanent criminal record. Contact a petit larceny lawyer Prince George County for a case review.
Virginia Petit Larceny Law and Penalties
Petit larceny, defined under Virginia Code § 18.2-96, is the theft of goods or services valued at less than $1,000. It is distinct from grand larceny (theft of $1,000 or more), which is a felony. In Prince George County, these cases are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at the Prince George County General District Court located at 6601 Courts Drive.
Last verified: April 2026 | Prince George County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings a foundational understanding of how theft charges are built and argued from both sides of the courtroom.
Official Legal Resources
For the official statute, refer to Va. Code § 18.2-96 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information and procedures can be found on the Prince George County Combined Courts website.
Defending a Petit Larceny Charge in Prince George County
A key local procedural fact is that Prince George County General District Court handles all misdemeanor petit larceny trials. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Prince George County prosecutes these cases. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 may be available, where successful completion can result in dismissal. Defendants have an absolute right to a jury trial in Prince George County Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time.
If you are charged, follow these steps:
- Secure your citation or warrant paperwork and note your court date.
- Contact a defense lawyer before speaking to store security, loss prevention, or police.
- Your attorney will review the evidence for weaknesses, such as mistaken identity, lack of intent, or valuation issues.
- Attend your arraignment, where your lawyer can enter a plea and discuss options with the prosecutor.
- Prepare for a possible trial or negotiate a favorable plea agreement, which may include restitution, community service, or a first-offender program.
- If convicted, your lawyer can advocate for the most lenient sentence possible and discuss expungement eligibility if the case is later dismissed.
Potential Penalties for Petit Larceny in Virginia
In Prince George County, petit larceny is a Class 1 misdemeanor carrying up to 12 months in jail, a fine of up to $2,500, and a permanent criminal record.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petit Larceny (Theft under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None directly | 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 directly | Felony record; loss of civil rights. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Theft Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys combine over 120 years of legal experience. We have documented results in Prince George County. Our approach is built on a detailed review of the evidence and knowledge of local court procedures. For a shoplifting charge lawyer Prince George County, our team examines security footage, witness statements, and police reports to identify the strongest defense path.
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 for Theft Charges
Our firm has a documented record in theft defense. In neighboring Fairfax County, we have secured dismissals and reductions for clients facing petit larceny charges under Va. Code § 18.2-96. For example, we have achieved case outcomes where charges were dismissed or reduced to a nolle prosequi (dropped by the prosecutor).
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 multi-state bar admissions who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute.
Prince George County Petit Larceny Defense Lawyer Near You
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Prince George County courts (6601 Courts Drive). We are accessible via I-295, Route 10, and Route 36. We are a petit larceny lawyer near Prince George and the Hopewell area.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417 — 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 petit larceny in Prince George County, Virginia?
Up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Petit larceny (theft under $1,000) is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-96. Cases are heard at Prince George County General District Court. A conviction creates a permanent criminal record.
Can a petit larceny charge be dropped in Prince George County?
It depends. A prosecutor may drop a charge (nolle prosequi) if evidence is weak, if restitution is made, or through a first-offender program. A skilled misdemeanor theft defense lawyer Prince George County can negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for this outcome. An attorney can also file a motion to suppress evidence or argue for dismissal at trial.
Do I need a lawyer for a first-time shoplifting charge?
Yes. Even a first-time charge carries jail time and a permanent record. A lawyer can seek alternative resolutions like a first-offender program, community service, or dismissal. Self-representation risks a harsher outcome.
What is the difference between petit larceny and shoplifting?
Shoplifting is a form of petit larceny. Virginia law uses “petit larceny” for all theft of property valued under $1,000, regardless of location. The penalties and defenses are the same. A shoplifting charge lawyer Prince George County defends against this specific type of theft allegation.
Can a petit larceny conviction be expunged in Virginia?
Generally, no. Virginia only allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, or charges dropped by the prosecutor (nolle prosequi) under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. Most convictions cannot be removed from your record. This makes avoiding a conviction through defense critical.
Related Legal Information
For more information, see our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you are facing other charges, explore our services for DUI/DWI defense in Prince George County or family law matters.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.