Felony Theft Lawyer in Chesapeake, Virginia — What Are Your Defense Options?
Felony theft in Chesapeake is prosecuted as grand larceny under Va. Code § 18.2-95, a serious felony carrying 1-20 years in prison. A felony theft lawyer Chesapeake from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense. Our firm has 1 documented result in Chesapeake: 1 dismissed/not guilty (100% favorable outcome rate).
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
In Virginia, theft of property valued at $1,000 or more is classified as grand larceny, a felony. The specific statute is Va. Code § 18.2-95. This charge is distinct from petit larceny (theft under $1,000), which is a misdemeanor. A felony theft lawyer Chesapeake must handle the Chesapeake General District Court for preliminary hearings and the Chesapeake Circuit Court for felony trials. The prosecution must prove you intentionally took property belonging to another with the intent to permanently deprive them of it, and that the property’s value meets the felony threshold.
For official court information, you can visit the Chesapeake General District Court website.
In Chesapeake, the Commonwealth’s Attorney aggressively pursues grand larceny charges. A felony theft lawyer Chesapeake from our firm knows that prosecutors often rely on surveillance footage and witness statements. We scrutinize the evidence chain and valuation methods. For instance, retail theft cases often involve flawed price-scanning or incorrect valuation of returned items.
- Secure representation immediately after arrest or summons.
- Your felony theft lawyer Chesapeake will obtain discovery, including police reports and evidence.
- We will file pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or challenge the felony valuation.
- Negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a reduction to misdemeanor petit larceny or diversion.
- Prepare for a preliminary hearing in Chesapeake General District Court.
- If bound over, proceed to a jury trial in Chesapeake Circuit Court.
In Chesapeake, felony theft (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, with potential fines up to $2,500.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-20 years (Class 5) or 1-5 years (Class 6) | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Permanent felony record, loss of voting rights, difficulty finding employment and housing. |
| Grand Larceny from Person | Felony (Class 5) | 1-20 years | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Enhanced penalties; considered a crime of violence. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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 “Advocacy Without Borders” philosophy means we fight relentlessly for clients facing serious felony charges like grand larceny. A grand larceny defense lawyer Chesapeake from our team understands the local courts and prosecution strategies.
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 firm has documented case results in Chesapeake. For example, we have secured dismissals in theft-related cases. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Our secondary attorney on complex theft cases is Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a background in accounting, which is invaluable for cases involving financial evidence and valuation disputes.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Chesapeake courts. A felony stealing charge lawyer Chesapeake from our firm is accessible via I-64, I-464, and Route 168. We are a felony theft lawyer near Chesapeake, Deep Creek, and Great Bridge, serving communities throughout the city. Contact us 24/7 for a consultation by appointment.
Felony Theft Defense FAQs for Chesapeake, VA
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Chesapeake, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Chesapeake carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor: up to 6 months/$1,000. Common charges include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57), petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96), and driving on suspended (§ 46.2-301). Cases heard at Chesapeake General District Court (307 Albemarle Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23322). 1 documented results: 1 dismissed/not guilty (100% favorable outcome rate)
Can criminal charges be expunged in Chesapeake, Virginia?
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 Chesapeake Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 1 documented results: 1 dismissed/not guilty (100% favorable outcome rate)
How does bail work in Chesapeake, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Chesapeake. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Chesapeake General District Court. Bond amount set by magistrate at arrest — personal recognizance for many first-offense misdemeanors; secured bond typical for felonies (bail bondsman charges approximately 10%); public defender eligibility based on income; court-appointed attorney fee: $120 (misdemeanor) to $445+ (felony)
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Chesapeake, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Chesapeake are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Chesapeake General District Court (307 Albemarle Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23322). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 1 documented results: 1 dismissed/not guilty (100% favorable outcome rate) Contact SRIS 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a Consultation by appointment.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Chesapeake?
Chesapeake General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Chesapeake Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying jail time. Chesapeake General District Court (307 Albemarle Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23322) is the GDC location.
For more information, see our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. In Chesapeake, we also handle related matters like DUI defense and family law.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.