Grand Larceny Lawyer Virginia Beach, VA
A grand larceny charge in Virginia Beach can change your life. Under Virginia law, grand larceny is a felony defined by the value of the property taken—$1,000 or more, or any theft directly from a person—and it is prosecuted actively in the city’s courts. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, represents individuals facing grand larceny allegations in the Virginia Beach General District Court and Virginia Beach Circuit Court. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team understand the Commonwealth’s prosecution approach, the local procedural landscape, and the defenses that can make a difference. Whether the charge stems from a retail theft, an accusation of stealing from an employer, or any other situation, early engagement of experienced defense counsel is critical. The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience between Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel and has achieved 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. In any individual matter. If you or a family member is facing a grand larceny charge in Virginia Beach, reach our location at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
Under Va. Code § 18.2‑95, grand larceny in Virginia is a felony punishable by imprisonment of 1 to 20 years, or at a jury’s discretion, up to 12 months in jail.
Source: Va. Code § 18.2‑95, verified via lis.virginia.gov.
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
What Grand Larceny Means in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach prosecutes grand larceny cases through a two‑court system. Misdemeanor thefts—petit larceny under $1,000—are handled in the Virginia Beach General District Court. But when the value of the alleged theft meets or exceeds $1,000, the charge becomes a felony and moves through a preliminary hearing in the General District Court before trial in the Virginia Beach Circuit Court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Virginia Beach prosecutes these cases, and the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney reviews each file with a focus on the strength of the evidence, the accused’s prior record, and the procedural history of the charge.
The General District Court at 2425 Nimmo Parkway, Building 10B, Virginia Beach, VA 23456, handles arraignments, bond determinations, and preliminary hearings for felony grand larceny charges. If a grand jury returns an indictment, the case goes to the Virginia Beach Circuit Court for trial. Defendants have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying jail time. The procedural path creates multiple points where an experienced defense team can challenge the prosecution’s case. Our firm’s Richmond location serves clients in Virginia Beach, with Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appearing regularly in both courts and understanding the expectations of the local judiciary.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Grand Larceny Cases
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel approach each grand larceny matter by first examining the elements the Commonwealth must prove: that the accused intentionally and wrongfully took property belonging to another, and that the value of the property meets the statutory threshold for a felony. In Virginia Beach, the line between a misdemeanor petit larceny and a felony grand larceny often turns on valuation—the prosecution must prove that the item was worth $1,000 or more at the time of the taking. Our team challenges valuation evidence where it is weak, including whether the figure represents fair market value, replacement cost, or an inflated retail price.
Defense strategies may also include examining the circumstances of the arrest, the chain of custody for any physical evidence, the voluntariness of statements made to law enforcement, and whether the accused had a claim of right to the property. In cases involving co‑defendants or accusations of employee theft, we look at documentary evidence and payroll records that may undercut the prosecution’s theory. Our Of Counsel team includes attorneys with experience as former prosecutors and as a former Virginia State Trooper, giving us insight into how the other side builds its case. While every case is different and no attorney can guarantee a particular result, we work to achieve the trusted resolution—whether that means negotiating a charge reduction, a dismissal, or a not‑guilty verdict after trial.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded the firm in 1997 with a commitment to thorough, multi‑state representation. He is a former prosecutor who draws on that prosecutorial experience to anticipate the Commonwealth’s arguments and to construct strong defenses. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova) and is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. His Of Counsel team—all engaged through Excella—brings a diverse set of professional backgrounds that strengthen the firm’s capacity to handle complex criminal matters. Collectively, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and have achieved 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. In any individual matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the penalties for grand larceny in Virginia Beach?
Grand larceny in Virginia is a felony punishable by 1 to 20 years in prison, or at a jury’s discretion, up to 12 months in jail. The court also can impose substantial fines and order restitution to the alleged victim. Because it is a felony, a conviction carries additional consequences beyond incarceration, such as the loss of certain civil rights and lasting employment and housing barriers. The prosecution must prove the value of the property taken met the statutory threshold; if the evidence on value is weak, the charge may be reducible to a misdemeanor. An experienced grand larceny lawyer can evaluate whether the prosecution’s valuation is supportable.
What should I do if I am facing grand larceny charges in Virginia Beach?
Contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately and do not discuss the case with anyone except your attorney. Preserve any documentation that could relate to the alleged incident—receipts, timecards, text messages, or surveillance footage—and provide it to your lawyer. Avoid posting about the matter on social media, as prosecutors can use such statements against you. The Virginia Beach Commonwealth’s Attorney often reviews cases for potential procedural issues or evidentiary weaknesses; having counsel involved early can help you take advantage of those opportunities. For a consultation about your situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
How does a Virginia Beach lawyer defend against grand larceny charges?
Defense strategies may include challenging the valuation of the property, contesting the element of intent, and identifying procedural errors in the arrest or investigation. In many cases, the central issue is whether the accused intended to permanently deprive the owner of the property; a claim-of‑right defense or evidence that the taking was mistaken can defeat the charge. Our team looks closely at police reports, witness statements, and any surveillance or electronic records. Where the prosecution’s case rests on a single witness or questionable testimony, we prepare for trial and vigorously cross‑examine. In other situations, we seek a negotiated resolution that reduces the felony to a misdemeanor to minimize the long‑term consequences.
What is the difference between grand larceny and petit larceny in Virginia?
The difference turns primarily on the value of the property taken—$1,000 or more is grand larceny, a felony, while under $1,000 is petit larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor. Theft directly from a person of any value over a few dollars also qualifies as grand larceny. A petit larceny conviction carries a maximum of 12 months in jail and a fine, whereas a grand larceny conviction carries a potential state prison sentence. Because the consequences are much steeper for a felony, it is important to have an attorney who can challenge the valuation and, if appropriate, seek a reduction to a misdemeanor charge.
Can a grand larceny conviction be expunged in Virginia Beach?
Virginia law does not allow expungement of a grand larceny conviction; expungement is generally available only for charges that end in an acquittal, dismissal, or nolle prosequi. Under Va. Code § 19.2‑392.2, a person whose charge is dismissed or who is found not guilty may petition the Virginia Beach Circuit Court to expunge the police and court records. For a felony conviction, however, no expungement mechanism exists. That makes it essential to fight the charge at the earliest stages. If a reduction to a misdemeanor is possible, it can avoid a permanent felony record that cannot be erased.
Do I need a lawyer for a grand larceny charge in Virginia Beach?
Yes, legal representation is critical because grand larceny is a felony and a conviction can lead to years in prison and a permanent criminal record. Even the preliminary hearing in the Virginia Beach General District Court presents important strategic decisions—whether to waive the hearing, how to cross‑examine the arresting officer, and what negotiations to pursue with the prosecutor. Without an experienced attorney, a defendant can unknowingly make statements or decisions that harm the defense. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have handled many grand larceny cases in Virginia Beach and work to protect clients’ rights from the first court appearance through trial, if necessary.
Related criminal defense pages:
Fairfax County criminal defense ·
Prince William County criminal defense ·
Manassas criminal defense
Official Virginia legal resources:
Virginia Code Title 18.2 – Crimes and Offenses ·
Virginia Beach General District Court ·
Virginia Judicial System
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Results may vary. Each case is unique and outcomes depend on a variety of factors specific to the individual matter.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.