Grand Larceny Lawyer New Kent County, VA

Last reviewed: July 2026

A grand larceny charge in New Kent County carries the potential for a felony conviction, significant incarceration, and a permanent criminal record. Grand larceny is defined under Va. Code § 18.2‑95 and applies when the value of the property taken is $1,000 or more, or when the theft is from the person of another regardless of value. Because these cases involve serious consequences, a person facing such a charge benefits from legal representation that understands New Kent County court procedures, the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office, and the available defenses. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys have represented individuals in New Kent County on criminal matters, including theft offenses, and have documented case results in the jurisdiction. For a consultation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

What Grand Larceny Means in New Kent County

Grand larceny in Virginia is not a single offense with a fixed penalty. The statute, Va. Code § 18.2‑95, covers several distinct types of theft: simple larceny of goods valued at $1,000 or more; larceny from the person of another of $5 or more; and larceny of any firearm regardless of its value. Each version is a felony, and upon conviction a court may sentence a defendant to between one and twenty years in prison, or, at the jury’s discretion, up to twelve months in jail plus a fine. The actual sentence depends on the value of the property, the defendant’s prior record, and the circumstances of the offense.

In New Kent County, a grand larceny arrest brings the case into a specific court process. The New Kent County General District Court (12001 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, VA 23124) handles the initial appearance, bail review, and for felony cases, a preliminary hearing. If the General District Court finds probable cause, the case is certified to the New Kent County Circuit Court for trial. The Circuit Court is where felony trials take place—either by judge or by jury. Defendants have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense that carries possible jail time. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for New Kent County prosecutes the case, and the procedural rules are the same as elsewhere in Virginia, but local practice—such as which plea offers the prosecutor might make or which first-offender programs are prioritized—can vary. Experience with the New Kent County courts can help a defendant understand what is occurring at each stage and what steps may be taken to work toward a favorable outcome. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Appears in New Kent County courts on behalf of clients and has four documented results in the jurisdiction involving criminal matters, all with favorable outcomes. Results may vary.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Grand Larceny Cases

A grand larceny defense in New Kent County begins with a thorough review of the evidence. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys examine whether the prosecution can prove the value of the property meets the $1,000 threshold, because if the evidence of value is insufficient, the charge may be reduced to petit larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor. The defense also investigates whether law enforcement followed proper procedures during the stop, search, or seizure of evidence. Any procedural shortcoming may support a motion to suppress or a challenge to the admissibility of the evidence.

After the preliminary hearing in General District Court, the firm’s attorneys work to identify the most effective strategy for the client. This can include negotiating with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for an amendment of the charge to a lesser offense, such as petit larceny or a non‑theft offense, or presenting the case at a bench or jury trial when a dismissal or acquittal is the goal. In New Kent County, first‑offender programs may be available under Va. Code § 19.2‑303.2, which allows for deferred disposition and, upon successful completion, dismissal of the charge, though eligibility depends on the specific facts of the case. Throughout the process, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys keep the client informed of each step and the likely direction of the case, drawing on extensive combined legal experience between Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys. Results may vary.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., and has practiced law since 1997. A former prosecutor, he brings perspective from the other side of the courtroom to his defense practice. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and has testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His background in prosecutorial work, combined with decades of trial experience, informs the firm’s approach to grand larceny and other felony cases.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys contribute extensive criminal defense experience to the New Kent County practice. All are Of Counsel to Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. and work alongside Mr. Sris on matters that include theft, fraud, and other property offenses. No attorney is an employee; the Of Counsel relationship means that every case draws on a broad range of legal knowledge without the limitations of a single‑lawyer practice. When a client retains the firm, they benefit from the collective experience of attorneys who have handled matters in Virginia General District Courts and Circuit Courts across the state, including the Ninth Judicial District where New Kent County sits. For a consultation about a grand larceny matter, call (888) 437‑7747.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the penalties for grand larceny in Virginia?

Grand larceny in Virginia is a felony punishable by one to twenty years in prison, or, at the jury’s discretion, up to twelve months in jail plus a fine. The applicable statute is Va. Code § 18.2‑95, which covers theft of property valued at $1,000 or more, theft from the person of any amount above $5, and theft of any firearm regardless of value. A conviction also results in a permanent felony record that can affect employment, housing, and civil rights. Because the range of punishment is broad, the specific sentence in a given case depends on the defendant’s criminal history, the amount taken, and whether the case resolves by plea agreement or trial.

How does a Virginia lawyer defend against grand larceny charges?

Defense strategies in a grand larceny case may challenge the value of the property, the identity of the taker, or the lawfulness of the police investigation. If the prosecution cannot prove the value meets the $1,000 threshold, the charge may be reduced to petit larceny, a misdemeanor. The defense may also examine whether any statements were obtained in violation of Miranda rights or whether evidence was seized without proper probable cause. In New Kent County, the firm’s attorneys review the evidence collected by the Sheriff’s Office or other agencies and identify the strongest available defense under the facts.

What should I do if I am facing grand larceny charges in New Kent County?

If you are facing grand larceny charges in New Kent County, contact a criminal defense attorney immediately and do not discuss the facts of the case with anyone other than your lawyer. You have the right to remain silent and the right to counsel. Anything you say to law enforcement, even if you believe it is innocent or explanatory, can be used against you at trial. Preserve any documents, receipts, or communications that may relate to the alleged theft, as they may become evidence. Early legal intervention can affect bail decisions, preliminary hearing strategy, and the course of the investigation.

Can grand larceny charges be reduced or dismissed in New Kent County?

Yes, grand larceny charges can sometimes be reduced to a lesser offense like petit larceny or dismissed entirely if the evidence is insufficient or if the defendant qualifies for a first‑offender program. In New Kent County, prosecutors may agree to amend a felony grand larceny to a misdemeanor when, for example, the property value is close to the $1,000 threshold or when restitution is made. Additionally, Va. Code § 19.2‑303.2 permits deferred disposition for certain first‑offender situations; if the court places the defendant on probation and the terms are successfully completed, the charge can be dismissed. Not every defendant is eligible, and the decision rests with the court.

Do I need a lawyer for a grand larceny charge in New Kent County?

You are not legally required to hire a lawyer, but a grand larceny charge is a felony and carries the risk of imprisonment, a permanent record, and long‑term consequences, so legal representation is strongly advised. An experienced criminal defense attorney can assess the strength of the prosecution’s case, identify procedural errors, negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney, and, if necessary, take the case to trial. The New Kent County court process can be confusing, and having a lawyer who understands local procedures helps protect your rights at every stage, from the initial bond hearing in General District Court through any appeal to Circuit Court. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys at (888) 437‑7747.

Related pages: our Virginia criminal defense practice | Fairfax County criminal defense lawyer | Prince William County criminal defense lawyer | Manassas criminal defense lawyer | Falls Church criminal defense lawyer

Official Virginia legal resources: Virginia Code § 18.2‑95 | Virginia Courts | New Kent County Circuit Court

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Results may vary. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.