Grand Larceny Lawyer Gloucester County — Defending Felony Theft Charges
Grand larceny in Gloucester County is a felony under Va. Code § 18.2-95, defined as theft of property valued at $1,000 or more. A conviction can result in 1 to 20 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for those facing a grand theft charge in Gloucester County.
Virginia Grand Larceny Statute & Penalties
Last verified: April 2026 | Gloucester County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
In Virginia, grand larceny is codified under Va. Code § 18.2-95. The statute defines the crime as the theft of money, goods, or chattels valued at $1,000 or more. It is distinct from petit larceny (theft under $1,000), which is a misdemeanor. Grand larceny is a felony, specifically classified as grand larceny, which carries severe penalties upon conviction.
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm has a deep understanding of the financial and evidentiary details that define these cases. A felony theft defense lawyer Gloucester County must scrutinize the prosecution’s valuation of the property and the intent behind the alleged act.
Official Legal Resources
For the official statute, refer to the Virginia Code § 18.2-95. Court procedures and filings for Gloucester County are handled through the Gloucester County General District Court for preliminary hearings and the Gloucester County Circuit Court for felony trials.
Gloucester County Court Process for Grand Larceny
Gloucester County General District Court handles all felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney must prove probable cause that a felony was committed. A grand larceny charge lawyer Gloucester County can challenge the evidence at this stage. If the case proceeds, it will be bound over to the Gloucester County Circuit Court for a jury trial, where you have an absolute right to a jury.
- Arraignment & Bond Hearing: Your first appearance in Gloucester County General District Court (7400 Justice Drive) to hear the formal charge and address bail.
- Preliminary Hearing: The prosecution presents evidence to show probable cause for the felony. Your attorney can cross-examine witnesses and argue for dismissal.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If bound over, you will be arraigned again in Gloucester County Circuit Court and enter a plea.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney will obtain all evidence, file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, and challenge the property valuation.
- Plea Negotiation or Trial: Based on the strength of the evidence, your attorney will negotiate for a reduction or proceed to a jury trial in Circuit Court.
Potential Penalties for Grand Larceny in Virginia
In Gloucester County, a grand larceny conviction is a felony punishable by 1 to 20 years in prison, or, in the discretion of the jury, confinement in jail for up to 12 months and a fine of up to $2,500.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Long-Term Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Larceny (Value $1,000+) | Felony | 1 – 20 years (or up to 12 months in jail at jury discretion) | Up to $2,500 | Permanent felony record, loss of voting rights, difficulty finding employment and housing, ineligibility for certain professional licenses. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys bring a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. We have documented over 4,739 case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Our approach is grounded in a detailed analysis of the facts and a proactive defense strategy from the first consultation.
Matthew Greene, Senior Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. 30+ years criminal defense. Death penalty certified (formerly). View Matthew Greene’s Profile
Case Results
Our firm has a documented record of favorable outcomes in theft-related cases across Virginia. In one instance, we secured an amendment of a felony charge to a misdemeanor, avoiding prison time for our client. In another, our motion to suppress evidence led to a dismissal.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our secondary attorney on complex criminal matters is Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a background in accounting, which provides a unique advantage in cases involving financial evidence and valuation disputes.
Grand Larceny Defense Near Gloucester County, VA
Our Richmond location serves clients in Gloucester County. We are accessible via Route 17 and Route 14. We serve the communities of Gloucester and Gloucester Point.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between grand larceny and petit larceny in Virginia?
The value. Petit larceny is theft of property valued under $1,000 and is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Grand larceny involves property valued at $1,000 or more and is a felony. The valuation method used by the prosecution is a common defense point for a felony theft defense lawyer Gloucester County.
Can a grand larceny charge be reduced to a misdemeanor?
It depends. A skilled grand theft charge lawyer Gloucester County may negotiate a reduction to petit larceny or an unrelated misdemeanor if the evidence supporting the $1,000 valuation is weak, or if there are mitigating circumstances. This often involves a plea agreement before trial.
What are the defenses to a grand larceny charge?
Common defenses include mistaken identity, lack of intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property, claim of right (a good faith belief the property was yours), challenging the valuation of the item, and suppression of evidence obtained through an unlawful search or seizure.
Do I need a lawyer for a grand larceny charge in Gloucester County?
Yes. Grand larceny is a serious felony with potential prison time and lifelong consequences. The Gloucester County Commonwealth’s Attorney will vigorously prosecute. An experienced grand larceny lawyer Gloucester County is essential to protect your rights, challenge the evidence, and work towards the best possible outcome.
Where will my grand larceny case be heard?
Your case will start with a preliminary hearing at the Gloucester County General District Court (7400 Justice Drive). If the judge finds probable cause, the case will be transferred to the Gloucester County Circuit Court for a potential jury trial.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing criminal charges in Gloucester County, you may also need information on Virginia criminal defense. For charges in nearby areas, see our pages for a criminal defense lawyer in Henrico County or a criminal defense lawyer in Chesterfield County. For other legal issues in Gloucester, consider a Gloucester County DUI lawyer.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.