Petit Larceny Lawyer Alexandria, VA
If you are facing a petit larceny charge in Alexandria, Virginia, you are confronting a Class 1 misdemeanor that carries the possibility of jail time and a criminal record. A conviction under Va. Code § 18.2-96 can affect your employment, professional licenses, and immigration status. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team have practiced criminal defense since 1997, including in Alexandria General District Court and Alexandria Circuit Court. Our Arlington location serves clients throughout Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne. Early engagement with an experienced attorney is critical—the timeline from arraignment to trial in Alexandria’s courts moves quickly, and defenses must be raised promptly. To discuss your situation with a petit larceny lawyer serving Alexandria, reach our location at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
What Petit Larceny Means in Alexandria, Virginia
Under Virginia law, petit larceny is the unlawful taking of property valued at less than $1,000. The offense is codified at Va. Code § 18.2-96 and is prosecuted as a Class 1 misdemeanor. In Alexandria, petit larceny charges are heard initially in the Alexandria General District Court, located at 520 King Street, 2nd Floor. If a defendant appeals a conviction or if the charge is elevated to a felony, the matter proceeds to the Alexandria Circuit Court.
The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Alexandria prosecutes these cases, and the court process includes an arraignment, a trial date, and the opportunity to explore case resolution. While Plea bargaining is permitted under Rule 3A:8 of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia; the Commonwealth’s Attorney and defense counsel may negotiate a plea agreement, which the court may accept or reject. A petit larceny conviction can result in a permanent criminal record, but first-offender dispositions and other avenues may be available depending on the facts of the case. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel understand how Alexandria General District Court operates and can advise you on the procedural steps and potential outcomes.
Petit larceny (theft of property valued at less than $1,000) is a Class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
Source: Va. Code § 18.2-96. Virginia Code § 18.2-96
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Petit Larceny Cases
When a client contacts Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. about a petit larceny charge, our approach begins with a thorough review of the facts. We examine the evidence the Commonwealth intends to present, including witness statements, surveillance video, and alleged value of the property. Because the classification as petit larceny depends on the property’s value being under $1,000, a central question is whether the Commonwealth can prove that value beyond a reasonable doubt. If the evidence is weak, we may pursue a dismissal or an amendment to a less serious offense.
In Alexandria General District Court, the trial is conducted before a judge without a jury. If the case is not resolved, we prepare for trial by evaluating the admissibility of evidence, identifying procedural errors, and developing a defense theory. For clients who are first-time offenders, we explore eligibility for deferred disposition programs that can lead to dismissal upon successful completion. Throughout the process, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel remain focused on protecting the client’s record and minimizing the consequences of the charge. Every case is fact-specific, and outcomes will vary; however, the firm has a history of achieving favorable resolutions in criminal matters.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who established the firm in 1997. He 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 criminal law experience, combined with the extensive courtroom background of his Of Counsel team, provides a defense informed by prosecutorial insight and local court knowledge.
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience, paired with 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. The Of Counsel team includes a former Virginia State Trooper and a former Assistant State’s Attorney, both of whom contribute a detailed understanding of law enforcement procedures and prosecutorial decision-making. When you work with the firm on a petit larceny matter, you benefit from that collective experience—from initial case assessment through trial, if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the penalties for petit larceny in Virginia?
Petit larceny is a Class 1 misdemeanor carrying up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. A conviction also creates a permanent criminal record that can appear on background checks. In addition to court-imposed penalties, a petit larceny conviction may affect employment, professional licensing, and immigration status. For first-time offenders, the court may consider alternatives such as probation, community service, or a deferred disposition under certain circumstances. Each case is unique, and the actual sentence depends on the facts, the defendant’s prior record, and the arguments presented by counsel.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against petit larceny charges?
Defense strategies include challenging the value of the property, questioning witness identification, and examining procedural compliance by law enforcement. Because petit larceny requires proof that the property was worth less than $1,000 (otherwise it would be grand larceny), a lawyer may argue that the value has not been adequately proven. Other defenses may involve lack of intent, mistaken identity, or a valid claim of right to the property. In Alexandria, an experienced attorney can also negotiate with the prosecutor to amend the charge to a lesser offense or secure a dismissal through a pretrial diversion program.
What should I do if I am facing petit larceny charges in Virginia?
Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately and refrain from discussing the case with anyone except your lawyer. Do not post about the incident on social media or speak to law enforcement without counsel present. Preserve any documents, receipts, or communications that may be relevant to the value of the property or your whereabouts at the time of the alleged offense. Court deadlines in Alexandria move quickly, so early legal intervention can help protect your rights and develop a strategic defense before the first court appearance.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Alexandria, Virginia?
Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi, but most convictions cannot be expunged. If your petit larceny charge is dismissed or you are found not guilty, you may petition the Alexandria Circuit Court for expungement. The process requires demonstrating that the continued existence of the charge record constitutes a manifest injustice. An attorney can evaluate whether you are eligible and guide you through the petition process. For a conviction, the options are more limited, but deferred dispositions resulting in dismissal may open the door to record clearing.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer for a petit larceny charge in Alexandria?
Yes, even a misdemeanor petit larceny charge can lead to jail time and a lasting criminal record, making legal representation important. Proceeding without an attorney exposes you to the risk of a conviction that carries long-term consequences. An Alexandria criminal defense lawyer can assess the strength of the prosecution’s evidence, identify procedural errors, and negotiate for the trusted … Resolution. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., we offer consultation by appointment to discuss your case and explain your options.
For additional criminal defense resources in nearby jurisdictions, see our pages on Criminal defense in Fairfax County, Criminal defense in Prince William County, and Criminal defense in Fairfax City.
Outbound authority sources: Virginia Code § 18.2-96 · Virginia Courts · Alexandria General District Court
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.
