Felony Theft Lawyer Arlington County, VA

In Arlington County, Virginia, a felony theft charge—often charged as grand larceny under Va. Code § 18.2‑95—is a serious offense with life‑altering consequences. Grand larceny applies when the value of the stolen property is $1,000 or more, when the theft is committed directly from the person of another of $5 or more, or when a firearm is taken regardless of value. A conviction can mean a permanent felony record, incarceration, and restrictions on future employment, housing, and firearm rights. The Commonwealth Attorney’s Office for Arlington County prosecutes these cases vigorously. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., along with his Of Counsel, represents individuals facing felony theft allegations in Arlington County Circuit Court and at the preliminary hearing stage in Arlington County General District Court. For a confidential consultation, call (888) 437‑7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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What Felony Theft Means in Arlington County

Under Virginia law, theft that meets the grand larceny threshold is a felony. The General Assembly raised the dollar amount to $1,000 in 2020; today, taking property worth $1,000 or more, or stealing any firearm, is grand larceny. The offense is punishable by one to 20 years in prison, or, at the discretion of a jury, up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. A conviction also carries the loss of civil rights, including the right to vote while incarcerated and the lifelong prohibition on possessing firearms under federal and Virginia law.

For a felony theft charge in Arlington County, the case begins in the Arlington County General District Court with an arraignment and a preliminary hearing. The General District Court judge determines whether there is probable cause to send the matter to the Circuit Court for trial. At the Circuit Court level, a defendant has the right to a jury trial. Because the stakes are high, early defense counsel involvement is critical. The court is located at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201. The judges in the Seventeenth Judicial District expect thorough preparation and familiarity with local procedure.

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

Defending a felony theft charge in Arlington County requires a review of the evidence, a careful assessment of the value of the property that was allegedly taken, and scrutiny of the procedural steps the police followed from the investigation through the arrest. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel begin by examining whether the Commonwealth can prove each element of grand larceny beyond a reasonable doubt. In many cases, the value of the goods is in dispute—if the property is worth less than $1,000, the charge may be reduced to petit larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor. The defense team will also look at whether any statements made were obtained in violation of Miranda and whether the search that uncovered the allegedly stolen items was lawful.

The Of Counsel handling felony theft cases at the Arlington location includes a former Virginia State Trooper who served 15 years in law enforcement. That background brings a working knowledge of how theft investigations are built, how property values are assigned, and where procedural weaknesses can be found. The team has handled matters in Arlington County courts for many years and understands how the Commonwealth Attorney’s office approaches grand larceny cases. Every client receives individual attention, and potential defenses—challenging ownership, establishing consent, or undermining the value of the goods—are pursued where the facts support them. Results vary; prior outcomes do not guarantee a similar result

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris is Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. A former prosecutor, he has practiced law since 1997 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. His background includes testifying before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). That experience reflects a deep familiarity with Virginia’s legislative process and criminal statutes.

The Of Counsel team at the Arlington location brings additional depth to criminal defense matters. Several attorneys on the team have backgrounds that include former law enforcement service and significant trial experience. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel represent clients in Arlington County General District Court and Arlington County Circuit Court, focusing on understanding the particular facts of each case and working toward a favorable resolution.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is felony theft under Virginia law?

Felony theft in Virginia is generally charged as grand larceny when the value of stolen property is $1,000 or more, or when a firearm is taken. Under Va. Code § 18.2‑95, grand larceny is a felony punishable by 1 to 20 years in prison, though a jury may choose to impose up to 12 months in jail. Theft from a person of $5 or more also qualifies. The statute also covers the theft of certain animals and items regardless of value. A conviction results in a permanent felony record.

What are the penalties for felony theft in Arlington County?

A conviction for grand larceny can lead to 1 to 20 years in state prison or, at the jury’s discretion, up to 12 months in jail and a fine. If the property value is near the $1,000 threshold, the charge may be reduced to a misdemeanor. Additional consequences include the loss of firearm rights, a permanent criminal record, and substantial impacts on employment and housing. For a consultation, call (888) 437‑7747. Results vary.

Where are felony theft cases tried in Arlington County?

Felony theft cases start with a preliminary hearing in Arlington County General District Court and proceed to trial in Arlington County Circuit Court if probable cause is found. The General District Court is at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201, and the Circuit Court is in the same building. The Circuit Court is where jury trials occur. Judges in the Seventeenth Judicial District expect detailed preparation and adherence to local rules.

What are possible defenses to a felony theft charge?

Defenses in felony theft cases can involve challenging the value of the property, establishing that the defendant had a right to possess the item, or showing that the taking was without intent to permanently deprive the owner. The prosecution must prove each element beyond a reasonable doubt. If the item’s value is under $1,000, the charge may be reduced to a misdemeanor. Evidence obtained through an unlawful search or seizure may be suppressed. An experienced defense attorney evaluates the specific facts to build a strategy.

Can a felony theft charge be reduced to a misdemeanor?

Yes, if the property value is re-evaluated below $1,000 or if the Commonwealth agrees to amend the charge, a grand larceny charge may be reduced to petit larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor. This reduction can mean less severe penalties and may preserve certain civil rights. Negotiating an amendment is a common goal for defense counsel. The decision rests with the prosecutor and the court, based on the strength of the evidence and the defendant’s background.

How do I get legal help for a felony theft charge in Arlington?

Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747 to request a consultation about your Arlington County felony theft case. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel will review the charges, explain the legal process, and discuss potential defense strategies. Early involvement of counsel is important to protect your rights from the preliminary hearing through trial. You can reach our Arlington location—by appointment—to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Virginia Primary Sources
Va. Code § 18.2‑95 — Grand Larceny
Arlington County Circuit Court
Arlington County General District Court

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Results may vary.

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder
Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York
Practicing since 1997

Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.