Petit Larceny Lawyer Albemarle County, VA

You were shopping at a store in Charlottesville when a security guard stopped you at the exit, accusing you of taking an item without paying. Now you hold a summons charging you with petit larceny under Virginia law. The charge is a Class 1 misdemeanor that can mean jail time, a fine, and a permanent criminal record. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys represent individuals facing petit larceny charges in Albemarle County General District Court and Albemarle County Circuit Court. To request a consultation, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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What a Petit Larceny Charge Means in Albemarle County

In Virginia, petit larceny is defined by Va. Code § 18.2-96 as the theft of property valued at less than $1,000, or larceny from a person of less than $5. Most Albemarle County petit larceny cases involve allegations of shoplifting or taking someone else’s personal property. The charge is a Class 1 misdemeanor, which carries a maximum penalty of up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. A conviction results in a criminal record that can affect employment, housing, professional licenses, and immigration status.

Albemarle County General District Court, located at 350 Park Street in Charlottesville, handles misdemeanor trials and preliminary hearings for felony cases. Petit larceny charges are typically initiated by a summons or an arrest warrant and proceed in General District Court. A defendant has the right to appeal an adverse ruling to Albemarle County Circuit Court for a de novo trial. The procedural landscape is governed by the Virginia Rules of Criminal Procedure, and the local Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes the case. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys regularly appear in these courts and understand the local procedural expectations.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Defend Petit Larceny Cases

Each petit larceny charge presents its own set of facts. The defense approach may involve challenging the value of the item alleged to have been taken, examining whether the accused had the requisite intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property, or investigating whether the item was actually taken without permission. In some situations, evidence may be challenged on constitutional grounds—for example, if a stop or search violated the Fourth Amendment.

Virginia permits plea agreements under Rule 3A:8 of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia, and the Commonwealth’s Attorney may agree to amend a charge or recommend a particular sentence. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys, one of whom is a former Virginia State Trooper with 15 years of law enforcement service, bring insight into police protocols and investigative techniques. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, understands how the government constructs its case. Together, they work to identify the strong $1 available on your behalf. Results may vary.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced law since 1997. He is a former prosecutor who testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, Mr. Sris concentrates his practice on criminal defense and related matters. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive collective experience, including a former Virginia State Trooper with thorough knowledge of law enforcement practices and an attorney with more than two decades of trial experience. Together, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys provide representation throughout Albemarle County and across Virginia.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is petit larceny in Virginia and what must the prosecutor prove?

Petit larceny is the theft of property valued at less than $1,000, or stealing from a person an item worth less than $5, under Va. Code § 18.2-96. The Commonwealth must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you took property that did not belong to you, that you intended to permanently deprive the owner of it, and that the value falls below the felony threshold. If the value is $1,000 or more, the charge becomes grand larceny, a felony. A petit larceny conviction is a Class 1 misdemeanor with potential jail time and a permanent record. For a consultation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

What are the maximum penalties for petit larceny in Albemarle County?

A Class 1 misdemeanor under Virginia law carries up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. A petit larceny conviction also creates a criminal record that cannot be expunged after a conviction except in very limited circumstances. The judge in Albemarle County General District Court has discretion to impose a sentence that may include jail time, a fine, supervised probation, community service, and restitution to the alleged victim. An experienced attorney can help present mitigating factors and argue for a reduced sentence or alternative disposition. For guidance specific to your case, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Can I get a petit larceny charge expunged in Virginia?

Expungement is available for charges that result in an acquittal, a nolle prosequi, or a dismissal, but generally not for convictions. Under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2, you may petition the Albemarle County Circuit Court to seal police and court records if the case ends without a conviction. A first-offense petit larceny may qualify for a deferred disposition under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2; successful completion results in a dismissal and then expungement eligibility. Because the law is fact-specific, a consultation with a criminal lawyer is important. Call (888) 437-7747 to discuss your matter.

Do I need a lawyer for a petit larceny charge in Albemarle County?

You have the right to represent yourself, but the consequences of a misdemeanor conviction—jail, a fine, and a criminal record—make legal representation advisable. An experienced criminal attorney can evaluate the evidence, challenge the prosecution’s case, explore diversion or deferred-disposition options, and advocate for favorable outcomes. Even a simple shoplifting charge can affect immigration status, professional licenses, and employment. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys have handled criminal matters in Albemarle County and understand the local court process. To schedule a consultation, call (888) 437-7747.

How do I find the right petit larceny lawyer in Albemarle County?

Look for a lawyer who regularly appears in Albemarle County courts, who understands the local prosecutors and procedures, and who has experience with Virginia larceny law. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled criminal defense cases across Virginia since 1997. Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor, and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys include a former Virginia State Trooper, giving the firm insight into both sides of a criminal case. To determine whether the firm is a good fit for your case, call (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation.

For a detailed statutory breakdown of Virginia theft offenses, see our comprehensive analysis at Virginia Criminal Lawyer.

Last reviewed: July 2026

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder

Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York

Practicing since 1997

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.

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. | (888) 437-7747 | Serving Albemarle County from our Shenandoah location.