Grand Larceny Lawyer Manassas Park, VA
You were shopping at a store in Manassas Park when a loss prevention officer stopped you, accused you of stealing merchandise worth over a thousand dollars. Now you hold a summons for a felony hearing at the Manassas Park General District Court. A grand larceny conviction can bring prison time, a permanent criminal record, and consequences for your job and your future. You need a defense lawyer who appears regularly in the Thirty-first Judicial District, knows how the Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases, and will challenge the evidence against you. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represent clients facing grand larceny allegations in Manassas Park and throughout Virginia. Call (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
What Grand Larceny Means in Virginia
Grand larceny is the felony theft of property valued at $1,000 or more, or theft directly from another person regardless of value. The offense is set out in Virginia Code § 18.2-95. A conviction has serious consequences: a felony record, incarceration, and loss of certain civil rights.
Under Va. Code § 18.2-95, theft of property valued at $1,000 or more constitutes grand larceny, a felony.
Source: Va. Code § 18.2-95. View statute
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
A person convicted of grand larceny in Virginia faces imprisonment of 1 to 20 years, or at the discretion of a jury, up to 12 months in jail and a fine.
Source: Va. Code § 18.2-95. View statute
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
The distinction between grand larceny and petit larceny — a misdemeanor — turns on value. If the value of the property is under $1,000 and the theft was not from a person, the charge may be a misdemeanor. A lawyer who carefully examines the alleged value can sometimes build a strong case for a reduction.
How a Grand Larceny Case Proceeds in Manassas Park
The Manassas Park General District Court, located at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110, conducts initial appearances and preliminary hearings for felony grand larceny charges. At the preliminary hearing, the court decides whether there is probable cause to send the case to the Manassas Park Circuit Court for trial. A felony trial in circuit court carries the right to a jury. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Manassas Park prosecutes the case.
The timeline of a grand larceny case varies. The general district court preliminary hearing can be scheduled within several weeks of the arrest; if the case is certified, the circuit court trial schedule depends on the court’s calendar. An experienced attorney can explain the procedure, argue for bond conditions that allow the accused to remain free while the case proceeds, and begin challenging the evidence at the earliest stage.
How Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. defends Against Grand Larceny Charges
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team review every detail of the prosecution’s case. The defense may challenge the valuation of the alleged stolen property, question the reliability of witness identifications, or argue that the accused did not intend to permanently deprive the owner of the property. In many instances, a careful examination of the evidence leads the Commonwealth’s Attorney to agree to amend the charge from a felony to a misdemeanor — for example, reducing grand larceny to petit larceny when the value is close to the $1,000 threshold.
The firm’s lawyers also explore pretrial diversion or first-offender programs where applicable, negotiate for a dismissal after restitution, and prepare for trial when a negotiated resolution is not in the client’s interest. Among the Of Counsel team is a former Virginia State Trooper who applies law enforcement insight to examine how the investigation was conducted and whether any procedural violations occurred.
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 law since 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). He and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience. Results may vary. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have documented 4,739+ case results across all practice areas since 1997.
The Of Counsel team comprises attorneys with backgrounds in prior law enforcement and prosecution. They are engaged through Excella and serve clients from the firm’s Fairfax location at 4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032. To schedule a consultation, call (888) 437-7747.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grand Larceny in Virginia
What is the penalty for grand larceny in Virginia?
Under Va. Code § 18.2-95, grand larceny is a felony. The possible sentence includes 1 to 20 years in prison, or at the discretion of a jury, up to 12 months in jail and a fine. A conviction also creates a permanent felony record that can affect employment, housing, and firearm rights. The actual penalty depends on the facts, the defendant’s prior record, and the strength of the defense.
How does a Virginia attorney defend against grand larceny charges?
Defense strategies may challenge the valuation of the property, question whether the accused intended to permanently deprive the owner, or identify procedural errors during the investigation. An experienced attorney can negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce the charge to a misdemeanor, seek diversion when available, or prepare the case for a jury trial. The approach depends on the specific facts and evidence.
What should I do if I am arrested for grand larceny in Manassas Park?
Remain silent and ask to speak with an attorney. Do not discuss the case with police, store security, or anyone other than your lawyer. Exercise your right to counsel. Contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible so that an attorney can appear with you at the initial hearing and begin protecting your rights. Grand larceny is a felony; early representation is critical.
Do I need a lawyer for a grand larceny charge?
Because grand larceny is a felony with the possibility of significant prison time, an experienced criminal defense lawyer is essential. The court will appoint an attorney if you cannot afford one, but retaining a lawyer of your own choosing gives you control over who defends you and allows you to begin preparing your defense immediately. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel offer consultations by appointment; call (888) 437-7747.
Can a grand larceny charge be reduced to a misdemeanor?
Yes. If the value of the property is close to the statutory threshold or if the evidence of value is weak, an attorney may negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to amend the charge to petit larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor. A reduction avoids a felony conviction and the most serious consequences. Reducing a charge depends on the facts and past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Where can I find a grand larceny lawyer near Manassas Park, VA?
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients at the Manassas Park General District Court and the Manassas Park Circuit Court. The firm’s Fairfax location serves Manassas Park and the surrounding area. Call (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. By appointment, you can meet with an attorney at 4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032.
Speak With a Grand Larceny Lawyer in Manassas Park
If you or a family member faces a grand larceny charge in Manassas Park, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel will review your case, answer your questions, and advise you on the trusted course of action.
Virginia Legal Resources
Review the Virginia Code, Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses), at https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title18.2/. The Manassas Park General District Court website is available at https://www.vacourts.gov/courts/gd/manassas_park/home.
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.