Grand Larceny Lawyer Loudoun County, VA
In Loudoun County, a grand larceny charge under Virginia Code § 18.2-95 is a felony offense arising when property valued at $1,000 or more is taken. The charge is prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and proceeds through the Loudoun County General District Court for a preliminary hearing, with trial possible in the Loudoun County Circuit Court. A conviction carries significant consequences—imprisonment of one to twenty years, or up to twelve months at the jury’s discretion—and a permanent criminal record. If you are facing such an accusation, early contact with an experienced defense team is critical. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 and led by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, represents individuals charged with grand larceny in Loudoun County. Reach our location at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Grand Larceny Means in Loudoun County, Virginia
Grand larceny under Virginia law is the theft of property with a value of $1,000 or more, or theft directly from the person of another. The $1,000 threshold was raised by a 2020 amendment to Va. Code § 18.2-95. The offense is classified as a felony, and the court may impose a sentence of imprisonment of one to twenty years, or—at the jury’s discretion—up to twelve months in jail, along with fines. A conviction also creates a permanent felony record that can affect employment, housing, professional licensing, and firearm rights. Loudoun County is part of Virginia’s Twentieth Judicial District. The Loudoun County General District Court at 18 East Market Street, Leesburg, VA 20176, handles initial appearances and preliminary hearings for felony offenses; the Loudoun County Circuit Court presides over all felony trials and any appeals from the General District Court.
Under Virginia Code § 18.2-95, grand larceny is a felony punishable by imprisonment for 1 to 20 years, or, at the discretion of a jury, up to 12 months in jail, plus a fine.
Source: Va. Code § 18.2-95. Va. Code § 18.2-95
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Loudoun County prosecutes felony charges, and the procedural rules of the Virginia Supreme Court govern the pace and conduct of proceedings. Because grand larceny is a felony, the defendant is entitled to a preliminary hearing in the General District Court, where the magistrate determines whether probable cause exists to send the case to the Circuit Court. If the case moves forward, the Circuit Court sets a trial date. Throughout this process, an attorney can evaluate the strength of the prosecution’s case, challenge the valuation of the allegedly stolen property, and negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a possible reduction of the charge to a misdemeanor or other resolution. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented 42 favorable outcomes in Loudoun County criminal matters, including dismissals and reductions. Results may vary.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Grand Larceny Cases
When Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents a client charged with grand larceny in Loudoun County, the defense strategy begins with a thorough review of the evidence: police reports, witness statements, video footage, and any valuation documentation. The team assesses whether the Commonwealth can prove every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience to this evaluation, with 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary.
Because the firm includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper among its Of Counsel, the defense team understands how law enforcement builds a case and where procedural vulnerabilities may exist. This insight guides pretrial motions, evidence suppression arguments, and negotiations with the Commonwealth’s Attorney. The goal is always to work toward the most favorable resolution—whether that means a dismissal, a reduction to a misdemeanor, or a vigorous defense at trial. The team also advises clients on the collateral consequences of a felony conviction, such as firearm disability and professional licensing impacts, ensuring a fully informed decision at every stage.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., began his legal career as a prosecutor. He founded the firm in 1997, concentrating his practice on criminal defense and related matters. Mr. Sris is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Mr. Sris maintains an active practice and works closely with an experienced team of Of Counsel attorneys who bring additional prosecutorial and law-enforcement backgrounds.
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have handled thousands of matters across Virginia since 1997, including many in Loudoun County. The team’s prosecutorial insight helps anticipate the Commonwealth’s strategy and build a well-prepared defense. The firm’s Loudoun County clients are served from the Ashburn location at 20130 Lakeview Center Plaza, Room 403, Ashburn, VA 20147, by appointment. (888) 437-7747.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the penalties for grand larceny in Virginia?
Grand larceny in Virginia is a felony punishable by 1 to 20 years in prison, or at the jury’s discretion up to 12 months in jail, plus fines. The specific sentence depends on the value of the property, the defendant’s prior record, and the circumstances of the offense. A conviction also results in a permanent criminal record, potential firearm rights loss, and may affect employment and professional licenses. An experienced attorney can explain the possible range of penalties based on the facts of your case.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against grand larceny charges?
Defense strategies may include challenging the property valuation, contesting ownership or intent, attacking witness reliability, and negotiating with the prosecutor for a reduced charge or diversion program. Because value is an element of the offense, an attorney may argue that the property was worth less than $1,000, reducing the charge to petit larceny. Other avenues include suppression of unlawfully obtained evidence, alibi, or demonstrating that the defendant acted without criminal intent.
What should I do if I am facing grand larceny charges in Loudoun County?
If charged, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately and refrain from discussing the case with anyone other than your lawyer. Preserve any documents, receipts, or communications related to the property in question. Do not make statements to law enforcement without counsel present. Early legal intervention can influence the direction of the case, including whether it moves to the Circuit Court after the preliminary hearing in the General District Court.
Can grand larceny charges be expunged in Virginia?
Expungement is available only for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2, not for convictions. If a grand larceny charge is resolved without a finding of guilt, a petition may be filed in the Loudoun County Circuit Court. Virginia’s record-sealing framework also provides limited avenues for some older convictions. An attorney can evaluate your eligibility after the case concludes.
What is the difference between grand larceny and petit larceny in Virginia?
The dividing line is the value of the property: $1,000 or more is grand larceny (felony); less than $1,000 is petit larceny (Class 1 misdemeanor). Petit larceny is punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine, while grand larceny carries a potential state prison sentence of one to twenty years. Because the threshold determines the felony/misdemeanor classification, contesting the valuation is a key defense strategy.
Do I need a lawyer for a grand larceny charge in Loudoun County?
Yes, because a grand larceny conviction carries serious potential penalties and can result in a permanent felony record that affects employment, housing, and professional licenses. An attorney can evaluate the evidence, present legal defenses, negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney, and guide you through the procedural steps in the Loudoun County General District and Circuit Courts. Early representation often improves the chance of a favorable resolution.
For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Serving Loudoun County and Northern Virginia
Fairfax County criminal defense lawyer • Prince William County criminal defense lawyer • Arlington County criminal defense lawyer
Outbound authority: Virginia Code § 18.2-95 • Virginia Courts Official Website
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.
