Felony Theft Lawyer Prince William County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Felony theft in Prince William County is prosecuted as grand larceny under Va. Code § 18.2-95, a felony carrying 1-20 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 141 documented results in Prince William County. A felony theft lawyer Prince William County from our firm can challenge the prosecution’s evidence and protect your rights. Call 24/7 for a consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Felony Theft Law
In Virginia, theft is classified as either petit larceny (misdemeanor) or grand larceny (felony). The primary distinction is the value of the property stolen. Grand larceny, a felony, is defined under Va. Code § 18.2-95. This statute states that any theft of money, goods, or chattels valued at $1,000 or more constitutes grand larceny. Theft of certain items, regardless of value—such as firearms or items taken directly from a person—is also automatically grand larceny. A felony stealing charge lawyer Prince William County must understand these nuances to build an effective defense.
Penalties for Felony Theft in Prince William County
In Prince William County, grand larceny is a felony punishable by 1 to 20 years in state prison, or at the jury’s discretion, up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Larceny (Value $1,000+) | Felony | 1-20 years prison (or up to 12 months jail) | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent felony record, loss of voting rights, difficulty finding employment/housing. |
| Grand Larceny (Firearm or from person) | Felony | 1-20 years prison (or up to 12 months jail) | Up to $2,500 | None | Same as above; mandatory minimum sentences may apply. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Prince William County Court Process for Felony Theft
Felony theft cases in Prince William County begin in the General District Court for a preliminary hearing to determine probable cause. If the judge finds probable cause, the case is certified to the Prince William County Circuit Court for a jury trial. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Prince William County prosecutes these cases aggressively. A grand larceny defense lawyer Prince William County from our firm knows that early intervention is critical, often before formal charges are filed by a grand jury.
- Arrest & Initial Appearance: You will be brought before a magistrate for bail determination.
- Preliminary Hearing: In Prince William County General District Court, the prosecution must show probable cause.
- Grand Jury Indictment: If certified, a grand jury will formally indict, moving the case to Circuit Court.
- Arraignment in Circuit Court: You will enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence and reviews all discovery.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: The case proceeds to a jury trial or is resolved through a negotiated plea.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Felony Theft Defense
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 firm-wide record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Prince William County alone, we have 141 documented criminal case results. Our “Advocacy Without Borders” philosophy means we pursue every available legal avenue for your defense.
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 includes seasoned litigators like Kristen M. Fisher, a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney who joined the firm in 2010. Her prosecutorial background provides significant insight into how the other side builds a theft case, allowing us to anticipate and counter their strategies effectively.
Case Results & Local Presence
Our commitment to Prince William County is demonstrated by our local results and accessibility. We have secured favorable outcomes in numerous felony and misdemeanor theft cases in the area.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Prince William County Felony Theft Lawyers
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Prince William County courts. We are your local felony theft lawyer near Prince William County, serving Manassas, Woodbridge, Dale City, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Lake Ridge, and Occoquan.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
By appointment only.
Felony Theft Defense FAQs in Prince William County
What makes theft a felony in Virginia?
Yes. Theft becomes a felony (grand larceny) when the value of stolen property is $1,000 or more, or if the item is a firearm or taken directly from a person, regardless of value, under Va. Code § 18.2-95.
Can a felony theft charge be reduced to a misdemeanor?
It depends. A skilled felony stealing charge lawyer Prince William County can often negotiate a reduction to petit larceny if the evidence of value is weak, if you have no prior record, or through a first-offender program under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2. This avoids a permanent felony conviction.
What are the defenses to a grand larceny charge?
Common defenses include mistaken identity, lack of intent to permanently deprive, ownership claim (you believed the property was yours), insufficient evidence of value exceeding $1,000, or unlawful search and seizure violating your Fourth Amendment rights.
Do I need a lawyer for a felony theft charge in Prince William County?
Yes. Felony charges carry the potential for years in prison and create a permanent criminal record. The Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney vigorously prosecutes these cases. An experienced grand larceny defense lawyer Prince William County is essential to protect your freedom and future.
Where are felony theft cases heard in Prince William County?
Felony theft cases begin with a preliminary hearing at the Prince William County General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Manassas). If certified, the jury trial is held at the Prince William County Circuit Court. A felony theft lawyer Prince William County from our firm represents clients in both courts.
Related Legal Resources
If you are facing theft charges, you may also want to learn about your rights in related areas. We also assist with DUI defense in Prince William County and family law matters in Prince William County. For a broader view of our criminal defense practice, visit our Virginia criminal defense hub page. We also represent clients in neighboring jurisdictions like Fairfax County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.