Grand Larceny Lawyer Fairfax County, VA
You were detained at Tysons Corner Center after a loss prevention officer claimed you stole a watch priced above $1,000. Now you’re facing a felony grand larceny charge in Fairfax County. The accusation alone can put your career, your security clearance, and your freedom at risk. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., our experienced legal team understands how a grand larceny prosecution unfolds in Fairfax County General District Court and Circuit Court. We work to challenge the Commonwealth’s evidence, negotiate with the prosecutor, and pursue the most favorable resolution your circumstances allow. Reach our location at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation about your Fairfax County grand larceny matter. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
Your Legal Options After a Grand Larceny Charge in Fairfax County
A grand larceny charge in Virginia—defined as theft of property valued at $1,000 or more under Va. Code § 18.2-95—is a felony. The stakes are high, but you have legal options. Your attorney can examine whether the Commonwealth has sufficient evidence to prove the accused value, whether the property was actually taken with the requisite intent to permanently deprive the owner, and whether any constitutional violations occurred during the investigation or arrest. In many cases, experience on the defense side can lead to a charge being reduced to petit larceny—a misdemeanor—or even dismissed before trial.
If the evidence is weak, a motion to suppress or a request for a nolle prosequi may end the case. When a negotiated resolution is appropriate, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team work with the prosecutor’s office to explore amendments to a lesser offense, deferred disposition under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2, or other alternatives that avoid a felony conviction. If trial is necessary, you are entitled to a jury trial in Fairfax County Circuit Court, where the defense can test the prosecution’s case through cross-examination and presentation of its own evidence.
What to Expect When Your Case Moves Through the Fairfax County Courts
A grand larceny arrest in Fairfax County typically begins with an initial appearance before a magistrate, who sets bond. From there, a preliminary hearing is scheduled in Fairfax County General District Court, located at 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210, Fairfax. At that hearing, the Commonwealth must establish probable cause that a felony was committed. If probable cause is found, the case is certified to the Circuit Court for trial or a plea.
Throughout this process, your attorney can file discovery motions, interview witnesses, and challenge the admissibility of any evidence. In the Circuit Court, a grand jury must return an indictment before the case can proceed to trial. The timeline from arrest to trial depends on the court’s calendar—ranging from a number of months to more than a year in some instances—but Virginia law affords the accused the right to a speedy trial. Early involvement of counsel helps ensure that procedural deadlines are met and that your defense is prepared without unnecessary delay.
Penalties for Grand Larceny Under Virginia Law
Under Va. Code § 18.2-95, grand larceny is punishable by imprisonment in a state correctional facility for not less than one nor more than twenty years, or, at the discretion of the jury or the court sitting without a jury, by confinement in jail for a period not exceeding twelve months and a fine of not more than $2,500, either or both. The value of the property taken determines whether the charge is a felony; property valued at $1,000 or more triggers the felony classification. Because Virginia does not have a separate felony classification table for larceny beyond the grand/petit distinction, the sentence is set within the 1-to-20-year range.
In addition to any term of incarceration, a grand larceny conviction carries lifelong collateral consequences: a permanent criminal record, loss of the right to possess firearms under federal law, potential immigration consequences for non-citizens, and significant barriers to employment in fields that require background checks. Given these stakes, a person facing a grand larceny accusation should immediately seek legal counsel.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Fairfax County Grand Larceny Case
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who has practiced criminal defense since 1997. His prosecutorial background gives him insight into how the Commonwealth’s Attorney builds a theft case—and where its weaknesses lie. He is supported by a team of Of Counsel attorneys whose collective experience spans more than 120 years of combined legal practice, including backgrounds in law enforcement and prior prosecution. This perspective allows the firm to anticipate the strategies the prosecution may use and to challenge evidence that may have been improperly obtained or overstated in value.
The firm’s documented results in Fairfax County criminal matters include numerous favorable outcomes for clients facing theft and larceny charges.
In Fairfax County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented 501 criminal case results, including 336 dismissed or not guilty, and 143 reduced or amended.
Source: Firm case result records, last verified 2026-02-15. srislawyer.com
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
Results may vary. To discuss your specific situation, reach our location at (888) 437-7747.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grand Larceny in Fairfax County
What is grand larceny in Virginia?
Grand larceny in Virginia is the theft of property valued at $1,000 or more, or larceny from the person of another of money or property valued at $5 or more. The offense is defined by Va. Code § 18.2-95, which classifies it as a felony. Unlike petit larceny, which is a misdemeanor, grand larceny carries potential state prison time and a permanent felony record. The value of the allegedly stolen item is a core element of the offense and must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
What are the penalties for a grand larceny conviction in Fairfax County?
A grand larceny conviction in Fairfax County carries a sentence of one to twenty years in prison, or, in the discretion of the jury or judge, up to twelve months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. Because it is a felony, a conviction also results in the loss of civil rights such as firearm possession and, in many cases, voting rights. The actual sentence imposed depends on the facts of the case, the defendant’s prior record, and any mitigating circumstances presented by defense counsel.
How can a lawyer help me fight a grand larceny charge?
An experienced defense attorney can challenge the Commonwealth’s evidence, negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce the charge, and, if necessary, defend you at trial. In a grand larceny case, the defense may contest the valuation of the property—if the item’s true market value is under $1,000, the offense may be only a misdemeanor. The lawyer can also identify procedural errors, such as an unlawful search, and file motions to suppress evidence obtained in violation of your rights.
What should I do immediately after being charged with grand larceny?
After being charged with grand larceny, you should invoke your right to remain silent, ask for an attorney, and contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. Do not discuss the facts of the case with law enforcement or with anyone other than your attorney. Preserve any documents, receipts, or communications that might relate to the property in question. Prompt legal involvement can affect bond conditions and the direction of the early stages of the prosecution.
Can grand larceny charges be reduced or dismissed in Fairfax County?
Yes, grand larceny charges in Fairfax County can be reduced or dismissed depending on the strength of the evidence and the circumstances of the case. A reduction to petit larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor, is a common outcome when the property’s value is borderline or when the defendant has no prior record. Dismissal may occur if a key witness is unavailable, if evidence was obtained unlawfully, or through a deferred disposition agreement with the Commonwealth. Every case is unique, and outcomes vary.
Do I need a lawyer for a grand larceny case in Fairfax County?
Yes, anyone facing a felony grand larceny charge in Fairfax County should be represented by an attorney. A felony conviction can result in years of incarceration, a permanent criminal record, and lifelong collateral consequences such as loss of employment opportunities and the right to carry a firearm. The prosecutor will be represented by the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office; having an advocate on your side helps level the field and ensures that your constitutional rights are protected at every stage.
Grand Larceny Defense in Neighboring Northern Virginia Counties
If your case touches multiple jurisdictions, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are available to assist in Prince William County, Stafford County, Fauquier County, Loudoun County, and Arlington County.
Authoritative Virginia Legal Resources
For further information on grand larceny statutes and Fairfax County court procedures, consult the following primary sources: Va. Code § 18.2-95 (grand larceny); Fairfax County General District Court; and the Virginia Judicial System homepage.
(888) 437-7747
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Fairfax Location — 4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
By appointment. Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
