Petit Larceny Lawyer Chesterfield County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Petit larceny in Chesterfield 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 5 documented results in Chesterfield County for theft-related charges. A strong defense from a petit larceny lawyer Chesterfield County can challenge evidence and seek dismissal or reduction.
Virginia Petit Larceny Law
Petit larceny is defined as the theft of goods valued under $1,000. It is prosecuted under Va. Code § 18.2-96. If the value is $1,000 or more, the charge becomes grand larceny, a felony. A conviction creates a permanent criminal record that can affect employment, housing, and professional licenses.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-96 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information is available at the Chesterfield County General District Court website.
Chesterfield County Court Process for Theft Charges
All petit larceny cases in Chesterfield County begin at the Chesterfield County General District Court at 9500 Courthouse Road. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases. First-offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 may be available, skilled to dismissal upon successful completion. Expungement is possible for acquittals or dismissals under § 19.2-392.2.
- Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-trial Motions: Your attorney can file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss the charge.
- Negotiation: Your lawyer negotiates with the prosecutor for a reduction, diversion program, or dismissal.
- Trial: If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a bench trial before a judge in General District Court.
- Appeal or Expungement: You can appeal a conviction to Circuit Court for a jury trial. If the case is dismissed, you may petition for expungement.
Penalties for Petit Larceny in Chesterfield County
In Chesterfield County, petit larceny is a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by 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 (Value under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record; impacts employment, housing, professional licenses. |
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 firm-wide record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We provide focused, case-specific defense strategies for clients in Chesterfield County.
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 Chesterfield County
Our attorneys have achieved documented results in Chesterfield County courts. For example, we have secured dismissals for charges such as “Profane Language Over Public Airway” and “Purchase/Possess Alcohol.” In a related matter, our team also secured a dismissal for a petit larceny charge in Fairfax County. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our approach is collaborative. For complex criminal defense matters, Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, often provides strategic oversight. His background in accounting and experience amending Virginia law, like Va. Code § 20-107.3, adds depth to case analysis.
Contact Our Chesterfield County Petit Larceny Defense Lawyers
Our Richmond location serves clients in Chesterfield County, including Midlothian, Chester, and the Colonial Heights area. We are accessible via I-95, I-295, and Route 1. If you need a petit larceny lawyer Chesterfield County, contact us 24/7.
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: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Chesterfield County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor carries up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine. Common charges include petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96). Cases are heard at Chesterfield County General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Chesterfield 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 Chesterfield County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer for a shoplifting charge in Chesterfield County?
Yes. A shoplifting charge lawyer Chesterfield County is crucial because even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months in jail and create a permanent record. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases at Chesterfield County General District Court. An attorney can negotiate for diversion programs or dismissal.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Chesterfield County?
Chesterfield County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Chesterfield County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying jail time.
How does bail work for a misdemeanor theft charge in Chesterfield County?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors like petit larceny in Chesterfield County. Secured bond (requiring a bail bondsman) is more typical for felonies. Bond decisions can be appealed to the General District Court.
Internal Links: For more information, see our Virginia criminal defense hub. We also serve clients in Henrico County and handle related matters like DUI defense in Chesterfield County.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.