Augusta County Grand Larceny Lawyer — What Are Your Defense Options?
Grand larceny in Augusta County is a felony under Va. Code § 18.2-95, carrying 1 to 20 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 13 documented case results in Augusta County. A grand larceny lawyer Augusta County from our firm can challenge the prosecution’s evidence and seek a favorable outcome. Contact us 24/7 for a consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Augusta County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Grand Larceny Law
Grand larceny is defined in Virginia as the theft of property valued at $1,000 or more. This is a felony offense prosecuted in Augusta County Circuit Court. The statute, Va. Code § 18.2-95, classifies grand larceny as a felony punishable by 1 to 20 years in the state penitentiary, or at the jury’s discretion, up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. Theft of a firearm, regardless of value, is also grand larceny. A felony theft defense lawyer Augusta County must understand the nuances of proving value and intent.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the law, refer to Va. Code § 18.2-95 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information for Augusta County can be found at the Augusta County General District Court website.
Augusta County Court Process for Grand Theft Charges
A grand theft charge lawyer Augusta County must handle a two-court process. Your case begins with a preliminary hearing at the Augusta County General District Court (6 East Johnson Street, 2nd Floor, Staunton). The Commonwealth’s Attorney must show probable cause that a felony was committed. If bound over, the case proceeds to Augusta County Circuit Court for indictment and potential jury trial.
- Arrest & Initial Appearance: You will be taken before a magistrate for a bond hearing.
- Preliminary Hearing: Held in Augusta County General District Court to determine probable cause.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If bound over, you will be formally charged and enter a plea in Circuit Court.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney will review evidence and file pre-trial motions.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: The case proceeds to a jury trial or a negotiated plea agreement.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing is imposed by a Circuit Court judge.
Penalties for Grand Larceny in Augusta County
In Augusta County, grand larceny is a felony carrying a potential prison sentence of 1 to 20 years, or at the jury’s discretion, up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Larceny (Value $1,000+) | Felony | 1-20 years (or up to 12 months at jury discretion) | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Permanent felony record, loss of voting rights, difficulty finding employment and housing. |
| Grand Larceny of a Firearm | Felony | 1-20 years (or up to 12 months at jury discretion) | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Same as above, with enhanced scrutiny for future firearm rights. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Augusta County Cases
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. In Augusta County, we have a documented record of 13 total case results across all practice areas. Our firm-wide record includes over 4,739 case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We provide full representation for those facing serious theft charges.
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
Our firm has secured favorable outcomes in theft-related cases. For example, we have achieved reductions from felony to misdemeanor charges and dismissals where evidence was insufficient. In one case, a charge was amended from a felony to a lesser offense, avoiding prison time. 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 multi-state bar admissions who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute.
Grand Larceny Lawyer Near Augusta County
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients at the Augusta County courts. We are accessible via I-81 and I-64. We serve the communities of Staunton, Waynesboro, Fishersville, Stuarts Draft, Verona, and Churchville.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
505 N Main St #103
Woodstock, VA 22664
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between petit larceny and grand larceny in Virginia?
The key difference is value. Petit larceny is theft of property valued under $1,000 and is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Grand larceny is theft of property valued at $1,000 or more (or any firearm) and is a felony. The threshold is strictly defined in Va. Code § 18.2-95.
Can a grand larceny charge be reduced to a misdemeanor?
It depends. A felony theft defense lawyer Augusta County may negotiate a reduction if the evidence of value is weak, if you have no prior record, or through a plea agreement. This often involves pleading to a Class 1 misdemeanor like petit larceny, which carries lesser penalties.
What are common defenses to a grand larceny charge?
Common defenses include challenging the valuation of the property, arguing a lack of intent to steal (claim of right or mistake), questioning the identity of the perpetrator, or asserting that you had the owner’s consent. An attorney will examine the evidence for weaknesses.
Do I need a lawyer for a grand larceny charge in Augusta County?
Yes. Grand larceny is a felony with severe consequences, including prison time and a permanent criminal record. The Commonwealth’s Attorney will vigorously prosecute. A grand larceny lawyer Augusta County is essential to protect your rights, challenge evidence, and seek the best possible outcome.
Where are grand larceny cases heard in Augusta County?
Grand larceny cases begin with a preliminary hearing at the Augusta County General District Court. If bound over, the felony trial is held before a jury in the Augusta County Circuit Court. The process is more complex than for misdemeanors.
Internal Resources
For more information, see our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby jurisdictions like Shenandoah County. For related legal issues in Augusta County, consider our Augusta County DUI Lawyer services.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.