Felony Theft Lawyer Alexandria, VA
Felony theft — also referred to as grand larceny — is a serious criminal charge in Alexandria, Virginia. Under Virginia Code § 18.2-95, taking property valued at $1,000 or more, or taking property directly from another person regardless of value, constitutes grand larceny. A conviction can result in imprisonment for one to twenty years, or at the discretion of the jury, up to twelve months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. If you are facing a felony theft charge in Alexandria General District Court or Alexandria Circuit Court, you need experienced criminal defense representation. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., and his Of Counsel team concentrate their practice in Virginia criminal defense and have represented clients in Alexandria for many years. Reach us at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
What Felony Theft Means in Alexandria, Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia classifies theft offenses by value. Grand larceny — the felony-level theft charge — applies when the property taken is worth $1,000 or more, or when the item is taken directly from a person regardless of its monetary value. Any theft of a firearm, too, is automatically grand larceny. Theft of property valued under $1,000 is generally petit larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor. The distinction between the two can sharply affect the consequences a person faces.
In Alexandria, felony theft cases begin in the Alexandria General District Court at 520 King Street, which handles a preliminary hearing to determine whether probable cause exists. If probable cause is found, the case is certified to the Alexandria Circuit Court for trial. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Alexandria prosecutes felony charges. The Circuit Court has authority to conduct a jury trial, and defendants have an absolute right to a jury trial for any offense that carries potential jail time. Because grand larceny carries a maximum of twenty years’ imprisonment, the stakes in these cases are high from the moment of arrest through sentencing.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Felony Theft Cases
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel approach every grand larceny case with a careful, fact-driven evaluation. They examine the basis for the valuation of the alleged stolen property — whether the Commonwealth can prove the item met the $1,000 felony threshold — and scrutinize all evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and any surveillance footage. Where the evidence suggests the property was taken with consent or under a claim of right, they develop those defenses.
Negotiation with the Commonwealth’s Attorney is an important part of the process. While Virginia judges are not parties to plea negotiations, the prosecutor may agree to amend charges under appropriate circumstances. An amendment from grand larceny to petit larceny, a misdemeanor, can substantially limit potential penalties. If a case proceeds to trial, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are prepared to mount a thorough defense at every stage, from the preliminary hearing in General District Court through trial in Circuit Court. Throughout the matter, they keep clients informed of court dates and procedural developments.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who has practiced criminal defense since establishing the firm in 1997. 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). His Of Counsel team includes attorneys with deep familiarity with Virginia criminal procedure and local court practice. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience. Results may vary. They have documented 4,739+ case results across all practice areas since 1997. Each case depends on its own facts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for felony theft in Alexandria, Virginia?
Grand larceny under Virginia Code § 18.2-95 is a felony punishable by one to twenty years in prison, or at the jury’s discretion, up to twelve months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. The actual sentence depends on the defendant’s criminal history, the value of the property, and the circumstances of the offense. Experienced legal counsel can pursue charge amendments or mitigation to reduce exposure.
Can a felony theft charge be reduced to a misdemeanor in Alexandria?
Yes, it is possible for a grand larceny charge to be amended to petit larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor, through negotiations with the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Such an amendment usually requires strong factual or legal grounds, such as insufficient proof of value above the statutory threshold. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel evaluate every case for opportunities to seek a reduction.
What should I do if I am facing a felony theft charge in Alexandria?
Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. Do not discuss the facts of the case with anyone other than your lawyer. Preserve any documents, receipts, or electronic records related to the alleged incident. The court timeline moves forward regardless — and early engagement with counsel can significantly affect the outcome.
What is the difference between General District Court and Circuit Court in Alexandria for a theft case?
Alexandria General District Court handles the preliminary hearing for felony charges, where a judge determines whether probable cause exists to send the case to the grand jury. Alexandria Circuit Court has jurisdiction over the trial itself, including jury trials. An experienced attorney can present arguments at both stages to challenge the evidence and seek a favorable resolution.
How does bail work for a felony theft charge in Alexandria?
After arrest, a magistrate sets bond. For a first-offense grand larceny charge, the magistrate may release the defendant on personal recognizance or set a secured bond. A secured bond typically requires posting cash or working with a bail bondsman. The bond amount can be appealed to Alexandria General District Court. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can assist with bond motions and arguments.
Do I need a lawyer for a felony theft charge in Alexandria?
Yes. A felony conviction carries the possibility of years in prison and a permanent criminal record affecting employment, housing, and civil rights. An attorney can challenge the Commonwealth’s evidence, negotiate with the prosecutor, and, if necessary, present a defense at trial. Self-representation in a felony matter is highly disfavored given the procedural complexity and the consequences of a conviction.
For criminal defense representation in nearby jurisdictions, see our pages:
Criminal lawyer Fairfax County ·
Criminal lawyer Fairfax City ·
Criminal lawyer Falls Church ·
Criminal lawyer Prince William County ·
Criminal lawyer Manassas
Primary authority sources:
Virginia Code § 18.2-95 (grand larceny) ·
Alexandria General District Court ·
Alexandria Circuit Court
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Results may vary.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.