Grand Larceny Lawyer Clarke County — Defending Felony Theft Charges
Grand larceny in Clarke County is a felony under Va. Code § 18.2-95, defined as theft of property valued at $1,000 or more. A conviction can result in 1 to 20 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for felony theft charges. Our grand larceny lawyer Clarke County team is available 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Clarke County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
In Virginia, grand larceny is a serious felony offense. The statute, Va. Code § 18.2-95, defines it as the theft of money, goods, or chattels valued at $1,000 or more. This charge is distinct from petit larceny (theft under $1,000), which is a misdemeanor. The $1,000 threshold is critical, and the prosecution must prove the value of the stolen property beyond a reasonable doubt. Defenses often challenge the valuation, intent to permanently deprive the owner, or the identity of the accused.
For official statute text, see Va. Code § 18.2-95 (official Virginia General Assembly). Clarke County cases are heard at the Clarke County General District Court for preliminary hearings and the Circuit Court for trials.
- Arrest & Initial Appearance: After arrest, you will appear before a magistrate. Bond is set, and a court date is scheduled at Clarke County General District Court.
- Preliminary Hearing: For felony grand larceny, a preliminary hearing is held in General District Court to determine if there is probable cause to send the case to Circuit Court.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If the case proceeds, you will be formally charged (arraigned) in Clarke County Circuit Court and enter a plea.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney will review all evidence, file pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges, and negotiate with the prosecutor.
- Trial or Plea: The case will either go to a jury trial in Circuit Court or be resolved through a plea agreement, potentially to a lesser offense.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows, where arguments for leniency, such as lack of prior record or restitution, are presented.
In Clarke 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 (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | 1 – 20 years (or up to 12 months in jail at jury discretion) | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Permanent felony record, difficulty finding employment, loss of voting rights, ineligibility for certain loans/housing. |
| Grand Larceny with Prior Convictions | Felony (Enhanced) | Mandatory minimum sentences may apply | Court discretion | None directly | Significantly harsher penalties under Virginia’s recidivist statutes. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to complex criminal defense. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris’s background in accounting and information systems provides a unique advantage in financial-related theft cases, ensuring every detail of the prosecution’s evidence is scrutinized.
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
Our team has a documented record of defending theft charges. For example, in a neighboring jurisdiction, we secured an amendment of a charge from driving on a suspended license to “No Driver’s License.” In another case, a property destruction charge was dismissed via nolle prosequi.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex felony matters.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our Richmond location serves clients with cases in Clarke County courts. We are a trusted grand theft charge lawyer Clarke County for residents in Berryville and Boyce. If you need a felony theft defense lawyer Clarke County, contact us 24/7.
Grand Larceny Defense FAQs for Clarke County, VA
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Clarke County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Clarke County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor: up to 6 months/$1,000. Common charges include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57), petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96), and driving on suspended (§ 46.2-301). Cases heard at Clarke County General District Court (104 North Church Street, Berryville, VA 22611). 29 total documented case results across all practice areas (72% favorable outcome rate)
Can criminal charges be expunged in Clarke County, Virginia?
It depends. Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. Most convictions cannot be expunged. The petition is filed in Clarke County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 29 total documented case results across all practice areas (72% favorable outcome rate)
How does bail work in Clarke County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Clarke County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Clarke County General District Court. Bond amount set by magistrate at arrest — personal recognizance for many first-offense misdemeanors; secured bond typical for felonies (bail bondsman charges approximately 10%); public defender eligibility based on income; court-appointed attorney fee: $120 (misdemeanor) to $445+ (felony)
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Clarke County?
Clarke County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Clarke County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying jail time. Clarke County General District Court (104 North Church Street, Berryville, VA 22611) is the GDC location.
What makes grand larceny a felony in Virginia?
The value of the stolen property. Theft of property valued at $1,000 or more is grand larceny, a felony under Va. Code § 18.2-95. Theft under $1,000 is petit larceny, a misdemeanor. The prosecution must prove the value beyond a reasonable doubt, which is a key point a grand larceny lawyer Clarke County will challenge.
For more information, see our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Henrico County. If you are facing other charges, our firm provides support as a Clarke County DUI lawyer.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.