Felony Theft Lawyer Alexandria, VA

If you are facing a felony theft charge in Alexandria, Virginia, the stakes are serious. A felony conviction can mean prison time, a large fine, and a permanent criminal record. The courts where your case will be heard—Alexandria General District Court for preliminary hearings and Alexandria Circuit Court for felony trials—require a thorough understanding of Virginia’s theft laws and local procedure. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Concentrates its practice on representing clients in criminal matters, and Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive experience to felony theft defense. To speak with us about your case, call (888) 437-7747.
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What Felony Theft Means in Alexandria, Virginia

In Virginia, felony theft is generally classified as grand larceny. The threshold that distinguishes grand larceny from petit larceny (a misdemeanor) is the value of the property taken.

Virginia classifies theft of property or money valued at $1,000 or more, or theft directly from a person of $5 or more, as grand larceny—a felony offense.

Source: Va. Code § 18.2-95. Virginia Legislative Information System

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.

Felony theft charges in Alexandria are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Misdemeanor-level offenses are handled in the Alexandria General District Court, located at 520 King Street, 2nd Floor, Alexandria, VA 22320. Felony cases begin with a preliminary hearing in the General District Court and, if the judge finds probable cause, are transferred to the Alexandria Circuit Court for trial. The Circuit Court is where felony jury trials take place, and defendants have an absolute right to a jury trial.

A conviction for grand larceny in Virginia carries a sentencing range of 1 to 20 years of imprisonment, or, at the jury’s discretion, up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.

Source: Va. Code § 18.2-95. Virginia Legislative Information System

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.

The timeline for a felony case in Alexandria depends on the court calendar and procedural steps, including preliminary hearing, possible bond hearings, and motions. Arrest triggers Virginia’s speedy trial protections, but the actual pace is governed by the complexity of the case and the available court dates. Because of the serious consequences, having an experienced criminal defense attorney involved at the earliest stage can make a meaningful difference in the course of your case.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Felony Theft Cases

When Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. is engaged for a felony theft case in Alexandria, the first step is a thorough review of the facts: how the alleged theft occurred, the evidence the prosecution intends to rely on, and whether any procedural errors were made during the investigation or arrest. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel look at every angle—from the valuation of the property to the chain of custody of physical evidence.

Early engagement allows our legal team to begin working on the most favorable resolution as soon as possible. In many cases, this means proactive communication with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to discuss potential charge reductions or alternatives to prosecution. Virginia’s plea bargaining process is governed by Rule 3A:8 of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia, and our attorneys are experienced in negotiating agreements that best serve a client’s interests. If a resolution is not reached, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are prepared to go to trial, challenging every element of the offense that the Commonwealth must prove beyond a reasonable doubt.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded the firm in 1997 and is a former prosecutor. His background on the other side of the courtroom gives him a perspective on how the Commonwealth builds a case, and he applies that insight to every matter the firm handles. Mr. Sris is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and he has testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).

Working alongside Mr. Sris are Of Counsel attorneys who bring a depth of collective experience that includes former law enforcement and extensive trial work. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience. Results may vary. The firm has documented more than 4,739 case results firm-wide. In Alexandria specifically, our attorneys have achieved a 61% favorable outcome rate across 79 documented results.

Verify admissions: Virginia State Bar •
Maryland Judiciary •
DC Bar •
NJ Courts •
NY OCA

Frequently Asked Questions

What is felony theft in Virginia?

Felony theft in Virginia is grand larceny, which applies to the unlawful taking of property or money valued at $1,000 or more, or theft directly from a person of $5 or more. Prosecutors can also treat certain theft offenses as felonies even if the value is lower, depending on the circumstances. A felony conviction results in a permanent criminal record and loss of certain civil rights.

What should I do if I am charged with felony theft in Alexandria?

If you are charged with felony theft in Alexandria, exercise your right to remain silent and contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. Do not discuss the facts of the case with anyone other than your lawyer. An attorney can help protect your rights during the early stages, from the bond hearing through the preliminary hearing in General District Court and any eventual trial in Circuit Court.

Can felony theft charges be reduced to a misdemeanor?

Yes, under certain circumstances, a felony theft charge in Virginia can be amended to a misdemeanor, such as petit larceny, as part of a plea agreement with the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Whether a reduction is possible depends on the strength of the evidence, the value of the property, the defendant’s prior record, and the willingness of the prosecutor to negotiate. Our legal team thoroughly evaluates each case to identify the strongest path toward a favorable outcome.

Do I need a lawyer for a felony theft charge in Alexandria?

Yes, you need a lawyer when facing a felony theft charge because a conviction can result in a lengthy prison sentence, a substantial fine, and a permanent criminal record. An experienced attorney can challenge the prosecution’s evidence, negotiate for reduced charges, and represent you through the court process. Attempting to handle a felony case without counsel places you at a significant disadvantage.

What are the possible defenses to a felony theft charge?

Possible defenses to a felony theft charge include challenging the valuation of the property to bring the alleged theft below the $1,000 threshold, asserting a claim of right, or showing lack of intent to permanently deprive. In addition, if law enforcement violated your constitutional rights during a search or seizure, evidence may be suppressed. Every case is unique, and the trusted defense strategy depends on the detailed facts.

How does the court process work for a felony theft case in Alexandria?

Felony theft cases in Alexandria begin with an initial appearance and bond determination, followed by a preliminary hearing in the Alexandria General District Court. If the judge finds probable cause, the case is certified to the Alexandria Circuit Court for trial. Before trial, there may be motions hearings to address legal issues. If no plea agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a jury trial or a bench trial. A conviction leads to a sentencing hearing where the court determines the punishment within the statutory range.

Virginia criminal law resources:
Virginia Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) ·
Alexandria General District Court ·
Alexandria Circuit Court

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