Grand Larceny Lawyer Falls Church — Defending Felony Theft Charges
Grand larceny in Falls Church 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 strong defense for these serious charges. Our grand larceny lawyer Falls Church has documented results in Falls Church General District Court. Contact us 24/7 for a case review.
Virginia Grand Larceny Law & Penalties
In Virginia, grand larceny is defined as the theft of money, goods, or property valued at $1,000 or more. This is distinct from petit larceny (theft under $1,000), which is a misdemeanor. The statute, Va. Code § 18.2-95, classifies grand larceny as a felony. The specific classification and penalties depend on the value of the stolen property and the defendant’s prior record.
Last verified: April 2026 | Falls Church General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to building a strong defense against theft charges.
Official Legal Resources
For the official Virginia statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-95 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information and procedures for Falls Church can be found at the Falls Church General District Court website.
Falls Church Court Process for Grand Larceny
As a felony, a grand larceny charge in Falls Church begins with an arrest or summons. The case starts in Falls Church General District Court for a preliminary hearing to determine if there is probable cause to send the case to Circuit Court for a jury trial. Prosecutors in the 17th Judicial District take these charges seriously. A skilled felony theft defense lawyer Falls Church can challenge the evidence at the earliest stage.
- Arraignment & Bond Hearing: You will be formally charged and a bond amount set. A lawyer can argue for personal recognizance or lower bond.
- Preliminary Hearing: In Falls Church GDC, the Commonwealth must show probable cause that a felony was committed and you committed it.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If the case is certified, it moves to Falls Church Circuit Court for formal indictment and plea.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence and obtains all police reports and evidence from the prosecutor.
- Plea Negotiation or Trial: Most cases are resolved through negotiation. If not, you have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing (if applicable): If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia’s discretionary sentencing guidelines.
Potential Penalties for Grand Larceny in Falls Church
In Falls Church, grand larceny carries a potential prison sentence of 1 to 20 years, with fines up to $2,500, depending on the specific classification and circumstances.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Larceny (Value $1,000 – $5,000) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Permanent felony record, loss of voting rights, firearm restrictions, employment hurdles. |
| Grand Larceny (Value $5,000+) or from a person | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Same as above, with potentially longer sentence under guidelines. |
| Grand Larceny with Prior Felony | Enhanced Penalties | Mandatory minimum possible | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Significantly harsher sentencing under Virginia’s recidivist statutes. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Grand Larceny Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and a documented record of favorable outcomes, our firm brings a deep understanding of Virginia theft laws and local court procedures. Our grand theft charge lawyer Falls Church approach focuses on challenging the prosecution’s evidence on value and intent, which are key elements of the crime.
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 & Client Advocacy
Our firm has a documented record of achieving favorable results for clients facing serious charges. In Falls Church, we have secured dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and charge reductions. For instance, we have successfully resolved cases involving uninsured vehicle charges in Falls Church GDC. 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, demonstrating a deep commitment to impactful legal work.
Grand Larceny Defense Near Falls Church, VA
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Falls Church courts (300 Park Avenue). We are accessible via Route 7, Route 29, I-66, and I-495, near the West Falls Church Metro. We provide legal representation to individuals throughout Falls Church.
Available 24/7 for phone consultations. Meetings are by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Grand Larceny Defense FAQs
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 misdemeanor. The value is determined by the fair market value at the time of the theft.
Can a grand larceny charge be reduced to a misdemeanor?
It depends. A skilled felony theft defense lawyer Falls Church can negotiate with prosecutors for a reduction to petit larceny or another misdemeanor, especially if the value is near the $1,000 threshold, it’s a first offense, or there are weaknesses in the evidence. This avoids a felony conviction.
What are the defenses to a grand larceny charge?
Common defenses include challenging the proof of value (arguing it’s under $1,000), lack of intent to permanently deprive the owner (claim of right or mistake), mistaken identity, insufficient evidence, or unlawful search and seizure. Each case requires a specific strategy.
Do I need a lawyer for a grand larceny charge in Falls Church?
Yes. Grand larceny is a felony with severe, life-altering penalties. The Commonwealth’s Attorney will vigorously prosecute. A grand larceny lawyer Falls Church protects your rights, negotiates with prosecutors, and builds a defense to seek dismissal, reduction, or acquittal.
What court handles grand larceny cases in Falls Church?
Felony grand larceny charges start with a preliminary hearing in Falls Church General District Court. If probable cause is found, the case is certified to Falls Church Circuit Court for indictment and potential jury trial, where a grand theft charge lawyer Falls Church is essential.
Internal Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia Criminal Defense hub page. We also assist clients in nearby jurisdictions like Fairfax County and Prince William County. If you are facing other charges, explore our related services in Falls Church: DUI Defense and Family Law.
Information on this page was last verified in April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for the most current legal guidance regarding your grand larceny charge.