Why You Need a Lawyer for Grand Larceny in Virginia
Larceny means theft, or taking property that belongs to someone else without their consent. In the legal sense, it is charged when the intent is to “permanently deprive” the owner of something; in other words, it’s stealing.In the Commonwealth of Virginia, there are two types of larcenies: petit larceny and grand larceny.
There are several differences between the two, and they’re discussed below in this blog post.In Virginia, both petit larceny and grand larceny are criminal offenses and convictions will permanently stay on your record.
Grand larceny: Grand Larceny in Virginia is a violation of Virginia Code 18.2-95 and considered to be a felony. It refers to theft involving property worth $200 or more that is not taken from a person, or property valued at $5 or more that is taken from a person.
Petit larceny: Petit Larceny in Virginia is a misdemeanor, and is charged If the property values are below the Grand Larceny thresholds.
Possible Penalties
If you’re found guilty of grand larceny, your sentence can include jail time and significant fines, depending on the circumstances of your case. The type of item stolen can impact how severe the sentence is – for instance, stealing a firearm is considered more serious than stealing money, and the sentence will likely reflect that.
If you’re found guilty of grand larceny in Virginia, the sentences can vary greatly, from probation to anywhere up to 20 years in jail. You can also face a fine of up to $2,500. The actual sentence will vary based on your prior record, the value of what was stolen and/or other factors. That’s why it is so important that you have a lawyer representing you – this is not the time to face the court alone and hope for the best. Under certain circumstances, your attorney can work out an agreement with the prosecutor for you to reduce the charge from grand larceny in Virginia to petit larceny.
This could make a world of difference in the penalties you face and how this charge might impact your future. If you have been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony larceny offense in the past, and you are found guilty of petit larceny, the punishment includes a minimum of 30 days in jail (but not more than one year). This is true regardless of where you were previously convicted—it won’t matter to the court whether your prior conviction was in the Commonwealth or not. If you’ve been convicted of two prior larceny offenses, even if the property stolen is less than $200, you can be charged with grand larceny in Virginia.
Possible Impacts on Your Future
If you’re found guilty of grand larceny in Virginia, there can be other obstacles besides jail time and fines. Since it is a felony conviction, a guilty verdict could impact everything from your housing options and job opportunities to security clearances and child custody applications. You may have voting privileges revoked or be denied for college scholarships and professional licenses.
If you find yourself facing this serious charge, you will want a knowledgeable attorney to help you navigate this process. The law office of Petrovich & Walsh can assist you, helping you understand the charges against you and how to best walk you through your case.
Centrally based in Fairfax, our office services all of Northern Virginia. Our attorneys have more than 20 years of experience to help protect your rights, and are ready and willing to assist you with your grand larceny case.