Petit Larceny Defense Lawyer in Prince George County, Virginia
Petit larceny in Prince George County is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-96, carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented results defending theft charges in Prince George County. A strong defense is critical to protect your record and future. Contact a petit larceny defense lawyer Prince George County today.
Virginia Petit Larceny Law
Petit larceny is defined as the theft of goods or services valued at less than $1,000. It is prosecuted as a Class 1 misdemeanor under Virginia law. A conviction creates a permanent criminal record that can affect employment, housing, and professional licenses.
Last verified: April 2026 | Prince George County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-96 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information is available at the Prince George County General District Court website.
Defending a Petit Larceny Charge in Prince George County
Prince George County General District Court handles all misdemeanor petit larceny trials. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases. A successful defense often involves challenging the evidence of intent or value, or negotiating for a first-offender program under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2, which can lead to dismissal.
- Secure legal representation immediately after being charged.
- Your attorney will review all evidence, including store surveillance or witness statements.
- We will file pre-trial motions to challenge weak evidence or procedural errors.
- We negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduction, dismissal, or diversion program.
- If necessary, we prepare for and present a strong defense at trial in Prince George County General District Court.
Penalties for Petit Larceny in Virginia
In Prince George County, petit larceny carries a penalty of up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petit Larceny (Value < $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record; impacts employment, housing, professional licenses. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys bring a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. We have achieved over 4,739 documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our approach is direct and focused on your specific situation.
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
Our firm has documented results defending petit larceny charges in Virginia courts. For example, we have secured dismissals for charges of petit larceny under $200 in Fairfax County General District Court. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our secondary attorney on criminal defense matters, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor and firm founder with multi-state bar admissions who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute.
Contact Our Prince George County Petit Larceny Defense Lawyer
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Prince George County courts (6601 Courts Drive). We are accessible via I-295, Route 10, and Route 36. We are a petit larceny defense lawyer near Prince George and the Hopewell area.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Prince George County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Prince George County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor carries up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Petit larceny under $1,000 is a common Class 1 misdemeanor charge.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Prince George County, Virginia?
It depends. Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. Most convictions cannot be expunged. The petition is filed in Prince George County Circuit Court. A first-offense disposition may create a path to expungement.
How does bail work in Prince George County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors like petit larceny. Secured bond (requiring a bail bondsman) is more typical for felonies. Bond decisions can be reviewed by the Prince George County General District Court.
Do I need a misdemeanor theft defense lawyer Prince George County for a shoplifting charge?
Yes. Even a first-time shoplifting charge is a Class 1 misdemeanor with potential jail time and a permanent record. A shoplifting charge lawyer Prince George County can work to have charges reduced or dismissed, often through a first-offender program.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Prince George County?
Prince George County General District Court (GDC) handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Prince George County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. You have a right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying jail time.
Internal Links: For more information, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you need assistance with a related matter, consider our Prince George County DUI lawyer.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.