Petit Larceny Defense Lawyer King William County, VA
If you are facing a petit larceny charge in King William County, Virginia, you have questions about what the charge means, what penalties you could be facing, and how to protect your record. Petit larceny is a misdemeanor offense under Virginia Code § 18.2-96. A conviction can carry up to 12 months in jail, a fine of up to $2,500, and a permanent criminal record. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., concentrates its criminal defense practice on representing people charged with theft offenses in King William County. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team appear regularly in the King William County General District Court and Circuit Court. To request a consultation about your petit larceny charge, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
What Petit Larceny Means in King William County
Under Va. Code § 18.2-96, petit larceny is the theft of property valued at less than $1,000, or the taking of money or property worth less than $5 directly from another person. It is a Class 1 misdemeanor, the most serious misdemeanor classification in Virginia. In King William County, petit larceny cases are heard at the King William County General District Court, located at 351 Courthouse Lane, Suite 201, King William. The court is part of the Ninth Judicial District and serves residents of King William, West Point, Aylett, and surrounding communities. Our Richmond Location appears regularly in this court on behalf of clients facing theft charges.
Because petit larceny is a misdemeanor, it stays on your criminal record unless you are able to obtain an expungement. Virginia allows expungement only for charges that were dismissed, acquitted, or nolle prosequi. A conviction cannot be expunged. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases, and the court has the authority to impose active jail time. For a first offense, the court may consider a range of dispositions, including suspended jail time, fines, and restitution. An experienced defense attorney can evaluate whether the evidence supports the charge and what defenses may apply.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Petit Larceny Cases
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel take a methodical approach to petit larceny defense. They begin by examining the alleged value of the property — because the threshold between petit larceny (misdemeanor) and grand larceny (felony, $1,000 or more) can be contested. They review the evidence, including witness statements, video surveillance, and inventory records, to determine whether the prosecution can prove all elements of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. In King William County General District Court, the Commonwealth must present sufficient evidence at trial. If the evidence is weak, the case may be dismissed or nolle prosequi entered.
Where the evidence supports the charge, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel discuss with the prosecutor whether an amendment to a lesser offense, such as trespassing or disorderly conduct, is appropriate. Virginia courts cannot plea bargain directly, but the Commonwealth’s Attorney may agree to amend charges. For first-time offenders, the court may also consider deferring the charge and placing the defendant on probation under Virginia’s deferred disposition statute. Successful completion can lead to dismissal. At every stage, the goal is to minimize the impact on the client’s record and future opportunities.
King William County General District Court is currently presided over by VERIFY. Court hours: Mon-Fri 8:00AM-4:00PM. Counsel appearing on criminal matters should plan filings accordingly.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor with experience in criminal trial work. He founded the firm in 1997 and is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His Of Counsel team includes attorneys with decades of combined criminal defense experience, including a former Virginia State Trooper who brings firsthand insight into law enforcement procedures and evidence gathering. Together, the team brings over 120 years of combined legal experience, supported by 4,739+ documented firm-wide results, to criminal defense matters. Results may vary.
When you contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., you speak with professionals who understand Virginia criminal procedure. The firm’s Richmond Location serves King William County from 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225. By appointment only. Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a petit larceny conviction in King William County?
A petit larceny conviction in King William County can result in up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. Petit larceny is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-96, the most serious misdemeanor classification in Virginia. While first-offense cases often receive suspended jail time, the judge has discretion to impose active incarceration. Additional consequences can include restitution to the alleged victim, probation, and a permanent criminal record. For a first offender, the court may consider deferred disposition under Virginia’s deferred disposition statute, which allows the charge to be dismissed after successful completion of probation. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Can a petit larceny charge be expunged in King William County?
Virginia allows expungement for petit larceny charges only if the case ended in a dismissal, acquittal, or nolle prosequi. Under Virginia expungement law, a conviction cannot be expunged. The petition for expungement is filed in the King William County Circuit Court, not the General District Court. If you completed a first-offender deferred disposition and the charge was dismissed, you may be eligible. The process requires fingerprints, a background check, and a showing that the continued existence of the record constitutes a manifest injustice. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How does bail work for a petit larceny arrest in King William County?
A magistrate sets bond shortly after arrest; for a first-offense petit larceny, personal recognizance (no payment) is common. If the magistrate imposes a secured bond, a bail bondsman typically charges a non-refundable premium. The bond can be reviewed by the King William County General District Court at arraignment. Factors the magistrate considers include ties to the community, employment status, and prior criminal record. An attorney can present facts supporting release on personal recognizance at the bond hearing. To request a consultation, call (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between General District Court and Circuit Court for a petit larceny case?
Petit larceny is a misdemeanor tried in the King William County General District Court; the Circuit Court hears appeals from GDC convictions. If you are convicted in GDC, you have an automatic right to appeal to Circuit Court for a new trial. In Circuit Court, you may request a jury trial. The GDC does not offer jury trials for misdemeanors. Understanding this two-tier system is important — an attorney can advise whether an appeal to Circuit Court is strategically beneficial. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear in both courts. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
Do I need a lawyer for a petit larceny charge in King William County?
Yes, legal representation is critical for a petit larceny charge because a conviction can result in jail time, a fine, and a permanent misdemeanor record. Even a first-offense misdemeanor can affect employment background checks, professional licensing, and security clearances. An experienced defense attorney can challenge the evidence, negotiate with the prosecutor, and present mitigating factors that may lead to a dismissal or reduced charge. Without an attorney, you risk accepting a conviction that could have been avoided. To discuss your case, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
For related criminal defense services, see our pages on Fairfax County criminal defense, Prince William County criminal defense, and Manassas criminal defense. Read more about our Virginia criminal defense practice.
Virginia petit larceny statute: Va. Code § 18.2-96. Virginia court information: Virginia Judicial System.
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