Charged With Larceny in Virginia?
A larceny conviction — whether misdemeanor or felony — can affect your record, job, housing, and future opportunities. At Trustice Law Group, our criminal defense attorneys help clients understand the charge, protect their rights, and fight for the best possible outcome.
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Understanding Larceny Charges in Virginia
Under Virginia law, larceny generally involves the wrongful taking of someone else’s property with the intent to permanently deprive them of it. Virginia separates larceny charges into two main categories: petit larceny and grand larceny.
Petit larceny is typically charged when the value of the property is less than $1,000, or when less than $5 is taken directly from another person. Grand larceny may apply when the property is valued at $1,000 or more, when $5 or more is taken directly from a person, or when the property taken is a firearm.
Both misdemeanor and felony larceny convictions can leave a permanent mark on your criminal record. That’s why it’s important to speak with an attorney as early as possible.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Petit larceny involves theft of goods worth less than $1,000, or less than $5 taken directly from a person. It is a Class 1 misdemeanor carrying up to 12 months in jail. Grand larceny involves theft of $1,000 or more in goods, $5 or more taken directly from a person, or any firearm. It is an unclassified felony carrying up to 20 years in prison. Both stay on your permanent criminal record if convicted.
Yes. Petit larceny is still a criminal charge and can result in jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record if convicted.
Yes. Virginia law treats knowingly receiving stolen property as larceny itself. If the property is worth $1,000 or more, receiving it can result in a Class 6 felony charge with up to 5 years in prison and a $2,500 fine — even if you didn’t steal it yourself.
Almost certainly. A larceny conviction — especially a felony — will appear on background checks and can disqualify you from jobs, professional licenses, public housing, and in some cases immigration status. This is why fighting the charge early — before conviction — is so important.
Do not speak to police or prosecutors without an attorney present. Do not post about the incident on social media. Write down everything you remember about the incident as soon as possible. Then contact Trustice Law Group. The decisions made in the first days after a charge can dramatically affect the outcome of your case.
Absolutely. Even a misdemeanor conviction can affect your job, housing, and future opportunities. An experienced attorney may be able to get the charge reduced, dismissed, or diverted — especially for first-time offenders. The cost of a lawyer is almost always less than the long-term cost of a conviction on your record.
Virginia’s expungement law was updated in 2021. If your charge was dismissed, you were acquitted, or you received an absolute pardon, expungement is generally available. For convictions, Virginia now allows petitions for certain misdemeanor and non-violent felony convictions after a waiting period. An attorney can evaluate your specific eligibility.
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