Grand Larceny Lawyer Falls Church — Defending Felony Theft Charges
Grand larceny in Falls Church is a felony under Va. Code § 18.2-95, carrying 1 to 20 years in prison. As a grand larceny lawyer Falls Church, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for charges involving theft of property valued at $1,000 or more. Our team has documented results in Falls Church General District and Circuit Courts. We offer 24/7 consultations.
Virginia Grand Larceny Statute & Definition
In Virginia, grand larceny is defined as the theft of money, goods, or property valued at $1,000 or more. It is codified under Va. Code § 18.2-95. This statute elevates what would be petit larceny (a misdemeanor) to a felony based solely on the value of the stolen items. The prosecution must prove you intentionally took property belonging to another with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it, and that the value met or exceeded the $1,000 threshold. Valuation is a critical point of contention, often determined by the owner’s testimony, receipts, or experienced appraisal.
Last verified: April 2026 | Falls Church General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, refer to the official Virginia grand larceny statute (Va. Code § 18.2-95). Court procedures and filings for Falls Church cases are handled at the Falls Church General District Court website.
Falls Church Court Process for a Grand Theft Charge
A grand theft charge lawyer Falls Church must handle a two-court process. Your case begins at Falls Church General District Court (300 Park Avenue) for a preliminary hearing. Here, the Commonwealth’s Attorney must show probable cause that a felony was committed. If the judge finds probable cause, your case is “certified” to Falls Church Circuit Court for a jury trial. Prosecutors in this jurisdiction frequently rely on store security footage and loss prevention officers to establish value and intent. An early intervention by a felony theft defense lawyer Falls Church can challenge the evidence before certification.
- Arraignment & Bond Hearing: You will be formally charged and a bond condition set at the Falls Church General District Court.
- Preliminary Hearing: The prosecution presents evidence to establish probable cause for the felony charge.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If certified, you will be re-arraigned in Falls Church Circuit Court and enter a plea.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney will obtain all evidence and file motions to suppress or challenge the prosecution’s case.
- Plea Negotiation or Trial: Most cases are resolved through negotiation. If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a jury trial in Circuit Court.
Penalties for Grand Larceny in Falls Church
In Falls Church, grand larceny is a felony punishable by 1 to 20 years in prison, or at the jury’s discretion, up to 12 months in jail 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 at jury discretion) | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Permanent felony record, loss of voting rights, firearm rights, and professional licenses. |
| Grand Larceny from a Person | Felony | 2-20 years | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Enhanced penalty for theft directly from a victim’s body. |
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 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience and a record of firm-wide 4,739+ case results to your defense. We understand that a grand larceny charge can upend your life, and we build defenses focused on challenging the prosecution’s evidence, especially the valuation of the alleged stolen property. Our grand larceny lawyer Falls Church team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper who know how the other side builds a case.
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
Case Results & Client Outcomes
In Falls Church, our firm has documented criminal case results. We have achieved dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and charge reductions for our clients. For instance, our team has successfully negotiated for charges to be reduced from felonies to misdemeanors in cases where the valuation evidence was weak. In other cases, we have secured outright dismissals by demonstrating a lack of intent or challenging the chain of evidence. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, provides strategic oversight on complex felony cases, bringing his decades of experience and unique background in accounting and information systems to analyze financial evidence.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Grand Larceny Lawyer Near Falls Church, VA
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Falls Church courts (300 Park Avenue). We are accessible via Route 7, Route 29, I-66, and I-495, near the West Falls Church Metro. We serve the Falls Church community and surrounding Northern Virginia areas. 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032, United States
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between petit larceny and grand larceny in Virginia?
The value. Petit larceny is theft of property valued under $1,000 and is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Grand larceny involves property valued at $1,000 or more and is a felony. The exact same act can be charged as either crime based solely on the alleged value.
Can a grand larceny charge be reduced to a misdemeanor?
It depends. A felony theft defense lawyer Falls Church can often negotiate a reduction if the evidence of value is questionable or if you have no prior record. This may involve pleading to a misdemeanor like petit larceny or unauthorized use, which avoids a felony conviction.
What are the defenses to a grand larceny charge?
Common defenses include mistaken identity, lack of intent to steal (you believed you had a right to the property), mistaken valuation (the property was worth less than $1,000), ownership disputes, and insufficient evidence. An attorney will analyze the specific facts of your case.
Do I need a lawyer for a grand larceny charge in Falls Church?
Yes. Grand larceny is a felony with severe, life-altering penalties. The Commonwealth’s Attorney will aggressively prosecute. A grand larceny lawyer Falls Church is essential to protect your rights, challenge evidence, and work toward the best possible outcome.
What happens at a preliminary hearing for grand larceny?
The prosecution must show probable cause that a felony was committed and that you likely committed it. It is not a trial, but a critical stage where your attorney can cross-examine witnesses and challenge the evidence before the case moves to Circuit Court.
Internal Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia Criminal Defense hub page. We also assist clients in nearby jurisdictions like Fairfax County. If you are facing other charges, consider our Falls Church DUI defense services.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.