Grand Larceny Lawyer Prince William County, VA
You’re sitting in a holding cell at the Prince William County Adult Detention Center after being arrested for
grand larceny. The accusation is that you took property worth $1,000 or more. You’re worried about your job,
your family, and the possibility of a felony conviction that could follow you for the rest of your life. The
stakes are high, and you need answers now. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. defends individuals facing
grand larceny charges in Prince William County, Virginia. Our firm is led by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor,
and backed by his Of Counsel team. Call (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation and start building your defense
today.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
Defense Strategies for a Grand Larceny Charge
Every grand larceny case turns on its own facts. A defense lawyer’s first job is to scrutinize the
Commonwealth’s evidence. Was the property actually valued at $1,000 or more? The difference between a
misdemeanor petit larceny and a felony grand larceny can hinge on a single receipt or experienced attorney valuation.
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel examine whether law enforcement followed proper procedure—unlawful stops or
searches can lead to suppression of key evidence. They also explore whether the alleged theft involved
a misunderstanding of ownership or consent, which can undermine the intent element the prosecutor must
prove. Whenever possible, the defense works toward a reduction of the charge or a deferred disposition
through the first-offender program, which allows the court to dismiss the charge after successful
completion of probation.
What to Expect After a Grand Larceny Arrest in Prince William County
After an arrest, you will go before a magistrate who sets bond. For a felony grand larceny charge, bond
conditions often include pretrial supervision. Your first court appearance will be at the Prince William
County General District Court on Lee Avenue in Manassas. At the arraignment, you will be formally advised
of the charge and your right to counsel. If the case cannot be resolved, a preliminary hearing will be
scheduled to determine whether there is probable cause to send the charge to the Circuit Court for trial.
Throughout this process, having an attorney who knows the local courts and the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s
office is critical. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear regularly in Prince William County courts and are
familiar with how the judges and prosecutors handle theft cases.
Penalties for Grand Larceny in Virginia
Under Va. Code § 18.2-95, grand larceny is a felony.
The statute provides for a sentence of one to twenty years in prison. However, the jury (or judge, if the
defendant waives a jury trial) has discretion to impose a jail term of up to twelve months instead of a
prison sentence. In addition to any period of incarceration, the court may impose fines and restitution.
A felony conviction also carries collateral consequences that affect gun rights, voting rights, and
professional licenses. For many people, the goal is to avoid a felony record entirely—through charge
reduction, deferred disposition, or acquittal.
Grand larceny is a felony punishable by one to twenty years in prison, or up to twelve months in jail at the discretion of a jury.
Source: Va. Code § 18.2-95. Virginia Code § 18.2-95
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
Why Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team Handle Grand Larceny Cases
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who understands how
the Commonwealth builds its cases. He brings that insight to every defense strategy. Together with his
Of Counsel, the team draws on extensive combined legal experience handling theft offenses throughout
Virginia. They pay close attention to the valuation evidence, the chain of custody, and the
credibility of witnesses—all areas where a weak prosecution case can unravel. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel
bring extensive combined legal experience to defending clients against grand larceny charges. Results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grand Larceny in Prince William County
What is considered grand larceny in Virginia?
Grand larceny in Virginia involves taking property valued at $1,000 or more, or taking any item
directly from a person without regard to its value. It is a felony under Va. Code § 18.2-95. The
threshold was raised to $1,000 in 2020. If the property is worth less than $1,000, the charge
is typically petit larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor.
What are the possible penalties for a grand larceny conviction?
A grand larceny conviction can lead to a prison sentence of one to twenty years, though the jury may
choose a jail term of up to twelve months instead. Fines and restitution can also be ordered. A
felony record affects employment, housing, and civil rights. Because of the life-altering consequences,
legal representation at the earliest stage is critical.
How does a lawyer defend against a grand larceny charge?
A lawyer defends a grand larceny charge by challenging the valuation of the property, the intent
to permanently deprive, and the lawfulness of the police investigation. Showing that the item’s
fair market value is below $1,000 can reduce a felony to a misdemeanor. Procedural errors, like an illegal
search, may lead to evidence being excluded. Negotiating with the prosecutor for a reduced charge or a
diversion program is also a key part of a defense strategy.
What should I do immediately after being accused of grand larceny?
Do not speak about the case to anyone except your attorney; anything you say can be used against
you. Preserve any documents, receipts, or messages that might relate to the alleged theft. Contact
a criminal defense lawyer right away. The earlier an attorney gets involved, the more options you may have
to shape the outcome.
How does the court process work for a grand larceny charge in Prince William County?
A grand larceny charge starts with an arraignment at Prince William County General District Court,
followed by a preliminary hearing, and if probable cause is found, the case moves to Circuit Court for
trial. At the preliminary hearing, the prosecutor must show enough evidence to send the case forward.
In Circuit Court, you have the right to a jury trial. The timeline depends on the court’s calendar and the
complexity of the case.
Do I need a lawyer for a grand larceny charge, or can I handle it myself?
You need a lawyer; grand larceny is a serious felony, and the stakes are too high to risk representing
yourself. Even if you believe the evidence against you is weak, procedural missteps and lack of
knowledge of Virginia criminal law can lead to a conviction. A lawyer protects your rights, challenges
the prosecution’s case, and works to secure favorable outcomes.
Additional criminal defense resources:
Fairfax County criminal lawyer |
Stafford County criminal lawyer |
Loudoun County criminal lawyer |
Arlington County criminal lawyer
For a deeper statutory analysis, visit our main
firm website. You can also review the
Virginia grand larceny statute
and the
Prince William County Circuit Court
for official information.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary.
To discuss your grand larceny charge, call Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Consultations are by appointment. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel serve Prince William County, Virginia.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.