Grand Larceny Lawyer in Chesapeake, Virginia — Your Defense Strategy
Grand larceny in Chesapeake is a felony under Va. Code § 18.2-95, carrying 1 to 20 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Chesapeake: 1 dismissed/not guilty. A felony theft charge requires immediate action from a skilled grand larceny lawyer Chesapeake. Contact us 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Virginia Grand Larceny Law
In Virginia, grand larceny is defined as the theft of property valued at $1,000 or more, or the theft of any firearm regardless of value. This is a felony offense prosecuted under Va. Code § 18.2-95. The charge is distinct from petit larceny (theft under $1,000), which is a misdemeanor. The prosecution must prove you intentionally took property belonging to another with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-95 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information and procedures can be found at the Chesapeake General District Court website.
Handling a Grand Larceny Case in Chesapeake
Your case begins at Chesapeake General District Court for a preliminary hearing. The Commonwealth’s Attorney must prove probable cause that a felony was committed. A skilled felony theft defense lawyer Chesapeake can challenge the evidence or valuation at this stage to seek a dismissal or reduction. In Chesapeake, prosecutors often consider first-offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 for eligible defendants, which can lead to dismissal upon completion.
- Secure representation immediately after arrest or summons.
- Your attorney will request discovery from the Commonwealth’s Attorney to review all evidence.
- Attend the preliminary hearing in Chesapeake General District Court to challenge probable cause.
- If the case proceeds, file pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or challenge procedures.
- Negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduction, diversion program, or prepare for a Circuit Court jury trial.
Penalties for Grand Larceny in Chesapeake
In Chesapeake, 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 | 1-20 years (or up to 12 months in jail at jury discretion) | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Permanent felony record, loss of voting rights, difficulty finding employment and housing. |
| Grand Larceny of a Firearm (Any Value) | Felony | Mandatory minimum 2 years, up to 20 years. | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Same as above, with stricter sentencing guidelines. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys bring a combined 120+ years of legal experience and a track record of 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. We understand the high stakes of a felony theft charge and provide a focused defense. For a grand theft charge lawyer Chesapeake, our team has the specific experience needed.
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 in Chesapeake
Our firm has documented results in Chesapeake. In one case, we secured a dismissal for a client facing serious theft allegations. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Our secondary attorney on complex cases, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor and firm founder with multi-state bar admissions who provides strategic oversight.
Grand Larceny Lawyer Near Chesapeake
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Chesapeake courts. We are accessible via I-64, I-464, and Route 168. We serve clients in Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359
Richmond, VA 23225
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 property valued at $1,000 or more is grand larceny, a felony. Theft under $1,000 is petit larceny, a misdemeanor. The theft of any firearm is always grand larceny, regardless of value.
Can a grand larceny charge be reduced to a misdemeanor?
It depends. A skilled grand larceny lawyer Chesapeake can negotiate a reduction if the evidence supporting the $1,000 valuation is weak. This may involve challenging receipts, appraisals, or witness statements. Successful negotiation can result in a plea to petit larceny or an unrelated misdemeanor.
What are the defenses to a grand larceny charge?
Common defenses include mistaken identity, lack of intent to steal (claim of right or permission), insufficient evidence of value, and unlawful search and seizure. A felony theft defense lawyer Chesapeake will investigate all aspects of the arrest and evidence to identify the strongest defense strategy for your case.
Do I need a lawyer for a grand larceny charge in Chesapeake?
Yes. Grand larceny is a felony with severe penalties. The Commonwealth’s Attorney vigorously prosecutes these cases. A grand theft charge lawyer Chesapeake is essential to protect your rights, challenge evidence, and work toward the best possible outcome, which may include dismissal or reduction of charges.
What court handles grand larceny cases in Chesapeake?
Grand larceny cases begin with a preliminary hearing in Chesapeake General District Court. If the judge finds probable cause, the case is sent to Chesapeake Circuit Court for a potential jury trial. You have an absolute right to a jury trial for this felony offense.
Internal Resources
For more information, see our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you are facing other charges, consider our Chesapeake DUI Lawyer or Chesapeake Family Law Lawyer pages.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.