Grand Larceny Lawyer Virginia Beach, VA
If you are facing a grand larceny charge in Virginia Beach, the stakes are significant. Under Va. Code § 18.2-95, grand larceny is a felony offense defined by the value of the property taken. The statute sets the threshold at $1,000 or more—theft of money, goods, or property meeting that value, or any theft directly from another person regardless of worth, falls within the felony classification. A conviction can carry imprisonment and a permanent criminal record. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients charged with grand larceny in the Virginia Beach City General District Court and the Virginia Beach City Circuit Court. The firm has documented case results across all practice areas in Virginia Beach—8 total reported outcomes, with a favorable result in every instance. Results may vary. To discuss your situation, reach Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
Grand larceny under Va. Code § 18.2-95 is punishable by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than twenty years, or at the discretion of the jury or court trying the case without a jury, confinement in jail for up to twelve months and a fine of not more than $2,500.
Source: Va. Code § 18.2-95. Va. Code § 18.2-95
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
What Grand Larceny Means in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach is an independent city within the Fourth Judicial District. Misdemeanor-level offenses and preliminary hearings for felonies are heard in the Virginia Beach General District Court, located at 2425 Nimmo Parkway, Building 10B. Felony trials, including grand larceny cases, proceed in the Virginia Beach Circuit Court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Virginia Beach prosecutes these matters.
Grand larceny in Virginia is defined by the value of the property. Under Va. Code § 18.2-95, theft of goods, money, or other property valued at $1,000 or above constitutes grand larceny, as does any theft directly from the person of another, regardless of monetary value. The offense is handled very differently from a misdemeanor petit larceny, both in the potential penalties and the court procedures.
Virginia Beach courts also offer first-offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 for certain eligible individuals. Successful completion can result in dismissal of the charge. Additionally, expungement of a grand larceny arrest record is possible under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2 if the case ends in an acquittal, a nolle prosequi, or a dismissal—but not after a conviction. The firm’s attorneys are familiar with these local procedural avenues and can evaluate your eligibility.
The firm serves clients in Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, Oceana, and throughout the Hampton Roads region. Our Richmond Location provides representation for Virginia Beach court appearances; contact us at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.
How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Grand Larceny Cases
Every grand larceny case begins with a thorough review of the facts and the evidence the Commonwealth intends to present. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys include a former Virginia State Trooper, whose 15 years of law enforcement experience offer a practical understanding of police procedures, investigative methods, and evidence collection. That background helps identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, such as improper valuation of property, chain-of-custody issues, or witness-credibility gaps.
The legal team explores all available resolutions. In many instances, the firm negotiates with the prosecutor to seek a reduction of the charge—for example, amending a grand larceny felony to a misdemeanor petit larceny under Va. Code § 18.2-96, which carries substantially lower exposure. Where diversion or first-offender programs are appropriate, the attorneys prepare the necessary documentation and present a compelling case for eligibility. If a trial is necessary, the firm is prepared to advocate fully in the Circuit Court, challenging every element of the Commonwealth’s case and presenting defenses such as mistaken identity, lack of intent to permanently deprive, or ownership of the property.
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of the firm, maintains a limited personal caseload to ensure attention to each matter. Together with the Of Counsel attorneys, the firm brings extensive combined legal experience to grand larceny defense. Results may vary.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Mr. Sris founded Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 1997 after serving as a former prosecutor. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. His background includes testimony before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).
The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring backgrounds that strengthen criminal-defense representation. One Of Counsel is a former Virginia State Trooper whose 15 years of law enforcement service inform the investigation of alleged offenses and the cross-examination of police witnesses. Another Of Counsel is a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney who prosecuted criminal cases in District and Circuit Court. These perspectives—law enforcement and prosecution—give the defense team a deeper understanding of how the state builds its case.
Collectively, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys have documented case results across all practice areas in Virginia Beach. While every matter is unique, the team’s experience and familiarity with the local courts and the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office provide a foundation for diligent advocacy. For a consultation, 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 state prison, or at the discretion of the jury or court, up to twelve months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. The statute, Va. Code § 18.2-95, covers theft of property valued at $1,000 or more, as well as theft directly from a person regardless of value. A conviction also results in a permanent criminal record that can affect employment, housing, and firearm rights. The court may impose a combination of incarceration, fines, and supervised probation. Because the punishment can be severe, retaining experienced legal counsel is important.
What is the difference between grand larceny and petit larceny in Virginia?
The key distinction is the value of the property taken: grand larceny applies to property valued at $1,000 or more, while petit larceny applies to property worth less than $1,000. Grand larceny is a felony under Va. Code § 18.2-95; petit larceny is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-96. The court where the case is heard and the possible penalties differ significantly. A petit larceny conviction typically exposes a person to up to twelve months in jail and a fine, whereas grand larceny carries the potential for years of prison time. The threshold amount was raised to $1,000 in 2020.
What should I do if I am facing grand larceny charges in Virginia Beach?
If you are facing a grand larceny charge in Virginia Beach, remain silent and ask to speak with an attorney immediately. Do not discuss the facts of the case with anyone other than your lawyer. Preserve any documents, receipts, or communications that may relate to the allegation. Contact a criminal defense lawyer who practices in Virginia Beach General District Court and Circuit Court. Early involvement allows your attorney to evaluate the evidence, intervene at the preliminary hearing stage, and explore options such as charge reduction or first-offender programs.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against grand larceny charges?
A defense to grand larceny may challenge the Commonwealth’s proof on several fronts: the valuation of the property, the identity of the accused, the intent to permanently deprive the owner, or the lawfulness of the search and seizure. An experienced defense attorney examines each element of the charge. If the property’s value is overstated, the offense may be reduced to a misdemeanor. Procedural defenses—such as an illegal stop or an improperly obtained statement—can lead to suppression of evidence. Negotiation with the prosecutor, participation in a first-offender program, or a trial on the merits are all viable strategies depending on the facts.
Can grand larceny charges be expunged in Virginia Beach?
Grand larceny charges that result in an acquittal, a nolle prosequi, or a dismissal may be eligible for expungement under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. A conviction for grand larceny cannot be expunged. To seek expungement, a petition must be filed in the Virginia Beach Circuit Court. The process requires demonstrating that the continued existence of the charge on the public record constitutes a manifest injustice. An attorney can assess whether your particular outcome qualifies and handle the filing.
Do I need a lawyer for a grand larceny case in Virginia Beach?
Yes, because a grand larceny charge is a felony and a conviction can result in significant prison time and a lifelong record. The Virginia Beach court system moves on its own procedures, and the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office prosecutes these cases actively. A lawyer can challenge the evidence, negotiate with the prosecutor, and present defenses you may not be aware of. Self-representation in a felony matter carries substantial risk. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys at (888) 437-7747.
Fairfax County criminal lawyer | Fairfax City criminal lawyer | Falls Church criminal lawyer | Prince William County criminal lawyer | Manassas criminal lawyer
Official resources: Va. Code § 18.2-95 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia’s Judicial System
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Results may vary.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.