Felony Theft Lawyer Virginia Beach, VA

Virginia classifies theft of property valued at $1,000 or more as grand larceny, a felony offense. The stakes are high: a conviction can lead to years in prison, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record that follows you into employment, housing, and beyond. In Virginia Beach, felony theft cases move through the Virginia Beach General District Court for preliminary hearings and then to the Virginia Beach Circuit Court for trial. Having an experienced attorney who understands the local courts and the Commonwealth’s approach to theft prosecutions can make a critical difference. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represent clients facing felony theft allegations in Virginia Beach, building a thorough defense that challenges the evidence, examines procedural compliance, and works toward the trusted resolution under the circumstances. To request a consultation about your matter, reach our location at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.

On This Page

What Felony Theft Means in Virginia Beach

Under Virginia law, theft is generally charged as larceny. Va. Code § 18.2-95 defines grand larceny — the felony form of theft — to include taking property worth $1,000 or more, stealing directly from the person of another (even a small amount), or taking any firearm regardless of its value. A theft that does not meet the grand larceny threshold is petit larceny (Va. Code § 18.2-96), a Class 1 misdemeanor. The classification determines everything: which court hears the case, the potential sentence, and the long-term consequences of a conviction. In Virginia Beach, a felony theft charge begins with an arrest or a warrant. The initial appearance and a preliminary hearing take place in the Virginia Beach General District Court, located at 2425 Nimmo Parkway, where a judge decides whether probable cause exists to send the case to the Virginia Beach Circuit Court for trial. The Circuit Court has jurisdiction over all felony trials and any appeals from the General District Court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Virginia Beach prosecutes felony theft cases, and the penalties at stake include imprisonment of one to twenty years — or, at the discretion of a jury, up to twelve months in jail and a fine — as set out in the grand larceny statute.

Grand larceny under Va. Code § 18.2-95 is punishable by imprisonment for one to twenty years, or, at the discretion of the jury, confinement in jail for up to twelve months and a fine.

Source: Va. Code § 18.2-95. Va. Code § 18.2-95

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.

In addition to incarceration, a felony theft conviction can result in the loss of certain civil rights — including the right to vote and the right to possess firearms — and can create profound obstacles in employment, professional licensing, and housing applications. Virginia law does permit felony charges to be amended or reduced in appropriate circumstances. Whether a reduction is possible depends on the facts of the case, the strength of the evidence, and the negotiation with the prosecutor. Early involvement of experienced defense counsel is essential to evaluating those possibilities.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Felony Theft Cases

When a client retains Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for a felony theft matter in Virginia Beach, the process begins with a careful examination of the charging documents, the prosecution’s evidence, and the circumstances of the alleged offense. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel scrutinize whether the value of the property meets the statutory threshold, whether the ownership of the property is in genuine dispute, and whether law enforcement followed proper procedures in gathering statements, conducting searches, and securing any physical evidence. Many theft cases hinge on circumstantial proof, and a thorough review often reveals gaps or weaknesses that can be raised in negotiations with the Commonwealth’s Attorney or at trial.

If the evidence permits, the team may negotiate for a reduction of the charge — for example, to petit larceny, which is a misdemeanor — or for a disposition that avoids a felony conviction. If a favorable resolution cannot be reached, the attorneys prepare the case for trial in the Virginia Beach Circuit Court, where the client is entitled to a jury trial. Throughout the process, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel keep the client informed of developments, explain the options, and provide the information needed to make decisions about the case. The goal in every matter is to work toward the most favorable outcome the facts and the law support. Results may vary.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who has been practicing law since 1997. Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, he brings a multi-jurisdictional perspective to felony defense. His background in prosecution provides insight into how the Commonwealth builds a theft case — and how to challenge it effectively. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Working alongside him, the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive collective experience in criminal defense, with backgrounds that include former law enforcement and years of trial work in Virginia courts. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have achieved favorable outcomes in every documented case result in Virginia Beach across all practice areas. Results may vary. Over 120 years of combined legal experience between Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel, with 4,739+ documented firm-wide results, supports a defense approach grounded in careful case analysis and attention to procedural detail. To request a consultation, call (888) 437-7747.

Verify admissions: Virginia State Bar · Maryland Judiciary · DC Bar · NJ Courts · NY OCA

Frequently Asked Questions

What is felony theft in Virginia?

Felony theft in Virginia, known as grand larceny, is the taking of property valued at $1,000 or more, or any theft directly from a person, regardless of value. The statute, Va. Code § 18.2-95, also covers theft of any firearm. Because the charge is a felony, it carries severe potential consequences including years in prison and a lasting criminal record. The case moves from the Virginia Beach General District Court to the Circuit Court for trial. If you are facing such a charge, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

What are the penalties for felony theft in Virginia Beach?

A conviction for grand larceny in Virginia Beach can result in imprisonment for one to twenty years, or, at the jury’s discretion, up to twelve months in jail and a fine. Beyond incarceration, a felony conviction can strip you of firearm rights, voting rights, and can harm employment and housing opportunities. The actual sentence in any case depends on factors such as the value of the property, the defendant’s prior record, and the specific circumstances. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to mitigate those consequences, seeking reduced charges or alternative dispositions whenever the facts support it.

How does a Virginia lawyer defend against felony theft charges?

Defense strategies for felony theft in Virginia may include challenging the evidence of value, disputing the identity of the accused, or showing that the taking was not intentional or was made under a claim of right. An experienced attorney will examine the prosecution’s case for procedural errors, such as faulty searches or unreliable witness statements, and may negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduction to a misdemeanor. Because each case is unique, the strategy is tailored to the particular facts and the courtroom practices of Virginia Beach. Early legal intervention is critical.

What should I do if I am facing felony theft charges in Virginia Beach?

If you are facing felony theft charges in Virginia Beach, you should immediately request an attorney and refrain from discussing the details of the case with anyone other than your lawyer. Preserve any documents, receipts, or communications that may be relevant. Avoid posting on social media. The Virginia Beach courts have specific procedural deadlines, and missing one can affect your defense. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation and discuss your options.

Can a felony theft charge be reduced in Virginia?

Yes, a felony theft charge may be reduced to a misdemeanor, such as petit larceny, when the prosecution’s evidence of value is weak, or when a negotiated agreement is reached with the Commonwealth’s Attorney. A reduction changes the potential maximum penalty from years in prison to up to twelve months in jail. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have experience negotiating charge amendments in Virginia Beach courts. However, the possibility of reduction depends entirely on the facts of the case and the discretion of the prosecutor. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Do I need a lawyer for felony theft in Virginia Beach?

Yes, retaining a lawyer is strongly advised when facing a felony theft charge in Virginia Beach. A felony conviction can follow you for life. An attorney can challenge the evidence, protect your rights at the preliminary hearing, and present arguments that may lead to a dismissal, reduction, or a more favorable sentence. Attempting to handle a felony case without counsel places you at a significant disadvantage. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your matter.

Virginia legal resources:
Virginia Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) ·
Virginia Beach General District Court ·
Virginia’s Judicial System

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary. Our Richmond location at 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225 serves clients in Virginia Beach. By appointment only. Call (888) 437-7747. © 1997–2026 Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.

Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.