Grand Larceny Lawyer Hanover County — Defending Felony Theft Charges
Grand larceny in Hanover County is a felony under Va. Code § 18.2-95, defined as theft of property valued at $1,000 or more. A conviction can result in 1 to 20 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for those facing grand theft charges. Our grand larceny lawyer Hanover County team is available 24/7 for a consultation.
Last verified: April 2026 | Hanover County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Grand Larceny Law & Penalties
Grand larceny is a serious felony in Virginia. The statute, Va. Code § 18.2-95, defines it as the theft of money, goods, or chattels valued at $1,000 or more. The charge is not based on the type of property but on its value. Prosecutors in Hanover County must prove you intentionally took property belonging to another without permission and with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it, and that the value met the felony threshold.
If the stolen property is taken directly from a person (like pickpocketing or robbery without force), it is grand larceny from the person under § 18.2-95, regardless of value. Theft of firearms is always grand larceny under § 18.2-108.1.
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Hanover County Court Process for Grand Larceny
A grand larceny charge in Hanover County begins with an arrest or summons. Your first hearing will be an arraignment at the Hanover County General District Court (7507 Library Drive, Suite 201). At this stage, the court will advise you of the felony charge and your rights. Since grand larceny is a felony, the General District Court does not hold the trial. Instead, it conducts a preliminary hearing to determine if there is probable cause to believe you committed the crime. If the judge finds probable cause, your case is certified to the Hanover County Circuit Court for a jury trial.
- Arraignment & Bond Hearing: Appear in Hanover County GDC, enter a plea, and address bail conditions.
- Preliminary Hearing: Your attorney can cross-examine the state’s witnesses and argue to dismiss the felony charge for lack of evidence.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If certified, the case is re-filed in Circuit Court where you will be formally arraigned on an indictment.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your defense files motions to suppress evidence and negotiates with prosecutors.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: The case proceeds to a jury trial or is resolved through a negotiated plea agreement.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing occurs in Circuit Court, where the judge determines the penalty within statutory limits.
Penalties for Grand Larceny in Virginia
In Hanover County, grand larceny is a felony punishable by 1 to 20 years in prison, or at the jury’s discretion, up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Larceny (Value $1,000+) | Felony (Class 5 or 6*) | 1-20 years (Class 5) or 1-5 years (Class 6) | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Permanent felony record, loss of voting rights, difficulty finding employment and housing. |
| Grand Larceny from Person | Felony (Class 5) | 1-20 years | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Same as above, considered a crime of moral turpitude. |
| Petit Larceny (Value under $1,000) | Misdemeanor (Class 1) | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Misdemeanor criminal record. |
*The classification depends on specific circumstances and the value of the stolen property.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Defense Approach for Grand Theft Charges
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to defending serious felony charges like grand larceny. Our grand larceny lawyer Hanover County team understands that the prosecution’s case often hinges on proving the value of the stolen property and your intent. We meticulously examine police reports, witness statements, and valuation methods to find weaknesses. In one documented case result in a related jurisdiction, our attorneys secured a dismissal for a client facing a felony theft charge. We explore all defenses, including mistaken identity, lack of intent to steal, ownership disputes, and challenging whether the property value truly meets the $1,000 felony threshold.
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 firm’s founder, Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor with a background in accounting, provides strategic oversight on complex financial aspects of theft cases. His multi-state practice and experience amending Virginia law bring a high level of authority to our defense strategies.
Local Representation in Hanover County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Our Richmond location serves clients in Hanover County and is positioned to represent you at the Hanover County General District and Circuit Courts. We serve the communities of Mechanicsville, Ashland, Atlee, Beaverdam, and Doswell. As a grand theft charge lawyer Hanover County residents can consult, we offer 24/7 phone consultations — call (888) 437-7747 — with meetings by appointment only.
Grand Larceny Defense FAQs
What is the difference between petit and grand larceny in Virginia?
The value. Petit larceny is theft of property valued under $1,000 and is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Grand larceny is theft of property valued at $1,000 or more and is a felony. Theft of a firearm or theft directly from a person is always grand larceny.
Can a grand larceny charge be reduced to a misdemeanor?
It depends. A skilled felony theft defense lawyer Hanover County can negotiate with prosecutors for a reduction to petit larceny if the evidence of value is weak or there are mitigating circumstances. This is a common goal in plea negotiations to avoid a felony conviction.
What are the defenses to a grand larceny charge?
Common defenses include: mistaken identity, claim of right (you believed the property was yours), lack of intent to permanently deprive, valuation below the $1,000 threshold, and insufficient evidence. An attorney will analyze the specific facts of your case to determine the best strategy.
Do I need a lawyer for a grand larceny charge in Hanover County?
Yes. Grand larceny is a felony with severe, life-altering penalties. The Hanover County Commonwealth’s Attorney will aggressively prosecute. A grand larceny lawyer Hanover County can protect your rights, challenge evidence, and work toward the best possible outcome.
What court handles grand larceny cases in Hanover County?
The case starts with a preliminary hearing in Hanover County General District Court. If probable cause is found, the felony trial is held in Hanover County Circuit Court, where you have the right to a jury.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing a grand larceny charge, you may also want to learn about Virginia criminal defense. For residents in neighboring areas, we also serve as a criminal defense lawyer in Henrico County and a criminal defense lawyer in Chesterfield County. For other legal needs in Hanover County, consider our DUI lawyer or family law attorney.
Last verified: April 2026. Information subject to change.