Petit Larceny Lawyer Fairfax County, VA
A petit larceny charge in Fairfax County, Virginia, is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-96, carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. The consequences go beyond the court penalty — a conviction creates a permanent criminal record that can affect employment, housing, and professional licenses. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., practicing since 1997, represents clients before the Fairfax County General District Court and Circuit Court. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder, and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience to criminal defense, with 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. If you have been charged with petit larceny, contact our firm at (888) 437‑7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
What Petit Larceny Means in Fairfax County, Virginia
Petit larceny is the taking of property valued at less than $1,000, with the intent to permanently deprive the owner. Under Va. Code § 18.2-96, it is a Class 1 misdemeanor. The statute also covers larceny from the person of another where the value is less than $5. In Fairfax County, misdemeanor petit larceny charges are heard in the Fairfax County General District Court, located at 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210, Fairfax, VA 22030. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fairfax County prosecutes these cases.
A conviction for petit larceny can result in up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. Beyond the immediate sentence, a misdemeanor conviction remains on a person’s record and can affect future opportunities. However, Virginia law provides certain post-conviction relief options. For first-time offenders, the court may defer proceedings and place the defendant on probation; successful completion can lead to dismissal of the charge. Separately, a person who is acquitted or whose charge is nolle prosequi or dismissed may petition the Fairfax County Circuit Court to expunge the police and court records. Eligibility for these programs depends on the facts of the individual case.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Petit Larceny Cases
When a client faces a petit larceny charge in Fairfax County, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel begin by examining every element of the prosecution’s case. This includes reviewing the alleged value of the property, the circumstances of the accusation, and whether any procedural violations occurred during the investigation or arrest. Because of their extensive experience in the Fairfax County General District Court, the team is familiar with local court practices and the approach of the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.
The defense strategy may focus on challenging the evidence of intent to permanently deprive, disputing the valuation of the property, or identifying weaknesses in witness testimony. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel evaluate whether a motion to suppress evidence or a dismissal for insufficient probable cause is warranted. They also explore opportunities for pretrial diversion or a deferred-disposition first-offender program where the facts allow. Throughout the process, the team advises the client on the potential impact of the charge and the steps necessary to work toward a favorable resolution. Every case receives careful attention to the unique facts and the client’s personal circumstances.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. A former prosecutor, he launched the firm in 1997 and has concentrated his practice on criminal defense, family law, and complex litigation across five jurisdictions. He is admitted to the bars of Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).
Mr. Sris is supported by a team of Of Counsel attorneys who bring additional experience in criminal defense. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have documented 501 criminal defense outcomes in Fairfax County — 336 dismissals or not-guilty verdicts, 143 charge reductions, and 5 other favorable results. Results may vary. The firm’s attorneys are equipped to handle petit larceny matters at both the General District Court and Circuit Court levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for petit larceny in Fairfax County, Virginia?
Petit larceny under Va. Code § 18.2-96 is a Class 1 misdemeanor. A conviction may result in up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. The actual sentence imposed depends on the circumstances of the offense, the defendant’s criminal history, and any mitigating factors presented to the court. First-time offenders may be eligible for a deferred-disposition program that can lead to dismissal of the charge upon successful completion of probation. The case is heard in the Fairfax County General District Court, with the right to appeal to the Fairfax County Circuit Court for a jury trial de novo.
Can a petit larceny charge be expunged in Virginia?
Yes, under certain conditions. Virginia law permits expungement of police and court records when a charge results in an acquittal, a nolle prosequi (dismissal by the prosecutor), or an outright dismissal by the court. The petition is filed in the Fairfax County Circuit Court. A conviction, however, generally cannot be expunged under current law. Because eligibility depends on the final disposition, consulting with an experienced attorney early can help protect the option of seeking expungement. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
What should I do if I am accused of petit larceny in Fairfax County?
If you are facing a petit larceny charge, avoid discussing the case with anyone other than your attorney. Anything you say to law enforcement, store personnel, or even friends can be used against you. Preserve any receipts, photographs, or other documents that may relate to the incident. Contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible — early involvement can affect the direction of the case, including whether pretrial options are available. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437‑7747.
How can a defense attorney help with a petit larceny case?
An attorney can examine the prosecution’s evidence to determine whether the charge is properly supported. This includes reviewing the alleged value of the property, assessing whether any shoplifting-detention procedures were followed, and exploring whether the client had a claim of right or consent. In Fairfax County, the attorney can negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a reduction or amendment of the charge and can petition for first-offender deferred disposition when appropriate. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
Does a petit larceny conviction affect my criminal record permanently?
Yes. A conviction for petit larceny is a misdemeanor criminal offense and will remain on your record unless it is later expunged or sealed under limited statutory provisions. In Virginia, most convictions cannot be expunged, though the law is evolving regarding automatic sealing of certain records. The presence of a theft conviction can affect employment background checks, security clearances, and housing applications. Because of these long-term consequences, it is important to evaluate all available defenses and diversion options early. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
What is the difference between petit larceny and grand larceny in Virginia?
The primary difference is the value of the property taken. Petit larceny under Va. Code § 18.2-96 involves property valued at less than $1,000, making it a Class 1 misdemeanor. Grand larceny under Va. Code § 18.2-95 applies when the property is worth $1,000 or more, or when a firearm is stolen regardless of value, and is classified as a felony punishable by imprisonment for one to 20 years. Consequently, an accurate valuation of the alleged property is a critical component of the defense strategy.
Nearby counties we serve: Criminal defense in Prince William County · Stafford County criminal lawyer · Fauquier County criminal defense · Loudoun County criminal attorney · Arlington County criminal lawyer
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary.