Inflation is guiding us all toward more modest ways of life, altering both our budgets and behaviors. 

As savings run dry, many of us are resorting to financial resources that we never thought we would have to use. Adopting this new type of lifestyle carries both benefits and consequences. Unfortunately, the new lifestyle that many Americans are adopting show growing trends of larceny (otherwise known as stealing). Lawyers, jurors and judges can only assume that people are now more desperate to protect their livelihood. 

Larceny in Virginia happens when a citizen destroys or steals documents, goods or services. Stealing documents, goods or services in a virtual or photocopied form is still considered stealing by Virginia law. The larceny is either petit larceny (a misdemeanor) or grand larceny (a felony).  Both are crimes that would remain on your criminal record, if convicted.

Grand Larceny

A larceny is considered grand larceny in a few situations. For example, stealing an item worth more than $1,000 is considered grand larceny and is punishable for up to 20 years. Stealing more than $5 directly from a person (i.e. pickpocketing) is also considered grand larceny because of the traumatic consequences of physically stealing money in such a close proximity. If you stole a firearm–regardless of the firearm’s value–it will also result in a grand larceny charge. 

In summation, stealing of any sort is a larceny. If a citizen steals over a certain amount of money or directly from a person, they will face an unclassified felony charge and up to 20 years in prison. However, offenders may still be charged even if they did not directly steal the item. 

When someone knowingly accepts a stolen item as a gift, they are aiding the other person in that crime. According to Virginia’s laws, a person who accepts a stolen item is also responsible for the item’s theft. This type of theft will also result in a Class 6 felony. 

A Class 6 felony in VA can be punished in a variety of ways. For example, the offender may face a punishment of up to 5 years in prison. These types of criminal cases could also carry a fine that is limited to $2,500 by VA law. 

Petit Larceny

Alternatively, petit (pronounced petty) larceny is theft of less than $1,000 in goods or less than $5 directly from another person. These charges are less serious for the offender–considered Class 1 misdemeanors that carry a burden of no more than 12 months in jail.   

The right lawyer can give those charged with misdemeanor or felony charges an opportunity for a better outcome. If convicted, there is possibly an opportunity for flexible sentencing. This type of sentencing may allow for a community service or a work release program.  

Contact the right lawyer to make a change. Shameka Harris is an advocate for POC rights across central and eastern Virginia. She is a lawyer that knows what the Black community goes through because she’s lived with it and through it. 

Schedule a consultation with Shameka at her office phone number, (804) 835-6141. For immediate help for past clients, consider contacting Shameka directly.

Source: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/