Grand Larceny Lawyer Arlington County — Defending Felony Theft Charges
Grand larceny in Arlington County is a felony under Va. Code § 18.2-95, defined as theft of property valued at $1,000 or more, punishable by 1 to 20 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented criminal case results in Arlington County.
Virginia Grand Larceny Law and Penalties
In Virginia, grand larceny is a serious felony offense. The statute, Va. Code § 18.2-95, defines it as the theft of money, goods, or chattels valued at $1,000 or more. This threshold is critical; theft under $1,000 is petit larceny, a misdemeanor. The value alleged by the prosecution directly determines the severity of the charge and potential consequences.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
The firm was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, whose background in accounting provides a distinct advantage in cases involving financial evidence and property valuation disputes.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the statute, see the official Virginia Code § 18.2-95. Court procedures and information for Arlington County can be found at the Arlington County General District Court website.
Defending a Grand Larceny Charge in Arlington County Court
The key local procedural fact is that all felony charges, including grand larceny, begin with a preliminary hearing in Arlington County General District Court. At this hearing, the Commonwealth must prove probable cause that a felony was committed and that you committed it. A skilled felony theft defense lawyer Arlington County can challenge the evidence, particularly the property’s valuation, at this early stage to seek a reduction or dismissal.
- Arraignment & Preliminary Hearing: Your first court date is at Arlington County General District Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). The judge will advise you of the felony charge and set a date for the preliminary hearing.
- Challenge Probable Cause: At the preliminary hearing, your attorney will cross-examine the prosecution’s witnesses and argue against the evidence, focusing on valuation and intent.
- Circuit Court Indictment: If the judge finds probable cause, your case is “certified” to Arlington County Circuit Court for a grand jury indictment and potential jury trial.
- Negotiation & Trial Preparation: Between certification and trial, your attorney will engage in discovery, file motions to suppress evidence, and negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a favorable resolution.
Potential Penalties for Grand Larceny in Virginia
In Arlington County, grand larceny is a felony punishable by 1 to 20 years in prison, or, in the discretion of the jury or court, 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, loss of voting rights, firearm rights, professional licenses, immigration consequences. |
| Grand Larceny from a Person | Felony | 2 – 20 years (or up to 12 months in jail) | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Enhanced penalty for theft directly from a victim’s person. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Grand Larceny Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We have a documented record of 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Our approach is grounded in a deep understanding of both prosecution tactics and defense strategy. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, is a former prosecutor with a background in accounting, which is uniquely valuable for dissecting financial evidence in theft cases.
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
Our team also includes Mr. Sris, the firm’s managing attorney and a former prosecutor who founded the practice in 1997. His background in accounting and information systems provides a critical edge in cases involving financial records and evidence valuation.
Documented Case Results in Arlington County
Our firm has a documented record of 21 criminal case results in Arlington County, with 11 cases dismissed or found not guilty and 10 charges reduced or amended, representing a 100% favorable outcome rate for these cases. These results include favorable dispositions on charges such as Destruction of Property and Fare Evasion in Arlington County General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Grand Larceny Lawyer Near Arlington County, VA
Our Arlington location serves clients at the Arlington County courts. We represent individuals in Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. For a grand larceny lawyer near Arlington County, contact us for a 24/7 phone consultation. Meetings are by appointment only at our Arlington location.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719
Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only.
Grand Larceny Defense FAQs
What is the difference between petit larceny and grand larceny in Virginia?
The difference is the value of the stolen property. Petit larceny is a misdemeanor for theft under $1,000. Grand larceny is a felony for theft of $1,000 or more. The valuation method used by the prosecution is often a key point of defense.
Can a grand larceny charge be reduced to a misdemeanor?
It depends. A skilled grand theft charge lawyer Arlington County can negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduction to petit larceny (a misdemeanor) if the evidence supporting the $1,000 valuation is weak. This may involve presenting alternative appraisals or challenging receipts.
What are the long-term consequences of a grand larceny conviction?
A felony conviction creates a permanent criminal record, skilled to loss of voting rights, difficulty finding employment and housing, loss of professional licenses, and ineligibility for federal student aid. For non-citizens, it can lead to deportation.
Do I need a lawyer for a grand larceny preliminary hearing?
Yes. The preliminary hearing is a critical opportunity to challenge the case before it goes to Circuit Court. An experienced grand larceny lawyer Arlington County can cross-examine witnesses and argue to have the felony charge dismissed or reduced at this stage.
What defenses are common in grand larceny cases?
Common defenses include challenging the property’s valuation, arguing a lack of intent to steal (claim of right or mistake), mistaken identity, insufficient evidence, and challenging the legality of how evidence was obtained (search and seizure issues).