Petit Larceny Lawyer Fredericksburg — What Are Your Defense Options?
A petit larceny charge in Fredericksburg 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 case results in Fredericksburg. A skilled petit larceny lawyer Fredericksburg can challenge the prosecution’s evidence and seek dismissal or reduction. Contact us 24/7 for a consultation by appointment.
Virginia Petit Larceny Law
Petit larceny, defined in 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. The statute requires the prosecution to prove you intentionally took property belonging to another with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it.
Last verified: April 2026 | Fredericksburg General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, see Va. Code § 18.2-96 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures are handled at the Fredericksburg General District Court website.
Fredericksburg Court Process for Theft Charges
In Fredericksburg, all petit larceny cases begin at the Fredericksburg General District Court. Prosecutors must prove value and intent. A common local procedural fact is that the court may consider first-offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 for eligible defendants, which can lead to dismissal upon successful completion.
- Receive a summons or warrant for petit larceny.
- Attend your arraignment at Fredericksburg GDC to enter a plea.
- Your attorney will review discovery, including police reports and video evidence.
- Negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a possible reduction or diversion program.
- Prepare for a bench trial in GDC or appeal to Circuit Court for a jury trial.
- If convicted, seek alternatives to jail time, such as suspended sentences or community service.
Penalties for Petit Larceny in Fredericksburg
In Fredericksburg, petit larceny is a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by 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 (Value < $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Permanent criminal record, difficulty finding employment, immigration consequences for non-citizens. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Fredericksburg Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys bring a combined 120+ years of legal experience. In Fredericksburg, we have handled a range of misdemeanor theft cases. Our approach is grounded in a detailed review of the facts and aggressive advocacy in court.
Bryan Block, Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. Former Virginia State Trooper (15 years). View Bryan Block’s Profile
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
Our firm has achieved favorable outcomes in theft cases. For example, we have secured dismissals for clients charged with petit larceny under $200 in Fairfax County. In one instance, a charge was reduced to a nolle prosequi. In Fredericksburg, we have 6 total documented case results across all practice areas with an 83% favorable outcome rate.
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.
Petit Larceny Lawyer Near Fredericksburg, VA
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Fredericksburg courts. We are accessible via I-95 and Route 1. We serve the Fredericksburg community. 24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Fredericksburg, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Fredericksburg carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor carries up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine. Petit larceny under $1,000 is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Fredericksburg, Virginia?
It depends. Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. Most convictions cannot be expunged. The petition is filed in Fredericksburg Circuit Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer for a shoplifting charge in Fredericksburg?
Yes. Even a misdemeanor theft charge can result in jail time and a permanent record. A misdemeanor theft defense lawyer Fredericksburg can protect your rights, challenge evidence, and seek the best possible outcome.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Fredericksburg?
Fredericksburg General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Fredericksburg Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. You have a right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying jail time.
How does bail work for a petit larceny arrest in Fredericksburg?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors like petit larceny. Secured bond (using a bail bondsman) is more typical for felonies.
Related Legal Information
If you need a Virginia criminal defense lawyer, visit our state hub. For help in nearby areas, see our Fairfax County criminal defense lawyer page. For other legal issues in Fredericksburg, consider a Fredericksburg DUI lawyer.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.