Felony Theft Lawyer Prince William County — Your Defense Against Grand Larceny Charges
A felony theft charge in Prince William County is a serious matter prosecuted under Va. Code § 18.2-95 (grand larceny). Theft of property valued at $1,000 or more is a felony, punishable by 1 to 20 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for those accused.
Last verified: April 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Felony Theft Law & Grand Larceny
In Virginia, theft offenses are categorized as either petit larceny (misdemeanor) or grand larceny (felony). The primary distinction is the value of the property taken. Under Va. Code § 18.2-95, grand larceny is committed when the value of the stolen goods is $1,000 or more. This statute is the foundation for most felony stealing charges in Prince William County. Theft of certain items, like firearms, is automatically grand larceny regardless of value.
- Arrest & Initial Appearance: After arrest, you will appear before a magistrate for bond determination. For felony charges, a secured bond is common.
- Preliminary Hearing: Your case starts in Prince William County General District Court for a hearing to determine if there is probable cause to send the felony to Circuit Court.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If bound over, you will be formally arraigned on the indictment in Prince William County Circuit Court.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney will obtain all evidence, file pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges, and negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial or Plea: The case proceeds to a jury trial in Circuit Court or may be resolved through a negotiated plea agreement.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing occurs in Circuit Court, where the judge considers sentencing guidelines and arguments from both sides.
Penalties for Felony Theft in Prince William County
In Prince William County, felony theft (grand larceny) is punishable by 1 to 20 years in prison, though sentences can be suspended, and fines are also possible.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Larceny (Value $1,000+) | Felony | 1 – 20 years | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Permanent felony record, difficulty finding employment, loss of voting rights, ineligibility for certain licenses. |
| Grand Larceny (Firearm) | Felony | 1 – 20 years (mandatory min. often applies) | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Same as above, with enhanced penalties as a crime involving a firearm. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Felony Theft 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. We have achieved over 4,739 favorable results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our deep familiarity with the Prince William County courts and prosecutors allows us to build effective, case-specific defense strategies. We understand that a felony theft charge threatens your future, and we fight to protect your rights and freedom.
Bryan Block, Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. Former Virginia State Trooper (15 years). View Bryan Block’s Profile
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 & Defense Approach
In Prince William County, we have documented 141 criminal case results, with 118 dismissed or found not guilty and 19 reduced or amended—a 98% favorable outcome rate locally. For felony theft cases, our defense strategy involves a meticulous review of the evidence. We challenge the prosecution’s valuation of the stolen property, which is critical for determining if the charge should be a felony or misdemeanor. We examine the legality of searches, the credibility of witnesses, and the procedures followed by loss prevention officers. Our goal is to secure a dismissal, reduction to a misdemeanor, or an alternative disposition that avoids a felony conviction.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our team includes Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a multi-state practice, who provides strategic oversight on complex cases.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
Phones 24/7/365. Office by appointment only.
Serving Prince William County, including Manassas, Woodbridge, Dale City, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Lake Ridge, and Occoquan.
Felony Theft Defense FAQs for Prince William County
What makes a theft charge a felony in Virginia?
Yes. Theft becomes a felony (grand larceny) under Va. Code § 18.2-95 when the value of the stolen property is $1,000 or more. Theft of a firearm is always grand larceny, regardless of value. A felony theft lawyer Prince William County can challenge the prosecution’s evidence on valuation.
Can a felony theft charge be reduced to a misdemeanor?
It depends. Prosecutors may agree to reduce a grand larceny charge to petit larceny (a misdemeanor) if the evidence of value is weak, it’s a first offense, or as part of a plea agreement. An experienced grand larceny defense lawyer Prince William County negotiates for reductions to avoid the lifelong consequences of a felony record.
What are the defenses to a felony stealing charge?
Common defenses include mistaken identity, lack of intent to permanently deprive the owner, ownership disputes, unlawful search and seizure, and challenging the property’s valuation. A skilled felony stealing charge lawyer Prince William County will investigate all angles to find the strongest defense for your case.
Do I need a lawyer for a felony theft charge?
Yes. Facing a felony charge without an attorney is extremely risky. The potential prison time and permanent felony record demand a professional defense. A lawyer protects your rights, negotiates with prosecutors, and fights for the best possible outcome in court.
What court handles felony theft cases in Prince William County?
Felony theft cases begin with a preliminary hearing in Prince William County General District Court. If probable cause is found, the case is transferred to Prince William County Circuit Court for indictment, trial, and sentencing. You can view the Circuit Court website for more information.
Related Pages: For other legal issues, see our Virginia Criminal Defense hub, or learn about criminal defense in Fairfax County. If you are also facing DUI charges in Prince William County, we can help.
Last verified: April 2026. Information is subject to change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for the most current legal guidance.