Grand Larceny Lawyer Fairfax County, VA

A grand larceny charge in Fairfax County, Virginia, is a felony offense that carries the potential for years of incarceration and a permanent criminal record. Under Va. Code § 18.2-95, theft of property valued at $1,000 or more constitutes grand larceny. The accused faces prosecution in the Fairfax County General District Court for a preliminary hearing and, if the charge is certified, trial in the Fairfax County Circuit Court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fairfax County prosecutes these matters actively, and a conviction can affect employment, professional licensing, and immigration status. The attorneys at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. have handled criminal matters in Fairfax County since the firm’s founding in 1997. They represent individuals accused of grand larceny from the initial appearance through trial, working to challenge the valuation of the property, the identification of the accused, and any procedural errors in the investigation. For a consultation about a grand larceny matter in Fairfax County, call (888) 437-7747.
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What Grand Larceny Means in Fairfax County

In Virginia, grand larceny is distinguished from petit larceny by the value of the property allegedly taken. Under Va. Code § 18.2-95, any simple larceny where the goods or money involved have a fair market value of $1,000 or more is a felony. The offense also covers larceny directly from the person of another, regardless of the dollar amount, and theft of any firearm. The Fairfax County General District Court, located at 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210, Fairfax, VA 22030, conducts the initial preliminary hearing to determine whether probable cause exists to send the case to the circuit court. If the case is certified, the Fairfax County Circuit Court adjudicates the felony charge, where the accused has an absolute right to a jury trial.

Fairfax County General District Court is currently presided over by Hon. Michael Joseph Holleran. Court hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–4:00 PM. Counsel appearing on criminal matters should plan filings accordingly.

The financial and personal stakes of a felony conviction are substantial. Beyond any term of incarceration, a grand larceny conviction results in a felony record that restricts firearm rights under both state and federal law and may disqualify the person from certain professional licenses. The Fairfax County courts handle a high volume of criminal cases each year, and the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office regularly evaluates whether to proceed on the felony charge or offer an amendment to a lesser offense. An experienced defense attorney can engage with the prosecution early, present evidence that the property’s value falls below the $1,000 threshold, or demonstrate weaknesses in the government’s case that may support a reduction to a misdemeanor.

Grand larceny in Virginia is a felony punishable by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than twenty years, or, at the discretion of the jury, confinement in jail for up to twelve months and a fine of not more than $2,500.

Source: Va. Code § 18.2-95.

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

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Grand Larceny Cases

When a person is charged with grand larceny in Fairfax County, the defense begins immediately. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel review the arrest report, any search warrant affidavits, and the chain of custody for the items alleged to have been taken. They scrutinize the prosecution’s valuation evidence because proving the property’s value at or above $1,000 is an essential element of the felony charge. If the actual fair market value is below the statutory threshold, the charge must be reduced to petit larceny, a misdemeanor.

The team at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings experience from both sides of the courtroom. Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor. His Of Counsel include a former Virginia State Trooper with fifteen years of law enforcement service, which provides a detailed understanding of how police investigations are conducted and where procedural mistakes can occur. The firm’s attorneys appear regularly before the judges of the Fairfax County General District and Circuit Courts. They are familiar with local practices, including the scheduling of preliminary hearings, the discovery process, and the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s approach to charging decisions. While no attorney can promise a particular outcome, early intervention frequently opens the door to a negotiated resolution that avoids a felony conviction.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced law since 1997. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. His background as a former prosecutor informs his approach to criminal defense, and he testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Mr. Sris works together with Of Counsel attorneys who contribute their own substantial experience—including a former Virginia State Trooper and other seasoned litigators—to address each grand larceny matter with a thorough, multi-perspective review. The firm’s Fairfax location serves clients from communities throughout the county, including Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and the Falls Church area. Results may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is grand larceny in Virginia?

Grand larceny in Virginia is the theft of money or goods valued at $1,000 or more, larceny directly from the person of another regardless of value, or theft of any firearm. The offense is codified at Va. Code § 18.2-95. Because the threshold between a felony and a misdemeanor often turns on the dollar figure, the prosecution must present credible evidence of the property’s fair market value. Even small disputes over valuation can determine whether the charge proceeds as a felony. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

What are the penalties for grand larceny in Fairfax County?

A conviction for grand larceny in Fairfax County can result in a prison sentence of one to twenty years, or, at the jury’s option, up to twelve months in jail and a fine of not more than $2,500. The exact penalty depends on the defendant’s prior record, the circumstances of the offense, and any mitigating evidence presented at sentencing. A felony conviction also triggers the loss of firearm rights and may interfere with employment and housing. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Can a grand larceny charge be reduced to a misdemeanor?

Yes, a grand larceny charge can be reduced if the evidence shows the property’s fair market value is below $1,000 or if the prosecution agrees to amend the charge to a lesser offense. In Virginia, plea bargaining is permitted under Rule 3A:8 of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia. The Commonwealth’s Attorney may negotiate a resolution that amends the felony to petit larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor. An experienced attorney can present valuation evidence early in the case to support such a reduction. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.

How does the court process work for a grand larceny case in Fairfax County?

A grand larceny case in Fairfax County begins with an arraignment and a preliminary hearing in the General District Court. If the judge finds probable cause, the case is certified to the Fairfax County Circuit Court for a grand jury indictment and trial. The defendant has the right to a jury trial in circuit court. The timeline varies by case, but Virginia law guarantees a speedy trial within five months for misdemeanors and nine months for felonies if the accused is incarcerated. To understand how these steps apply to your case, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Do I need a lawyer for a grand larceny charge in Fairfax County?

Yes, because grand larceny is a felony that carries a potential state prison sentence, you should speak with a defense attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can challenge the prosecution’s valuation evidence, negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney, and protect your rights at every stage of the proceeding. Going to court without counsel exposes you to the risk of a felony conviction and its long‑term consequences. To request a consultation, call Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

What experience does Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. have in Fairfax County grand larceny cases?

The attorneys at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. have represented clients in Fairfax County criminal matters since 1997, and the firm’s documented case results in Fairfax County include 501 outcomes with a 97% favorable rate. Results may vary. Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor, and his Of Counsel include a former Virginia State Trooper with investigative experience. The team appears regularly in the Fairfax County General District and Circuit Courts and uses its knowledge of local procedure to build a vigorous defense.

Official Virginia legal resources:
Virginia Code Title 18.2 – Crimes and Offenses Generally |
Virginia Circuit Courts – Fairfax County |
Virginia Judicial System

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.