Grand Larceny Lawyer Alexandria — What Are Your Defense Options?
Grand larceny in Alexandria is a felony under Va. Code § 18.2-95, defined as theft of property valued at $1,000 or more. It carries a potential penalty of 1 to 20 years in prison. If you are charged, you need an experienced grand larceny lawyer Alexandria. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: April 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Grand Larceny Law and Penalties
In Virginia, grand larceny is a serious felony offense. The law makes a clear distinction based on the value of the stolen property. Theft of property valued at $1,000 or more is classified as grand larceny. If the value is under $1,000, the charge is petit larceny, a misdemeanor. The specific statute governing this offense is Va. Code § 18.2-95. Grand larceny is a felony that can be prosecuted in either Alexandria General District Court for preliminary hearings or directly in Alexandria Circuit Court for jury trials.
The penalties for a grand larceny conviction are severe. As a felony, it is punishable by imprisonment in a state correctional facility for not less than one year nor more than twenty years. also, the court may impose a fine of up to $2,500. A conviction results in a permanent felony record, which can affect employment, housing, and professional licensing.
In Alexandria, a grand larceny charge under Va. Code § 18.2-95 is a felony carrying 1 to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $2,500.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony | 1 – 20 years | Up to $2,500 | N/A | Permanent felony record, difficulty finding employment, loss of certain civil rights. |
| Grand Larceny from a Person | Felony | 2 – 20 years | Up to $2,500 | N/A | Enhanced penalty for theft directly from a victim’s person. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why You Need a Felony Theft Defense Lawyer Alexandria
A grand larceny charge requires an immediate and strategic legal response. The Alexandria Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office prosecutes these cases aggressively. From the initial investigation to the final court hearing, every detail matters. An experienced felony theft defense lawyer Alexandria will examine the evidence, challenge the prosecution’s valuation of the property, and explore all possible defenses. Common defenses include lack of intent, mistaken identity, claim of right (believing the property was yours), or insufficient evidence that the value meets the $1,000 threshold. A skilled attorney can also negotiate for a reduction to a misdemeanor petit larceny charge or explore diversion programs where appropriate.
- Initial Consultation & Case Review: Contact a grand larceny lawyer Alexandria immediately. We will review the arrest details, the police report, and the alleged value of the property.
- Investigation & Evidence Challenge: Your attorney will investigate the case, subpoena evidence, and challenge the prosecution’s valuation. This may involve hiring an independent appraiser.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiation: Before trial, your lawyer can file motions to suppress evidence and negotiate with the prosecutor for a charge reduction or favorable plea agreement.
- Trial Preparation & Defense: If the case proceeds to trial in Alexandria Circuit Court, your attorney will prepare a full defense, cross-examine witnesses, and present evidence to the jury.
- Sentencing Advocacy: If a conviction occurs, your lawyer will advocate for the most lenient sentence possible, arguing for alternatives to incarceration like probation or restitution.
Our Experience with Alexandria Grand Larceny Cases
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We have a documented record of handling complex theft cases. While results vary in every case, our firm-wide focus is on building strong, evidence-based defenses for clients facing serious felony charges like grand larceny.
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 includes former prosecutors like Kristen Fisher, who understand how the Commonwealth builds its cases. This insight is critical when defending against a grand theft charge in Alexandria. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a background in accounting, also provides strategic oversight on cases involving complex financial evidence.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Grand Larceny Lawyer Near Alexandria
Our Arlington location serves clients at the Alexandria courts. We represent individuals in Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne. If you need a grand larceny lawyer near Alexandria, we are accessible for appointments.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719
Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions: Grand Larceny in Alexandria
What is the difference between grand larceny and petit larceny in Virginia?
The difference is the value of the stolen property. Grand larceny is theft of property valued at $1,000 or more and is a felony. Petit larceny is theft of property valued under $1,000 and is a Class 1 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 Alexandria may negotiate a reduction to petit larceny if the evidence of value is weak or if there are mitigating circumstances. This is often a primary goal in defense strategy, as it avoids a felony conviction.
What are the defenses to a grand larceny charge?
Common defenses include challenging the property’s valuation, arguing a lack of intent to steal (claim of right or mistake), mistaken identity, insufficient evidence, or unlawful search and seizure. An attorney will identify the best defense based on the case facts.
Do I need a lawyer for a grand larceny charge in Alexandria?
Yes. Grand larceny is a felony with severe penalties. The Alexandria Commonwealth’s Attorney will prosecute the case aggressively. A grand larceny lawyer Alexandria is essential to protect your rights, challenge the evidence, and work toward the best possible outcome.
Where are grand larceny cases heard in Alexandria?
Felony grand larceny cases begin with a preliminary hearing in Alexandria General District Court to determine probable cause. If the case proceeds, it will be tried by a jury in Alexandria Circuit Court. You have a right to a jury trial for any felony charge.
Related Legal Resources in Alexandria
If you are facing a grand larceny charge, you may also want to learn about criminal defense in Alexandria. For charges in nearby areas, see our page for a criminal defense lawyer in Arlington. For a broader view of our services, visit our Virginia criminal defense hub.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.