Arlington County Petit Larceny Defense Lawyer — What Is Your Best Defense?
Petit larceny in Arlington County is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-96, carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented results in Arlington County: 11 dismissed/not guilty, 10 reduced/amended. A strong defense can challenge intent, value, or identification. Contact a petit larceny defense lawyer Arlington County today.
Virginia Petit Larceny Law
Petit larceny, defined under Va. Code § 18.2-96, is the theft of goods valued under $1,000. It is distinct from grand larceny (theft of $1,000 or more, a felony). The prosecution must prove you intentionally took and carried away another’s property without permission and with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it. The value of the item is a critical element, often determined by receipts or owner testimony.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official Virginia statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-96 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information and procedures can be found at the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Court Process for Petit Larceny
All petit larceny cases in Arlington County begin at the Arlington County General District Court at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases. A key local procedural fact is that first-offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 are available; successful completion can result in dismissal. For a shoplifting charge lawyer Arlington County, understanding the specific tendencies of this court is vital.
- Arraignment: You will be formally advised of the petit larceny charge and enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss the case based on legal deficiencies.
- Negotiation: Your misdemeanor theft defense lawyer Arlington County will negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduction, diversion, or dismissal.
- Trial: If no agreement is reached, a bench trial will be held before a judge in General District Court.
- Appeal: You have an absolute right to appeal a guilty verdict to the Arlington County Circuit Court for a new jury trial.
Penalties for Petit Larceny in Arlington County
In Arlington County, petit larceny is a Class 1 misdemeanor carrying up to 12 months in jail, a fine of up to $2,500, and a permanent criminal record.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Permanent criminal record, difficulty finding employment, immigration consequences for non-citizens. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
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 pursue every available legal avenue. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, demonstrating a deep commitment to impactful legal work. We have documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
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 in Arlington County
Our team has achieved 21 documented results in Arlington County: 11 cases dismissed or found not guilty, and 10 charges reduced or amended to lesser offenses, representing a 100% favorable outcome rate for these cases. For example, we secured a nolle prosequi (dismissal) for a destruction of property under $1,000 charge and a dismissal for a littering charge in Arlington County General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Petit Larceny Defense Lawyer Near Arlington County
Our Arlington location serves clients at the Arlington County courts. We represent individuals from Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. A petit larceny defense lawyer Arlington County is available for a consultation.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for petit larceny in Arlington County, Virginia?
Up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Petit larceny is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-96. The exact penalty depends on your record, the item’s value, and the case facts. A petit larceny defense lawyer Arlington County can work to minimize these consequences.
Can a petit larceny charge be dropped in Arlington County?
It depends. Charges may be dropped if the evidence is weak, the value cannot be proven, or you complete a first-offender diversion program. An experienced misdemeanor theft defense lawyer Arlington County can negotiate with the prosecutor for a nolle prosequi (dismissal) or file a motion to suppress key evidence.
Do I need a lawyer for a first-time shoplifting charge?
Yes. Even a first-time charge carries the potential for jail time and creates a permanent criminal record that affects employment and housing. A shoplifting charge lawyer Arlington County can seek a diversion program for dismissal and protect your future.
What is the difference between petit larceny and shoplifting?
Shoplifting is a form of petit larceny that specifically involves stealing merchandise from a retail establishment. The legal charge and penalties are the same under Virginia’s petit larceny statute, Va. Code § 18.2-96.
Can I get a petit larceny charge expunged in Virginia?
Yes, but only if the charge results in an acquittal, dismissal, or nolle prosequi. Most convictions for petit larceny cannot be expunged under Virginia law (§ 19.2-392.2), making a favorable outcome at trial or through negotiation critically important.
Internal Links: For more information, see our Virginia Criminal Defense hub page, our page for Alexandria criminal defense, or learn about DUI defense in Arlington.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.