Felony Theft Lawyer Prince William County — Defending Grand Larceny & Felony Stealing Charges
A felony theft charge in Prince William County is a serious offense under Va. Code § 18.2-95, with penalties including 1-20 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for grand larceny and felony stealing charges. Our felony theft lawyer Prince William County team has documented 141 results in this jurisdiction.
Last verified: April 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Felony Theft Law & Penalties
In Virginia, theft becomes a felony, known as grand larceny, when the value of the stolen property or services is $1,000 or more, as defined by Va. Code § 18.2-95. This is a Class 5 felony, punishable by 1 to 10 years in prison, or at the jury’s discretion, up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. Theft of certain items, like firearms, is always a felony regardless of value. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Prince William County prosecutes these cases, which begin in General District Court for a preliminary hearing before moving to Circuit Court for trial.
External Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2, Chapter 5 (Larceny statutes)
- Prince William County General District Court website
Prince William County Court Process for Felony Theft
Felony theft cases in Prince William County follow a two-court process. The key local procedural fact is that Prince William County General District Court handles all felony preliminary hearings, while Prince William County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all appeals. For a felony stealing charge lawyer Prince William County, understanding the specific strategies for each court is critical. Prosecutors often rely on surveillance footage and witness statements, which a skilled defense can challenge.
- Arrest and bond hearing before a magistrate at the Adult Detention Center.
- Preliminary hearing in Prince William County General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue) to determine probable cause.
- Case is certified to the Prince William County Circuit Court if probable cause is found.
- Arraignment in Circuit Court where you enter a plea of guilty or not guilty.
- Discovery and pre-trial motions phase, where evidence is exchanged and legal challenges are filed.
- Jury trial or plea negotiation in Circuit Court.
Potential Penalties for Felony Theft in Virginia
In Prince William County, felony theft (grand larceny) is a Class 5 felony carrying 1 to 10 years in prison, or up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine at the jury’s discretion.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Permanent felony record, loss of voting rights, difficulty finding employment/housing. |
| Grand Larceny (Firearm) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Mandatory minimum sentences may apply; severe federal implications. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Prince William County Theft Cases
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. In Prince William County, we have a documented record of 141 criminal case results, with a 98% favorable outcome rate. Our approach is grounded in a deep understanding of local prosecution tactics and court procedures.
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 in Prince William County
Our team has achieved 141 documented results in Prince William County: 118 cases dismissed or found not guilty, 19 charges reduced or amended, and 1 other favorable outcome, representing a 98% favorable outcome rate. For example, our attorneys, including former prosecutor Kristen Fisher, have successfully argued for reductions from felony to misdemeanor petit larceny based on evidentiary challenges to the property’s valuation.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Felony Theft Defense Near Prince William County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Prince William County courts. We are your local felony theft lawyer near Prince William County, accessible from I-95, I-66, and Route 234. We serve communities including Manassas, Woodbridge, Dale City, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Lake Ridge, and Occoquan. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Felony Theft Defense FAQs
What is the difference between petit larceny and grand larceny in Virginia?
Yes. Petit larceny is theft under $1,000, a Class 1 misdemeanor. Grand larceny is theft of $1,000 or more, a Class 5 felony with potential prison time. The value is determined by the property’s fair market value.
Can a felony theft charge be reduced to a misdemeanor?
It depends. A skilled grand larceny defense lawyer Prince William County can often negotiate a reduction, especially if the value is near the $1,000 threshold, if there are evidentiary issues, or if the defendant qualifies for a first-offender program under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2.
What should I do if I am accused of felony theft?
Do not speak to law enforcement without an attorney. Immediately contact a felony stealing charge lawyer Prince William County. Preserve any evidence that supports your innocence, such as receipts or communications, and provide your lawyer with a complete account of events.
What are the long-term consequences of a felony theft conviction?
A permanent felony record leads to loss of voting rights, difficulty securing employment, professional licensing hurdles, ineligibility for federal student aid, and challenges in renting a home. This underscores the need for a strong defense from a felony theft lawyer Prince William County.
Do I need a lawyer for a felony theft charge in Prince William County?
Yes. The Commonwealth’s Attorney vigorously prosecutes these cases. A conviction carries prison time and a lifelong felony record. An experienced felony theft lawyer Prince William County is essential to protect your rights, challenge evidence, and seek the best possible outcome.
If you are facing grand larceny or other felony theft charges in Prince William County, contact a felony theft lawyer Prince William County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. today. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. All meetings are by appointment only.