Felony Theft Lawyer Alexandria, VA
A felony theft charge in Alexandria, Virginia is a serious matter. Under Va. Code § 18.2‑95, grand larceny is a felony that can result in a prison sentence of one to twenty years, or—at the discretion of a jury—up to twelve months in jail. A conviction creates a permanent criminal record that affects employment, housing, professional licenses, and firearm rights. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., we represent individuals facing grand larceny and related theft charges in Alexandria General District Court and Alexandria Circuit Court. Our Arlington location serves clients throughout Alexandria, including Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne. If you or someone you know has been accused of felony theft, call (888) 437‑7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
Grand larceny under Va. Code § 18.2‑95 is a felony punishable by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than twenty years, or, in the discretion of the jury, by confinement in jail for not more than twelve months and a fine of not more than $2,500.
Source: Va. Code § 18.2‑95. Virginia Law Portal
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
In Virginia, taking property valued at $1,000 or more—or any firearm regardless of value—constitutes grand larceny, a felony.
Source: Va. Code § 18.2‑95. Virginia Law Portal
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
Understanding Felony Theft Charges in Alexandria
In Alexandria, Virginia, theft offenses are graded primarily by the value of the property taken. If the value is below $1,000, the offense is typically petit larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor. However, when the property is valued at $1,000 or more—or when the theft is from the person of another of $5 or more, or involves any firearm—the charge becomes grand larceny, a felony under Va. Code § 18.2‑95. That distinction moves the case from the General District Court to the Circuit Court for trial and exposes the accused to a substantially longer incarceration term.
Alexandria has two courts that handle criminal matters. The Alexandria General District Court, located at 520 King Street, 2nd Floor, Alexandria, VA 22320, is where an arrested person first appears for arraignment and where a preliminary hearing is held for felony charges. If the judge finds probable cause, the case is certified to the Alexandria Circuit Court for trial or plea. Defendants have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court. The timeline for a felony theft case depends on the court’s docket, the complexity of the evidence, and pretrial motions. Our firm’s Arlington location is positioned to serve clients from Alexandria’s neighborhoods—Old Town, Del Ray, Kingstowne, and beyond—through every stage of the process.
Beyond incarceration and fines, a felony theft conviction carries lasting collateral consequences. You may lose the right to possess firearms under both state and federal law. A felony record can limit professional licensing opportunities, disqualify you from certain employment, and, while incarcerated, result in the loss of voting rights. Because the stakes are so high, having experienced counsel to examine the prosecution’s evidence, challenge the valuation of the property, and negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney is essential.
How Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. defends Felony Theft Cases
Our approach to felony theft defense in Alexandria begins with a thorough review of the facts. We examine how the property value was determined—because a figure close to the $1,000 threshold can mean the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor. We also scrutinize the legality of any search or seizure, the reliability of witness identifications, and the chain of custody of physical evidence. If law enforcement violated constitutional procedures, we file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss the charge.
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team work to achieve favorable outcomes for each client. That may involve negotiating with the prosecutor to reduce the charge to petit larceny, exploring deferred disposition or first‑offender programs where applicable, or preparing the case for trial. In Alexandria, the Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases, and our attorneys—several of whom have backgrounds in prosecution and law enforcement—understand the strategies used by the other side. We use that insight to build a defense that is tailored to the specific facts and the local court practices. Throughout the process, we keep clients informed and involved, because no one should face a felony allegation without a clear understanding of what is happening and what options are available.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who has practiced criminal defense since 1997. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and his multi‑state experience gives him a broad perspective on criminal litigation. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).
Alongside Mr. Sris, the firm’s Of Counsel team brings extensive combined legal experience, including former prosecutors and law enforcement professionals who understand how theft cases are investigated and prosecuted. Together, they have documented case results across all practice areas since 1997. Results may vary. The firm’s Arlington location serves clients throughout Alexandria, and consultations can be scheduled by calling (888) 437‑7747.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is felony theft in Virginia?
In Virginia, felony theft is generally defined as grand larceny under Va. Code § 18.2‑95—taking property valued at $1,000 or more, money or property from the person of another of $5 or more, or any firearm regardless of value. A conviction for grand larceny is a felony that can carry a sentence of one to twenty years in prison and creates a permanent criminal record. The value threshold is critical; if the property is worth less than $1,000, the offense is typically petit larceny, a misdemeanor. Any theft involving a firearm is automatically a felony regardless of the weapon’s value.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against felony theft charges?
Defense strategies for felony theft in Virginia may include challenging the valuation of the stolen property, examining the legality of the search and seizure, questioning the credibility of witnesses, and negotiating with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to amend the charge to a lesser offense. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under Va. Code § 18.2‑95 to build a defense. In Alexandria, where the Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes actively, early intervention can be critical. A lawyer may also investigate whether the evidence supports the intent element, as theft requires intent to permanently deprive the owner.
What should I do if I am facing felony theft charges in Alexandria?
If you are facing felony theft charges in Alexandria, immediately invoke your right to remain silent and contact a criminal defense attorney. Do not discuss the case with anyone other than your lawyer. Preserve any documents, receipts, or communications that may help establish the value of the property or your right to possess it. Your attorney can advise you on bond conditions, prepare for the preliminary hearing in Alexandria General District Court, and begin building your defense. Time is of the essence because early investigation can uncover favorable evidence.
Can a felony theft charge be reduced to a misdemeanor in Alexandria?
Yes, a felony theft charge can sometimes be reduced to a misdemeanor if the value of the property is close to the $1,000 threshold or if the prosecution’s evidence is weak. Negotiations with the Commonwealth’s Attorney may result in an amendment to petit larceny under Va. Code § 18.2‑96, which is a Class 1 misdemeanor. In some circumstances, the charge may be dismissed entirely if evidence was obtained in violation of the defendant’s rights. Every case is different, and results vary depending on the facts.
How does the court process work for a felony theft case in Alexandria?
A felony theft case in Alexandria begins with arrest and an appearance before a magistrate for bond, followed by a preliminary hearing in the General District Court to determine if there is probable cause. If the judge finds probable cause, the case is certified to the Circuit Court for trial. At the Circuit Court, the defendant has the right to a jury trial. Pretrial motions, discovery exchanges, and possible plea negotiations occur before trial. The process is complex, and having counsel ensures that your rights are protected at each stage.
Do I really need a lawyer for a felony theft charge in Alexandria?
Yes, you need an experienced lawyer because a felony theft conviction can lead to years in prison, a permanent criminal record, loss of firearm rights, and severe restrictions on future employment and housing. An attorney can investigate the case, challenge the evidence, and work toward a reduction or dismissal. In Alexandria, where the court system moves efficiently and prosecutors are well‑prepared, representing yourself is extremely risky. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. offers consultations by phone at (888) 437‑7747 to discuss your situation.
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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.