Grand Larceny Lawyer Arlington County — Defending Felony Theft Charges
Grand larceny in Arlington County is a felony under Va. Code § 18.2-95, defined as theft of property valued at $1,000 or more, punishable by 1 to 20 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for felony theft charges at Arlington County General District and Circuit Courts.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Grand Larceny Statute & Definition
Virginia law classifies theft as grand larceny when the value of the stolen goods or services is $1,000 or more. This is a felony offense prosecuted under Va. Code § 18.2-95. The charge is not based on the type of property but strictly on its value. Prosecutors in Arlington County must prove you intentionally took property belonging to another with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it, and that the value meets the felony threshold. A conviction creates a permanent felony record, impacting employment, housing, and professional licenses.
Official Legal Resources
For the official Virginia statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-95 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information for Arlington County is available at the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Court Process for Grand Larceny
Grand larceny cases in Arlington County begin with an arrest or summons. The case starts in Arlington County General District Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd) for a preliminary hearing to determine if there is probable cause to certify the felony to Circuit Court. Because grand larceny is a felony, you have an absolute right to a jury trial, which occurs in Arlington County Circuit Court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Arlington County prosecutes these cases aggressively.
- Arrest or receive a summons for grand larceny.
- Attend the arraignment and preliminary hearing in Arlington County General District Court.
- If the felony is certified, the case is transferred to Arlington County Circuit Court for indictment.
- Engage in discovery, file pre-trial motions, and negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Proceed to a jury trial or enter a plea agreement based on the strength of the defense.
Penalties for Grand Larceny in Arlington County
In Arlington County, grand larceny is a felony punishable by 1 to 20 years in prison, or in the discretion of the jury, confinement in jail for up to 12 months and a fine of up to $2,500.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Larceny (Value $1,000+) | Felony | 1-20 years prison* | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Permanent felony record, loss of voting rights, difficulty finding employment. |
*Or, at jury discretion, up to 12 months in jail.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Firm Authority & Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys bring a combined 120+ years of legal experience to building a strong defense. We understand the severe consequences of a felony theft conviction and work to protect your future. Our grand theft charge lawyer Arlington County approach focuses on examining police procedures, challenging evidence, and negotiating for reduced charges when appropriate.
Bryan Block, Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. Former Virginia State Trooper (15 years). View Bryan Block’s Profile
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 Arlington County
Our firm has a documented record of favorable outcomes in Arlington County. In one case, a grand larceny charge was reduced to a misdemeanor, avoiding a felony conviction. In another, evidence was suppressed, skilled to a dismissal. Mr. Sris, our managing attorney, provides strategic oversight on complex cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Grand Larceny Defense Near Arlington County, VA
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Arlington, VA 22209 serves clients at the Arlington County courts. We are a grand larceny lawyer near Arlington County, Crystal City, and Rosslyn. We serve neighborhoods including Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Arlington Location
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700
Arlington, VA 22209
By appointment only.
Grand Larceny Defense FAQs
What is the difference between petit larceny and grand larceny in Virginia?
The difference is the value of the stolen property. Petit larceny is a misdemeanor for theft under $1,000. Grand larceny is a felony for theft of $1,000 or more, as defined in Va. Code § 18.2-95.
Can a grand larceny charge be reduced to a misdemeanor?
It depends. A skilled felony theft defense lawyer Arlington County can negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduction, often by challenging the valuation evidence or presenting mitigating circumstances. A reduction to petit larceny avoids a felony record.
What are the defenses to a grand larceny charge?
Common defenses include mistaken identity, lack of intent to steal (claim of right), ownership dispute, insufficient evidence of value, and unlawful search and seizure. An attorney will examine all evidence to identify the strongest defense strategy.
Do I need a lawyer for a grand larceny charge in Arlington County?
Yes. Grand larceny is a felony with potential prison time. The Commonwealth’s Attorney vigorously prosecutes these cases. A grand larceny lawyer Arlington County can protect your rights, challenge evidence, and work toward the best possible outcome.
What court handles grand larceny cases in Arlington?
Felony grand larceny charges begin with a preliminary hearing in Arlington County General District Court. The case is then certified to Arlington County Circuit Court for a potential jury trial, which is where a grand theft charge lawyer Arlington County would represent you.
Internal Resources
For more information, see our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub. We also assist with related matters in Alexandria. For other legal needs in Arlington, consider our DUI defense or family law services. Learn more about Kristen Fisher. Visit our Arlington location page.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for current guidance.