Grand Larceny Lawyer Colonial Heights — Defending Felony Theft Charges
Grand larceny in Colonial Heights is a felony under Va. Code § 18.2-95, defined as theft of property valued at $1,000 or more. A conviction can result in 1 to 20 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for felony theft charges in Colonial Heights General District and Circuit Courts. Our grand larceny lawyer Colonial Heights team is available 24/7.
Last verified: April 2026 | Colonial Heights General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Grand Larceny Statute & Penalties
Virginia law classifies theft as grand larceny when the value of the stolen goods or services is $1,000 or more. This is distinct from petit larceny (theft under $1,000), which is a misdemeanor. The specific statute governing this offense is Va. Code § 18.2-95. Grand larceny is a felony, and a conviction creates a permanent criminal record that affects employment, housing, and professional licensing.
In Colonial Heights, these cases begin at the Colonial Heights General District Court for preliminary hearings and move to Colonial Heights Circuit Court for felony trials. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these charges aggressively.
External Legal Resources
For the official Virginia statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-95 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information and procedures can be found at the Colonial Heights General District Court website.
Colonial Heights Court Process for Grand Larceny
Facing a grand larceny charge in Colonial Heights involves specific local procedures. The Colonial Heights General District Court handles the initial arraignment and bond hearing, followed by a preliminary hearing to determine if there is probable cause to send the case to Circuit Court for a jury trial.
- Arraignment & Bond Hearing: Your first court date at Colonial Heights General District Court (550 Boulevard). The judge will formally read the charge and set bond conditions.
- Preliminary Hearing: The Commonwealth must show probable cause that a felony was committed. Your attorney can cross-examine witnesses and challenge evidence at this stage.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If the case is certified, it moves to Colonial Heights Circuit Court for a formal felony arraignment.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your defense attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges and reviews all prosecution evidence.
- Plea Negotiation or Trial: Most cases are resolved through negotiation. If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing occurs in Circuit Court, where the judge considers state sentencing guidelines.
In Colonial Heights, grand larceny is a felony punishable by 1 to 20 years in prison, or in the case of a Class 6 felony, 1 to 5 years, plus fines and restitution.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony (Class 6 or higher) | 1-20 years (Class 6: 1-5 years) | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Permanent felony record, restitution, loss of voting rights, firearm prohibition |
| Grand Larceny (Firearm) | Felony (Class 6) | 1-5 years (mandatory min. 2 years) | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Same as above, with mandatory minimum sentence |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Colonial Heights Theft Cases
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We have a documented record of 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Our approach is grounded in a deep understanding of Virginia theft laws and the local court procedures in Colonial Heights. For a felony theft charge lawyer Colonial Heights residents can rely on, our team provides focused, strategic 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
Case Results & Defense Strategy
In Colonial Heights, we have 4 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Our defense strategies for grand larceny charges often involve challenging the prosecution’s evidence on the value of the property, arguing a lack of intent to permanently deprive the owner, or negotiating for a reduction to a misdemeanor petit larceny charge or a dismissal under a first-offender program. Attorney Kristen Fisher, a former Maryland prosecutor, also contributes significant trial experience to our defense team.
Grand Larceny Defense Near Colonial Heights, VA
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Colonial Heights courts. We are accessible via I-95, I-295, and Route 1. We provide legal representation for residents throughout Colonial Heights.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Grand Larceny Lawyer Colonial Heights FAQ
What is the penalty for grand larceny in Colonial Heights, Virginia?
Grand larceny is a felony. A Class 6 felony carries 1 to 5 years in prison, or up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine at the jury’s discretion. Higher-value thefts can be charged as more serious felonies with longer sentences.
Can a grand larceny charge be reduced to a misdemeanor?
It depends. A skilled felony theft defense lawyer Colonial Heights can often negotiate a reduction to petit larceny (a misdemeanor) if the evidence on 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 felony conviction.
What is the difference between grand larceny and petit larceny in Virginia?
The key difference is the value of the stolen property. Theft of property valued at $1,000 or more is grand larceny, a felony. Theft under $1,000 is petit larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail.
Do I need a lawyer for a grand larceny charge in Colonial Heights?
Yes. Grand larceny is a serious felony with potential prison time and lifelong consequences. The Commonwealth’s Attorney will prosecute aggressively. An experienced defense attorney is essential to protect your rights, challenge evidence, and seek the best possible outcome.
What court handles grand larceny cases in Colonial Heights?
The case starts at Colonial Heights General District Court (550 Boulevard) for preliminary hearings and is then tried in Colonial Heights Circuit Court if certified as a felony. You have a right to a jury trial in Circuit Court.
For more information, see our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Chesterfield County and Henrico County. If you are facing other charges, explore our Colonial Heights DUI Lawyer or Colonial Heights Family Law Lawyer services.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.