Petit Larceny Defense Lawyer in Henrico County, Virginia
Petit larceny in Henrico 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 8 documented results in Henrico County for theft-related charges. A petit larceny defense lawyer Henrico County can challenge the prosecution’s evidence and seek dismissal or reduction of your charge.
Virginia Petit Larceny Law
Petit larceny is defined as the theft of goods valued under $1,000. The statute, Va. Code § 18.2-96, classifies it as a Class 1 misdemeanor. The charge is prosecuted in Henrico County General District Court, located at 4301 East Parham Road. A conviction creates a permanent criminal record that can affect employment, housing, and professional licenses.
Last verified: April 2026 | Henrico 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 is available at the Henrico County General District Court website.
Henrico County Court Process for Petit Larceny
The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Henrico County prosecutes petit larceny cases. The court at 4301 East Parham Road handles all misdemeanor trials. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 may be available, where successful completion results in dismissal.
- Receive a summons or warrant for petit larceny.
- Attend your arraignment at Henrico County General District Court to enter a plea.
- Your attorney will review evidence, including surveillance footage and witness statements.
- Negotiate with the prosecutor for dismissal, reduction, or diversion.
- Prepare for trial if a favorable plea agreement cannot be reached.
- If convicted, file an appeal to Henrico County Circuit Court within 10 days.
Penalties for Petit Larceny in Henrico County
In Henrico County, petit larceny carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, plus 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 | Permanent criminal record; affects employment, housing, professional licenses |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Firm Experience in Henrico County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. We have achieved 8 documented results in Henrico County for theft-related charges. Our approach is based on detailed case analysis and strategic defense planning.
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 for Theft Charges
Our firm has documented results in Henrico County. In one case, a petit larceny charge was dismissed after challenging the identification evidence. In another, the charge was reduced to a lesser offense through negotiation. We have also successfully argued for first-offender diversion programs.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Petit Larceny Lawyer Near Henrico County
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Henrico County courts. We are accessible via I-64, I-95, and I-295. We serve the communities of Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, and Mechanicsville.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for petit larceny in Henrico County?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Henrico County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Cases are heard at Henrico County General District Court. Our firm has 8 documented results in the locality.
Can a shoplifting charge be dismissed in Henrico County?
It depends. Dismissal is possible if evidence is weak, procedural errors occurred, or through a first-offender program. A shoplifting charge lawyer Henrico County can evaluate surveillance footage, witness statements, and police reports to identify defenses. Successful completion of a diversion program often leads to dismissal.
Do I need a lawyer for a first-time petit larceny charge?
Yes. Even a first-time misdemeanor carries jail time and creates a permanent record. A petit larceny defense lawyer Henrico County can negotiate for diversion programs that avoid conviction.
What is the difference between petit larceny and grand larceny?
The value of the stolen property determines the charge. Theft under $1,000 is petit larceny, a misdemeanor. Theft of $1,000 or more is grand larceny, a felony. The valuation method and evidence are critical points a misdemeanor theft defense lawyer Henrico County can challenge.
How does a petit larceny case proceed in Henrico County General District Court?
After arrest or summons, you will be arraigned. Your attorney will obtain discovery (evidence). Negotiations with the prosecutor occur. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a bench trial before a judge. You have the right to appeal to Circuit Court for a jury trial.
Internal Resources
For more information, see our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Chesterfield County. For related legal issues in Henrico County, consider our DUI/DWI lawyer or family law services. Learn more about Bryan Block or visit our Richmond office page.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.