Petit Larceny Defense Lawyer in King William County, Virginia
Petit larceny in King William 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 2 documented results in King William County.
Virginia Petit Larceny Law and Penalties
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), which is a felony. In King William County, these cases are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at the King William County General District Court.
Last verified: April 2026 | King William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings a deep understanding of how theft charges are investigated and argued in local courts.
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code § 18.2-96 (official Virginia General Assembly)
- King William County General District Court Website
Defending a Petit Larceny Charge in King William County
The key to defending a petit larceny charge often lies in the prosecution’s ability to prove you intended to permanently deprive the owner of their property and that the item’s value was under $1,000. In King William County General District Court, prosecutors must establish both elements beyond a reasonable doubt. A common defense strategy involves challenging the evidence of intent—perhaps you believed you had permission or intended to return the item—or disputing the stated value of the merchandise.
- Initial Consultation: Discuss the arrest details and any evidence, such as receipts or witness statements, with your attorney.
- Case Review: Your attorney will obtain discovery from the Commonwealth’s Attorney to review the evidence against you.
- Strategy Development: Based on the evidence, your lawyer will build a defense, which may involve filing pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or challenge the charge.
- Court Appearances: Your attorney will represent you at all hearings in King William County General District Court, advocating for dismissal, reduction, or a favorable plea agreement.
- Resolution: Work toward the best possible outcome, which could be a dismissal, reduction to a non-larceny offense, or acquittal at trial.
Potential Penalties for Petit Larceny in Virginia
In King William County, petit larceny is a Class 1 misdemeanor carrying up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petit Larceny (Value under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Permanent criminal record; impacts employment, housing, professional licenses |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in King William County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to each case. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the Commonwealth builds its cases. In King William County, we have documented case results for clients facing criminal charges.
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
Our firm has a documented record of results. In King William County, we have 2 documented results with a 100% favorable outcome rate (2 reduced/amended). Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, we have over 4,739 case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our team also includes Kristen Fisher, a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney who joined the firm in 2010 and provides critical insight from a prosecutor’s perspective.
Contact Our King William County Petit Larceny Defense Lawyer
Our Richmond location serves clients in King William County, including the communities of King William, West Point, and Aylett. We are accessible via Route 30, Route 360, and Route 33.
Petit larceny defense lawyer near King William County Courthouse.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in King William County, Virginia?
Yes. A Class 1 misdemeanor in King William County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Petit larceny is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Cases are heard at King William County General District Court at 351 Courthouse Lane.
Can criminal charges be expunged in King William County, Virginia?
It depends. Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. Most convictions cannot be expunged. The petition is filed in King William County Circuit Court. A successful first offender disposition for petit larceny may qualify for dismissal and potential expungement.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer for a shoplifting charge in King William County?
Yes. Even a misdemeanor shoplifting charge carries up to 12 months in jail and creates a permanent criminal record. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases at King William County General District Court. A shoplifting charge lawyer King William County can protect your rights and work toward a dismissal or reduction.
What is the difference between petit larceny and grand larceny in Virginia?
The key difference is the value of the stolen property. Petit larceny involves 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, punishable by 1 to 20 years in prison. Accurately assessing value is a common defense point.
How does bail work for a theft arrest in King William County?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors like petit larceny. Secured bond (requiring a bail bondsman) is more typical for felonies. Bond decisions can be reviewed at the King William County General District Court.
For representation from a skilled misdemeanor theft defense lawyer King William County, contact our firm. A Petit Larceny Defense Lawyer King William County from our team is ready to review your case.
Internal Resources: Learn more about our Virginia criminal defense practice. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Henrico County and with related matters such as DUI defense in King William County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.