Petit Larceny Lawyer Alexandria, VA
In Alexandria, Virginia, a charge of petit larceny—stealing property valued at less than $1,000—is a Class 1 misdemeanor that carries serious consequences. Under Va. Code § 18.2-96, a conviction can result in up to twelve months in jail, a fine of up to $2,500, and a permanent criminal record that follows you into employment, housing, and professional licensing. The Alexandria General District Court at 520 King Street, 2nd Floor, hears these cases, and the Commonwealth’s Attorney for Alexandria prosecutes them vigorously. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Concentrates its practice on defending individuals facing petit larceny charges across Alexandria and the surrounding Northern Virginia communities. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and a thorough understanding of how larceny cases unfold in this courthouse. Results may vary. Reach our firm at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
Petit larceny in Virginia is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
Source: Va. Code § 18.2-96. Virginia Legislative Information System
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
What Petit Larceny Means in Alexandria, Virginia
Petit larceny, often called petty theft, is the unlawful taking of another’s property with a value below $1,000. In Virginia, the monetary threshold separating petit larceny from grand larceny is codified at Va. Code § 18.2-95 and § 18.2-96. Shoplifting charges brought under Va. Code § 18.2-103 generally track the same value benchmark. Because petit larceny is a Class 1 misdemeanor, it is heard in the Alexandria General District Court, the first-tier court that handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The courthouse at 520 King Street, 2nd Floor, Alexandria, VA 22320 serves the residents of Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, Kingstowne, and the surrounding area. Cases that involve a value at or above $1,000 are felonies and proceed through the Alexandria Circuit Court.
The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Alexandria prosecutes petit larceny allegations with the same prosecutorial resources as any other criminal matter. A person charged with petit larceny faces not only the immediate threat of incarceration and fines but also collateral consequences that can affect immigration status, security clearances, and professional licenses. The court offers first-offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2, which, upon successful completion, may result in dismissal of the charge. Defendants also have an absolute right to a jury trial in the Alexandria Circuit Court for any offense that carries potential jail time. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Appears regularly in the Alexandria General District Court and understands the procedural expectations and local practices that shape how petit larceny cases are resolved.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Petit Larceny Cases
When a person retains Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for a petit larceny charge in Alexandria, the first step is a thorough review of the facts. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel assess the evidence the Commonwealth intends to present, examine the circumstances of the arrest, and identify any procedural or constitutional issues that may affect the admissibility of statements, surveillance footage, or witness identifications. Early engagement often opens the door to discussions with the prosecutor about amending the charge, reducing it to a lesser offense, or resolving the matter through a first-offender disposition under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2.
Should the case proceed toward trial, the defense concentrates on the elements the Commonwealth must prove beyond a reasonable doubt: that the accused took property without consent, that the property had value, and that the accused intended to permanently deprive the owner of it. Challenges to valuation can be critical because even a small discrepancy in the alleged value can determine whether the charge remains a misdemeanor or becomes a felony. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have extensive experience presenting mitigation evidence at sentencing when a conviction occurs and in appealing any adverse rulings from the General District Court to the Circuit Court. Every case is prepared with the understanding that a well-prepared defense at the earliest stage often produces the most favorable outcome.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced criminal defense since establishing the firm in 1997. A former prosecutor, he brings firsthand knowledge of how charging decisions are made and how the government builds its cases. Mr. Sris is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, giving the firm a broad jurisdictional reach. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience. Results may vary. The Of Counsel team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper whose law-enforcement background provides insight into investigative procedures and the evidentiary standards police must meet. This collective experience means that every petit larceny case is evaluated from both the defense perspective and an awareness of the prosecution’s likely strategy. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have documented 4,739+ case results across all practice areas since the firm was founded. Results may vary. past results do not guarantee a similar outcome
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the penalties for petit larceny in Alexandria, Virginia?
Petit larceny is a Class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia, carrying up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. Beyond incarceration and a fine, a conviction can create a permanent criminal record that affects employment background checks, housing applications, and professional licensing. The court may also impose probation, community service, and restitution to the alleged victim. First-offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 may be available in the Alexandria General District Court, potentially experienced to dismissal after successful completion of court-ordered conditions.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against petit larceny charges?
A defense against petit larceny in Virginia may challenge the value of the property, the element of intent, or the sufficiency of the identification evidence. Because the offense requires proof that the accused took property without consent and intended to permanently deprive the owner, an attorney may argue that the taking was a misunderstanding, that the property was abandoned, or that the accused lacked the required intent. Procedural defenses—such as an unlawful stop or an improperly obtained statement—can also lead to suppression of evidence. Each case is fact-specific, and an experienced attorney evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of the Commonwealth’s case under Va. Code § 18.2-96.
What should I do if I am facing petit larceny charges in Alexandria?
If you are charged with petit larceny in Alexandria, contact an attorney immediately and do not discuss the facts with anyone else until you have legal advice. Preserve any documents, receipts, or electronic evidence that may be relevant to your defense. The court calendar in Alexandria General District Court can move quickly; early attorney involvement helps protect your rights at the arraignment, bond hearing, and pretrial stages. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can be reached at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.
Can petit larceny charges be expunged in Alexandria, Virginia?
Virginia allows expungement of petit larceny charges only when the case ends in an acquittal, a nolle prosequi, or a dismissal. Under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2, a person who was acquitted or whose charge was dismissed may petition the Alexandria Circuit Court to expunge the police and court records. Most convictions cannot be expunged, making it critical to pursue a favorable resolution—such as a dismissal through a first-offender program—that preserves the possibility of a clean record. Expungement petitions require careful documentation and adherence to procedural deadlines.
How does bail work in Alexandria for a petit larceny charge?
After an arrest for petit larceny, a magistrate sets the initial bond, which may be a personal recognizance bond for a first offense or a secured bond if the court considers the person a flight risk. Personal recognizance allows release without payment, while a secured bond typically requires a bail bondsman, who charges a non-refundable premium. The Alexandria General District Court can review and modify bond conditions at an arraignment or a bond hearing. An attorney can advocate for release on personal recognizance and present arguments about community ties, employment, and lack of prior record.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer for a petit larceny charge in Alexandria?
Yes—a petit larceny charge is a criminal offense that can lead to a permanent record, jail time, and long-term collateral consequences, making experienced legal representation essential. A lawyer familiar with the Alexandria courts can assess the evidence, identify defenses, negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney, and advocate for alternative dispositions such as first-offender probation. Even if the value involved seems small, the stakes are high, and proceeding without counsel can result in unintended consequences that affect your future. To discuss your case, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
The firm also represents clients in neighboring communities, including Fairfax County, Falls Church City, Prince William County, and Manassas City.
Primary authority sources: Va. Code § 18.2-96 (Petit Larceny) | Alexandria General District Court
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary.
Engaging Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Requires a signed engagement agreement.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.