Petit Larceny Lawyer Fairfax County, VA

If you are facing a petit larceny charge in Fairfax County, Virginia, the consequences can include a criminal record, jail time, and fines. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. defends individuals charged with petit larceny in the Fairfax County General District Court and throughout Northern Virginia. Our firm’s attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience between Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel to every case. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder, is a former prosecutor who founded the firm in 1997. He and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys appear in Fairfax County courts, working to protect your rights and pursue a favorable resolution. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

What Petit Larceny Means in Fairfax County

Petit larceny in Virginia is defined by Va. Code § 18.2-96 as the unlawful taking of property valued at less than $1,000. It is a Class 1 misdemeanor, carrying up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. In Fairfax County, these charges are prosecuted in the Fairfax County General District Court, located at 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210, Fairfax, VA 22030. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fairfax County prosecutes misdemeanor larceny cases, and the court handles all trials and preliminary hearings for such offenses.

A conviction for petit larceny can affect employment, professional licenses, and immigration status. Many first-offense shoplifting or theft cases are charged as petit larceny in Fairfax County. The court may offer a deferred disposition under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2, which allows a first-time defendant to complete probation and have the charge dismissed. Our firm’s attorneys understand these local procedures and work to identify every available avenue for a favorable outcome.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Petit Larceny Cases

When Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents someone charged with petit larceny in Fairfax County, the process begins with a thorough review of the evidence. Our firm’s attorneys examine whether the Commonwealth can prove each element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. If the evidence is insufficient or obtained improperly, our firm may seek to have the charge dismissed.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys explore diversion programs, first-offender deferred dispositions, and negotiations with the prosecutor. In many cases, an experienced attorney can secure a reduction to a lesser offense or a dismissal upon successful completion of court-ordered conditions. If trial is necessary, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys present a rigorous defense in Fairfax County General District Court. Our attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience between Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel; Results may vary.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., served as a prosecutor before founding the firm in 1997. He has practiced criminal defense for nearly three decades and is admitted 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). The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys include practitioners with backgrounds in law enforcement and prosecution, giving the defense team a comprehensive understanding of how the other side builds a case.

In Fairfax County, the firm has documented over 1,700 case results across all practice areas, with a heavily concentrated practice in criminal defense. Results may vary. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys appear regularly in Fairfax County General District Court and Circuit Court, bringing a working knowledge of local judicial practices to each matter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is petit larceny in Virginia?

Petit larceny is the unlawful taking of property valued at less than $1,000 in Virginia. It is punished as a Class 1 misdemeanor with up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. The offense is defined by Va. Code § 18.2-96 and commonly arises from shoplifting or theft charges. A petit larceny conviction creates a permanent criminal record, which can affect employment, housing, and professional licensing. The Fairfax County General District Court has jurisdiction over misdemeanor petit larceny cases. For a consultation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Is petit larceny a misdemeanor or a felony in Virginia?

Petit larceny is always a Class 1 misdemeanor under Virginia law. It becomes a felony only when the value of the stolen property is $1,000 or more, which is charged as grand larceny under Va. Code § 18.2-95. The classification rests entirely on the value of the items taken. An attorney can review the evidence to determine whether the valuation is appropriate and whether a reduction to a non-criminal infraction may be possible. In Fairfax County, misdemeanor petit larceny is heard in the General District Court.

What are possible defenses against petit larceny charges?

Common defenses to petit larceny include mistake of fact, claim of right, insufficient evidence of intent, and improper police procedure. An experienced attorney examines whether the accused had a good-faith belief of ownership, whether the property was taken by mistake, or whether the Commonwealth cannot prove the defendant acted with intent to permanently deprive the owner. Suppression of evidence obtained through an unlawful search or arrest may also lead to dismissal. A lawyer can evaluate the facts and advise on the strong $1.

Can a petit larceny conviction be expunged in Virginia?

Virginia generally allows expungement only for charges that resulted in an acquittal, dismissal, or nolle prosequi. Under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2, a conviction cannot be expunged. However, if a petit larceny charge is dismissed or deferred and later dismissed after successful probation, the record may be eligible for expungement. A lawyer can help determine eligibility and file the petition in Fairfax County Circuit Court. Sealing laws enacted in 2021 may also apply to certain dismissed charges.

Do I need a lawyer for petit larceny in Fairfax County?

While you are not legally required to have a lawyer, representing yourself in a petit larceny case carries significant risk. A misdemeanor conviction can create a permanent criminal record, potential jail time, and collateral consequences for employment and immigration. An attorney can negotiate with the prosecutor, present legal defenses, and seek alternative dispositions that a self-represented defendant may not know about. For your specific situation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

How do I schedule a consultation with a petit larceny lawyer in Fairfax County?

Call Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Our firm’s phones are answered 24 hours a day. By appointment, we meet with clients at our Fairfax location on Williamsburg Court. During the consultation, Mr. Sris or an Of Counsel attorney will discuss the charge, possible defenses, and the next steps in your case. There is no obligation, and the consultation is arranged to fit your schedule.

Additional Resources:

• Prince William County Criminal Lawyer
• Stafford County Criminal Lawyer
• Loudoun County Criminal Lawyer
• Arlington County Criminal Lawyer

Primary Legal Sources:

• Virginia Code § 18.2-96 – Petit Larceny
• Fairfax County General District Court

Last reviewed: July 2026

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