Grand Larceny Lawyer Virginia Beach, VA
When a person is charged with grand larceny in Virginia Beach, the stakes are immediate and serious. Under Va. Code § 18.2-95, grand larceny involves the wrongful taking of property valued at $1,000 or more, or theft directly from a person regardless of value. This is a felony offense, and a conviction can result in a prison sentence of up to twenty years and a lasting criminal record. The prosecution often moves through two venues: the Virginia Beach General District Court for the initial appearance and preliminary hearing, and the Virginia Beach Circuit Court for trial if the charge is certified as a felony. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, concentrates its practice in criminal defense and appears regularly in these courts on behalf of clients from Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, Oceana, and the surrounding Hampton Roads area. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, and his Of Counsel team bring extensive experience to the analysis of evidence, the evaluation of property valuations, and the identification of procedural defenses. Because a grand larceny charge frequently involves complex issues of intent, ownership, and the precise value of the property, having counsel who understands how the Virginia Beach Commonwealth’s Attorney constructs these cases is critical. The firm offers consultations 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Reach our firm at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Grand Larceny Means in Virginia Beach
Under Virginia law, larceny is the unlawful taking of another person’s property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it. The charge rises to grand larceny when the value of the property exceeds $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-95) or when the theft is from a person, regardless of value. Grand larceny is classified as a felony and is punishable by imprisonment for a term of not less than one nor more than twenty years, or, at the discretion of the jury or the court, by confinement in jail for not more than twelve months and a fine of not more than $2,500. The threshold amount was raised to $1,000 in 2020, which makes the distinction between petit larceny—a Class 1 misdemeanor—and grand larceny critically important. The charge carries serious collateral consequences, including the loss of firearm rights and significant barriers to employment and housing.
Grand larceny under Va. Code § 18.2-95 is a felony punishable by imprisonment of one to twenty years, or at the discretion of the jury or court, up to twelve months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
Source: Va. Code § 18.2-95
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
In Virginia Beach, grand larceny cases follow a specific path through the local court system. The preliminary hearing is held before a judge of the Virginia Beach General District Court at 2425 Nimmo Parkway. At that hearing, the prosecution must present enough evidence to establish probable cause that the defendant committed the offense. If the General District Court finds probable cause, the case is certified to the Virginia Beach Circuit Court for trial. Defendants have an absolute right to a trial by jury in the Circuit Court. First-offender programs and deferred dispositions may be available for certain property crimes under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2, but eligibility varies. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have documented 8 case results in Virginia Beach courts, all with favorable outcomes. Results may vary. Because the Commonwealth’s Attorney for Virginia Beach prosecutes these cases vigorously, early legal intervention can influence the direction a case takes.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Grand Larceny Cases
The defense of a grand larceny charge in Virginia Beach begins with an exhaustive review of the evidence. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel examine police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and any documentation related to the alleged property and its value. Because the Commonwealth must prove beyond a reasonable doubt every element of the offense—including the value of the property—challenging the accuracy of a valuation or the chain of custody of evidence can weaken the prosecution’s case. The firm also scrutinizes the circumstances of any stop, search, or interrogation to identify potential constitutional violations that could lead to the suppression of evidence.
Drawing on Mr. Sris’s background as a former prosecutor, the team anticipates the strategies the Commonwealth is likely to employ. The firm explores every avenue for resolution, from seeking a reduction of the charge to a lesser offense to negotiating a favorable plea agreement where appropriate, or preparing the case for trial. At trial, the firm presents a thorough defense, cross-examines witnesses, and calls any experienced attorney or lay witnesses needed to challenge the prosecution’s narrative. Throughout the process, the team keeps the client informed and involved in decision-making. The firm’s multi-state practice also allows it to address complications that arise when an out-of-state resident is charged in Virginia Beach, including issues related to interstate travel restrictions and the impact of a conviction on professional licenses.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., he is a former prosecutor and has been practicing law since 1997. He is admitted to the bars of Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He maintains a personal caseload that allows him to focus on complex criminal matters, and he works collaboratively with his Of Counsel to ensure that each case receives detailed attention.
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience, with 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. The team includes attorneys with backgrounds in prosecution, law enforcement, and trial advocacy, all of whom contribute to the defense of grand larceny cases. The firm’s Richmond location at 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225, serves clients throughout Virginia Beach and the surrounding region. Consultations are available by appointment, and the firm can be reached 24 hours a day at (888) 437-7747 or at the Richmond direct line (804) 201-9009.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the penalties for grand larceny in Virginia?
Grand larceny under Va. Code § 18.2-95 is a felony punishable by imprisonment of one to twenty years, or at the discretion of the jury or court, up to twelve months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. The sentence depends on the defendant’s prior record, the value of the property, and any aggravating factors. A conviction also results in a permanent felony record, loss of firearm rights, and difficulties in employment and housing. A well-prepared defense can work to mitigate the potential consequences.
How can a lawyer defend against a grand larceny charge in Virginia Beach?
A defense attorney can challenge the prosecution’s evidence of value, ownership, or intent, and can seek to suppress evidence obtained through an unlawful search or interrogation. The attorney may also negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to reduce the charge to petit larceny if the value of the property is borderline, or to secure alternative dispositions. At trial, the defense may present testimony from witnesses and challenge the credibility of the prosecution’s evidence.
What should I do if I am arrested for grand larceny in Virginia Beach?
If you are arrested, exercise your right to remain silent and contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Do not discuss the facts of the case with anyone other than your lawyer. Preserve any documents, receipts, or communications that relate to the incident. The early stages of the case—including bond hearings and the preliminary hearing—can significantly affect the ultimate outcome.
How long does a grand larceny case take to resolve in Virginia Beach?
The timeline varies depending on the court’s schedule and the complexity of the case. A preliminary hearing in the General District Court is often held within several weeks of the arrest. If the case moves to the Circuit Court, the trial may be set several months later. Cases that are resolved through negotiation can conclude more quickly, while those that go to trial take longer.
Can a grand larceny conviction be expunged in Virginia?
Most convictions cannot be expunged, but if the charge results in a dismissal, an acquittal, or a nolle prosequi, you may petition for expungement under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. The petition is filed in the Virginia Beach Circuit Court. Certain first-offender programs may also lead to a dismissal and subsequent eligibility for expungement. Discuss your eligibility with an attorney.
For a consultation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.