Grand Larceny Lawyer Fairfax County, VA
Grand larceny in Virginia is a felony charge defined by Va. Code § 18.2-95. It applies when someone takes property valued at the statutory threshold or more, or takes any firearm regardless of value, and it can be punished by incarceration in state prison for 1 to 20 years. If you are facing a grand larceny allegation in Fairfax County, the case moves through the Fairfax County Circuit Court, and the stakes include a permanent criminal record, possible jail time, and long-term consequences for employment and housing. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team have represented individuals in Fairfax County criminal matters since 1997, combining a former prosecutor’s insight with decades of local court experience. To discuss your situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
What Grand Larceny Means in Fairfax County
Under Virginia law, grand larceny is a felony that covers taking property valued at the statutory threshold or more, theft from a person, or theft of any firearm. The charge is prosecuted by the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney in Fairfax County. Felony cases begin with a preliminary hearing in the Fairfax County General District Court, where a judge decides whether probable cause exists to send the case to the Fairfax County Circuit Court for trial. The Circuit Court handles all felony trials and can impose a sentence that includes incarceration, fines, probation, and restitution. Because the threshold for a felony is property valued at the statutory threshold or more, the difference between a misdemeanor petit larceny and a felony grand larceny depends on the dollar amount the Commonwealth can prove. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team examine the evidence of value carefully—how the item was appraised, its condition at the time of the alleged offense, and whether the figure crosses the statutory threshold.
The procedural path in Fairfax County requires attention to deadlines and discovery. After an arrest or indictment, the defendant appears before a magistrate for a bond determination. The first court appearance is typically an arraignment, followed by the setting of a trial date. The Fairfax County Circuit Court, located at 4110 Chain Bridge Road in Fairfax, hears felony jury trials. Defense counsel may challenge the admissibility of evidence, negotiate with the prosecutor on potential amendments, or prepare the case for trial. Plea bargaining is permitted under Rule 3A:8 of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia; the Commonwealth’s Attorney and defense counsel may negotiate a plea agreement, which the court may accept or reject. An experienced criminal lawyer who knows the Fairfax County court procedures can help you evaluate every option.
In Virginia, the theft of property valued at the statutory threshold or more is grand larceny, a felony.
Source: Va. Code § 18.2-95. Virginia Legislative Information System
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
Grand larceny is punishable by imprisonment for not less than 1 year nor more than 20 years, or at the discretion of the jury, up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to the statutory maximum.
Source: Va. Code § 18.2-95. Virginia Legislative Information System
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Grand Larceny Cases
When our firm is contacted about a grand larceny charge in Fairfax County, the first step is a thorough evaluation of the evidence. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel review the police reports, witness statements, and any video or documentary evidence the Commonwealth intends to introduce. They look for weaknesses in the prosecution’s case that could lead to a dismissal or a reduction of the charge. If the property’s value is close to the statutory threshold, that becomes a central issue—reducing the felony to a misdemeanor petit larceny can dramatically change the exposure. The team also examines whether a lawful search occurred, whether any statements were obtained in compliance with constitutional protections, and whether the property in question was actually taken with the intent to permanently deprive the owner.
In Fairfax County, many grand larceny cases are resolved through negotiation with the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Because a felony conviction carries severe consequences—including loss of firearm rights, potential immigration consequences for non-citizens, and a permanent felony record—the defense seeks outcomes that avoid those penalties. Possibilities include challenging the value of the alleged stolen property, presenting evidence that the defendant lacked the required intent, or negotiating a plea to a reduced charge. If the case proceeds to trial, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel prepare a defense tailored to the evidence, presenting the facts to a jury in the Fairfax County Circuit Court. Throughout the process, clients receive straightforward guidance about the strengths and weaknesses of their case so they can make informed decisions.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., began his legal career as a prosecutor and founded the firm in 1997. Over more than two decades, he has built a practice that concentrates on criminal defense across Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris is admitted to practice in all five jurisdictions. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His Of Counsel team brings a range of experience, including former law enforcement and prosecutorial backgrounds, to every case the firm handles. Clients facing grand larceny charges in Fairfax County work with Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel—a group of experienced attorneys who collaborate on case strategy and preparation. Over 120 years of combined legal experience between Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel, with 4,739+ documented firm-wide results, inform the defense of each client. Results may vary.
Consultations at our Fairfax location are by appointment. To schedule a time to discuss your grand larceny matter, call (888) 437-7747.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the penalties for grand larceny in Fairfax County, Virginia?
A conviction for grand larceny under Va. Code § 18.2-95 is a felony that carries 1 to 20 years of imprisonment, or at the discretion of the jury, up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to the statutory maximum. The actual sentence imposed by the Fairfax County Circuit Court depends on the defendant’s criminal history, the value of the property taken, and any mitigating factors presented by defense counsel. In addition to active incarceration, the court may impose probation, restitution, and other conditions. A felony conviction also results in a permanent criminal record and the loss of firearm rights.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against grand larceny charges?
Defense strategies for grand larceny in Fairfax County may include challenging the evidence of value, questioning the sufficiency of identification, asserting a claim of right, or arguing that the defendant lacked the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property. Under Va. Code § 18.2-95, the Commonwealth must prove the value meets the statutory threshold. If the evidence suggests the property was worth less, the charge may be reduced to petit larceny, a misdemeanor. An experienced defense attorney also examines whether any search or seizure was lawful and whether the defendant’s statements were obtained in compliance with constitutional protections.
What should I do if I am facing grand larceny charges in Fairfax County?
If you are accused of grand larceny, contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately. Do not discuss the facts of the case with anyone other than your attorney. Preserve any text messages, receipts, or other documents that may relate to the alleged theft. In Fairfax County, the legal process moves quickly—an experienced attorney can help you understand the charges, the possible consequences, and the steps ahead. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Where is grand larceny prosecuted in Fairfax County?
Grand larceny is a felony, so the case is ultimately heard in the Fairfax County Circuit Court after a preliminary hearing in the Fairfax County General District Court. The Circuit Court, located at 4110 Chain Bridge Road in Fairfax, Virginia, has jurisdiction over all felony trials. Misdemeanor larceny cases remain in the General District Court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fairfax County prosecutes the case. Our firm appears regularly in both courts and can help you navigate the procedural requirements at each stage.
Do I need a lawyer for a grand larceny charge in Virginia?
Yes. A grand larceny conviction is a felony that can lead to years of incarceration, significant fines, and a lifelong criminal record. Even if you believe the evidence is weak, the stakes of a felony charge are too high to face without legal representation. An attorney who knows the Fairfax County court system can evaluate the prosecution’s case, identify defenses, negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney, and represent you at trial if necessary. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
For legal representation in nearby localities, see our pages for Prince William County criminal defense, Stafford County criminal defense, Loudoun County criminal defense, and Arlington County criminal defense.
Primary legal resources: Va. Code § 18.2-95 (Grand Larceny), Fairfax County Circuit Court, Virginia Judicial System.
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