Felony Theft Lawyer Goochland County — Defending Grand Larceny Charges
A felony theft charge in Goochland County, Virginia, is a serious offense prosecuted under Va. Code § 18.2-95 (grand larceny). Theft of property valued at $1,000 or more is a felony, punishable by 1 to 20 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides strong defense for those accused. Our felony theft lawyer Goochland County team offers 24/7 consultations. Call (888) 437-7747.
Last verified: April 2026 | Goochland County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Felony Theft & Grand Larceny Law
In Virginia, theft offenses are categorized primarily as petit larceny (misdemeanor) or grand larceny (felony). Grand larceny is defined under Va. Code § 18.2-95. This statute makes it a felony to steal property valued at $1,000 or more. The law also specifies that theft of certain items, regardless of value, constitutes grand larceny, including firearms and items taken directly from a person. A conviction is a permanent felony record.
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm has a deep understanding of the strategies used by Commonwealth’s Attorneys in theft cases, from the initial investigation through trial.
Official Legal Resources
- Virginia Code Title 18.2, Chapter 5 (Larceny) – The official state statutes governing theft crimes.
- Goochland County Courts – The official website for the Goochland County General District and Circuit Courts.
Defending a Felony Theft Charge in Goochland County
Prosecutors in Goochland County take felony theft charges seriously. A key local procedural fact is that all felony charges begin with a preliminary hearing in Goochland County General District Court to determine probable cause before moving to Circuit Court for trial. For a grand larceny defense lawyer Goochland County, challenging the prosecution’s evidence on value, intent, or identity early is often critical.
- Initial Consultation & Case Review: Contact our firm immediately after arrest or receiving a summons. We analyze the charging documents and police reports.
- Investigate the Evidence: We scrutinize the evidence, including video, witness statements, and property valuation reports, to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Preliminary Hearing Strategy: We represent you at the General District Court hearing, challenging probable cause to potentially get the felony charge reduced or dismissed before trial.
- Circuit Court Defense: If the case proceeds, we build a strong defense for trial in Goochland County Circuit Court, exploring all legal avenues, including motions to suppress evidence.
- Negotiation & Trial: We pursue negotiations for a favorable plea agreement when appropriate, but are fully prepared to take your case to a jury trial if necessary.
Potential Penalties for Felony Theft in Virginia
In Goochland County, grand larceny is a felony punishable by 1 to 20 years in prison, or, in the discretion of the jury, confinement in jail for up to 12 months and a fine of up to $2,500.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Larceny (Value ≥ $1,000) | Felony | 1 – 20 years (or up to 12 months in jail) | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Permanent felony record, difficulty finding employment/housing, loss of professional licenses, ineligibility for certain government benefits. |
| Grand Larceny (Firearm) | Felony | Mandatory minimum 2 years | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Same as above, plus mandatory prison time. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys combine over 120 years of legal experience. We have handled thousands of criminal cases across Virginia. Our approach is built on a detailed understanding of the law and the local courts. For a felony stealing charge lawyer Goochland County, our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper who understand how these cases are built from both sides.
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 & Client Advocacy
Our firm has a documented result in Goochland County with a 100% favorable outcome rate for the cases we have handled there. Firm-wide, we have achieved over 4,739 case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and DC. Our secondary attorney on complex criminal matters, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor and firm founder with multi-state bar admissions.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Felony Theft Lawyer Near Goochland County
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Goochland County courts. We are accessible via I-64, Route 6, and Route 250. We provide representation for individuals in Goochland, Crozier, and Oilville.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Felony Theft Defense FAQs
What is the difference between petit larceny and grand larceny in Virginia?
The primary difference is the value of the stolen property and the severity of the charge. Petit larceny is theft of items valued under $1,000 and is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Grand larceny is theft of property valued at $1,000 or more and is a felony.
Can a felony theft charge be reduced to a misdemeanor?
It depends. A skilled felony theft lawyer Goochland County can often negotiate a reduction, especially if the evidence regarding the property’s value is weak, if it’s a first offense, or if there are mitigating circumstances. This is a common goal in defense strategy.
What should I do if I am accused of felony theft?
Do not speak to law enforcement or store loss prevention without an attorney. Exercise your right to remain silent. Contact a felony stealing charge lawyer Goochland County immediately. Preserve any evidence that might support your case, such as receipts or communications.
How is the value of stolen property determined?
The value is typically the fair market value at the time of the theft. Prosecutors may use receipts, experienced appraisals, or owner testimony. A grand larceny defense lawyer Goochland County will challenge improper valuation methods, as this directly impacts whether the charge is a felony.
What are the long-term consequences of a felony theft conviction?
A felony conviction creates a permanent criminal record. Consequences include difficulty finding employment, loss of voting rights, ineligibility for certain loans and housing, and the loss of professional licenses. It can also impact child custody and immigration status.
For more information, see our Virginia Criminal Defense hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. For other legal needs in Goochland, visit our pages on DUI defense and family law.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance.