Felony Theft Lawyer Virginia — Defending Against Grand Larceny & Felony Stealing Charges
Felony theft in Virginia, defined as grand larceny under Va. Code § 18.2-95, involves stealing property valued at $1,000 or more and is a felony punishable by 1 to 20 years in prison. A felony theft lawyer Virginia from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. defends against these serious charges.
Last verified: April 2026 | Statewide — court varies by locality | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Felony Theft Law & Penalties
In Virginia, theft offenses are categorized as either petit larceny (misdemeanor) or grand larceny (felony). The primary distinction is the value of the stolen property. Grand larceny, a Class 5 or Class 6 felony, applies when the value is $1,000 or more, or involves specific items like firearms regardless of value. A felony stealing charge lawyer Virginia must handle these statutes to build an effective defense.
The official Virginia statute, Va. Code § 18.2-95 (official Virginia General Assembly), defines grand larceny. For court procedures, refer to the Virginia Judicial System website.
Defending a felony theft case requires immediate action. The procedural steps in Virginia typically follow this order:
- Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea in General District Court.
- Preliminary Hearing: For felony charges, this hearing determines if there is probable cause to send the case to Circuit Court.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If bound over, you will be re-arraigned in Circuit Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on legal defects.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: The case proceeds to a plea agreement or a jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows, where arguments for leniency are made.
Penalties for Felony Theft in Virginia
In Virginia, felony theft (grand larceny) is a serious offense carrying a potential prison sentence of 1 to 20 years for a Class 5 felony, or 1 to 5 years for a Class 6 felony, along with substantial fines and a permanent criminal record.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months + $2,500 at jury discretion) | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Permanent felony record, loss of voting rights, firearm rights, employment difficulties |
| Grand Larceny (Firearm) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Same as above, with enhanced penalties for firearm-related crimes |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Virginia Felony Theft Defense Team
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our “Advocacy Without Borders” philosophy means we pursue every available defense strategy. We have a documented track record of 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide.
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
Our team, including former Virginia State Trooper Bryan Block, understands how theft investigations are conducted. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, maintains a selective caseload to ensure deep involvement in complex felony matters. We have successfully defended clients against felony theft charges across Virginia, achieving dismissals, reductions, and favorable plea agreements.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Felony Theft Defense Lawyers Serving Virginia
Our Fairfax location is centrally positioned to serve clients across Northern Virginia and beyond. We are accessible via major highways including I-66, I-95, and the Capital Beltway (I-495).
If you need a felony theft lawyer near Fairfax County or are searching for a “felony theft lawyer near me,” we provide 24/7 phone consultations.
We serve communities throughout Virginia including Fairfax, Arlington, Loudoun, Prince William, Stafford, and surrounding areas.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Felony Theft in Virginia
What is the difference between petit larceny and grand larceny in Virginia?
The key difference is value. Petit larceny is a misdemeanor for theft under $1,000. Grand larceny is a felony for theft of $1,000 or more, or theft of a firearm regardless of value.
Can a felony theft charge be reduced to a misdemeanor in Virginia?
Yes. A skilled felony theft lawyer Virginia can often negotiate a reduction. This frequently hinges on successfully challenging the prosecution’s valuation of the stolen property to bring it below the $1,000 felony threshold.
What are the defenses to a felony stealing charge in Virginia?
Common defenses include lack of intent, mistaken identity, ownership claim (belief you had a right to the property), insufficient evidence, and challenging the property valuation. A grand larceny defense lawyer Virginia will investigate all angles, including police procedure and witness credibility.
Is jail time mandatory for a first-time felony theft offense in Virginia?
It depends. While Virginia sentencing guidelines allow for incarceration, a first-time offender may be eligible for alternatives like probation, suspended sentences, or diversion programs, especially with strong legal representation arguing for leniency.
How long does a felony theft case take in Virginia?
A felony case typically takes 3 to 9 months from arrest to resolution in Circuit Court. The timeline includes a preliminary hearing in General District Court within 21-60 days, followed by pre-trial motions and potential trial dates in Circuit Court.
For more information on criminal defense in Virginia, visit our Virginia criminal lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Fairfax County and with related charges such as reckless driving.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.