Grand Larceny Lawyer Chesterfield County — Defending Felony Theft Charges
Grand larceny in Chesterfield County is a felony under Va. Code § 18.2-95, carrying 1 to 20 years in prison for theft of $1,000 or more. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for these serious charges. Our grand larceny lawyer Chesterfield County clients trust has documented results in the Chesterfield County General District and Circuit Courts.
Virginia Grand Larceny Law
In Virginia, grand larceny is defined as the theft of money, goods, or property valued at $1,000 or more. It is classified as a felony under Va. Code § 18.2-95. If the value is less than $1,000, the charge is petit larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor. The prosecution must prove you intentionally took property belonging to another with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it. Defenses often challenge the evidence of value or intent.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-95 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information is available at the Chesterfield County General District Court website.
Chesterfield County Court Process for Grand Larceny
Grand larceny cases in Chesterfield County begin with an arrest or summons. The case starts in the Chesterfield County General District Court for a preliminary hearing to determine if there is probable cause to certify the felony to Circuit Court. Prosecutors from the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office handle these cases. A skilled felony theft defense lawyer Chesterfield County can intervene early, often before formal charges are filed by the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Initial Court Appearance: You will be arraigned in General District Court, informed of the charge, and advised of your rights.
- Preliminary Hearing: The court hears evidence to decide if the case should proceed to Circuit Court for trial.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If certified, you will be formally charged and enter a plea in Chesterfield County Circuit Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence and exchanges information with the prosecution.
- Plea Negotiation or Trial: Your lawyer negotiates for a reduction or dismissal. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge imposes a sentence based on state guidelines and arguments from your defense.
Penalties for Grand Larceny in Virginia
In Chesterfield 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 and housing. |
| Grand Larceny from a Person | Felony | 2-20 years prison | N/A | None directly | Same as above, with mandatory minimum sentence. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
*For standard grand larceny, a jury may choose to punish it as a misdemeanor with up to 12 months in jail.
Our Experience in Chesterfield County
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand the procedures of the Chesterfield County courts and the strategies of local prosecutors.
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 Chesterfield County, our attorneys have secured favorable outcomes in criminal cases. Documented results include dismissals and not-guilty verdicts on charges such as profane language over a public airway and purchase/possession of alcohol by a minor. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our secondary attorney on complex criminal matters is Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a background in accounting, which provides an advantage in financial-related theft cases.
Grand Larceny Lawyer Near Chesterfield County
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Chesterfield County courts (9500 Courthouse Road), accessible via I-95, I-295, and Route 360. We are a grand theft charge lawyer Chesterfield County residents can reach for representation in Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley.
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
FAQs: Grand Larceny Defense in Chesterfield County
What is the difference between grand larceny and petit larceny in Virginia?
The key difference is the value of the stolen property. Theft of items valued at $1,000 or more is grand larceny, a felony. Theft under $1,000 is petit larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor. The value is determined by the fair market value at the time of the theft.
Can a grand larceny charge be reduced in Chesterfield County?
It depends. A skilled felony theft defense lawyer Chesterfield County can negotiate with prosecutors for a reduction to petit larceny or an unrelated misdemeanor, especially for first-time offenders or when the evidence of value is weak. Success often depends on the specific facts and your attorney’s negotiation.
What are the defenses to a grand larceny charge?
Common defenses include mistaken identity, lack of intent to permanently deprive the owner, claim of right (believing the property was yours), insufficient evidence of the stolen item’s value reaching the $1,000 threshold, or challenging the legality of how evidence was obtained.
Do I need a lawyer for a grand larceny charge?
Yes. Grand larceny is a felony with potential prison time and lifelong consequences. The Commonwealth’s Attorney vigorously prosecutes these cases. A grand larceny lawyer Chesterfield County relies on can protect your rights, challenge evidence, and work toward the best possible outcome from the start.
What court handles grand larceny cases in Chesterfield County?
Grand larceny cases begin with a preliminary hearing in the Chesterfield County General District Court. If probable cause is found, the case is certified to the Chesterfield County Circuit Court for a potential jury trial. A grand theft charge lawyer Chesterfield County must be prepared to defend you in both courts.
Internal Links: For more information, see our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub. We also serve clients in Henrico County and Colonial Heights. If you are facing other charges, consider our Chesterfield County DUI Lawyer or Chesterfield County Family Lawyer.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.