Felony Theft Lawyer Henrico County — What Are Your Defense Options?
A felony theft charge in Henrico County is a serious matter prosecuted under Va. Code § 18.2-95, carrying 1 to 20 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented results defending clients at the Henrico County General District and Circuit Courts.
Virginia Felony Theft Law and Penalties
In Virginia, theft becomes a felony, known as grand larceny, when the value of the stolen property or services is $1,000 or more, or when the item is taken directly from a person. This is defined under Va. Code § 18.2-95. Grand larceny is a felony punishable by 1 to 20 years in prison, or at the jury’s discretion, up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. Theft of any firearm, regardless of value, is also grand larceny.
Last verified: April 2026 | Henrico County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official statute, refer to Va. Code § 18.2-95 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information and procedures can be found at the Henrico County General District Court website.
Handling a Felony Theft Case in Henrico County
Felony theft cases in Henrico County begin with an arrest or summons. The case starts in Henrico County General District Court for a preliminary hearing to determine if there is probable cause. If bound over, the case proceeds to Henrico County Circuit Court for a jury trial. Prosecutors must prove you intentionally took property belonging to another with the intent to permanently deprive them of it. Value is a critical element; challenging the prosecution’s valuation of the stolen item can be a key defense strategy for a grand larceny defense lawyer Henrico County.
- Initial Court Appearance: Attend your arraignment at Henrico County General District Court (4301 East Parham Road) to hear the formal charges.
- Preliminary Hearing: The court will hold a hearing to determine if there is enough evidence (probable cause) for the felony charge to proceed to Circuit Court.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If bound over, you will be arraigned again in Henrico County Circuit Court, where you will enter a plea.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney will review all evidence, file pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges, and engage in plea negotiations.
- Trial or Resolution: The case will proceed to a jury trial in Circuit Court or be resolved through a negotiated plea agreement.
Potential Penalties for Felony Theft in Virginia
In Henrico County, felony theft (grand larceny) is punishable by 1 to 20 years in prison, though a jury can recommend a misdemeanor penalty of up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+ or from person) | Felony | 1-20 years (or up to 12 months at jury discretion) | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Permanent felony record, loss of voting rights, difficulty finding employment and housing. |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Misdemeanor criminal record. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Henrico County Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We have a documented record of favorable outcomes for clients facing serious charges in Central Virginia. Our team understands the procedures and expectations of the Henrico County courts.
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 and Client Advocacy
Our approach focuses on a detailed review of the evidence, especially the valuation of allegedly stolen property and the intent behind the alleged act. We have successfully defended clients by challenging the prosecution’s evidence, negotiating for reduced charges, and advocating for alternative resolutions. For instance, our team, including former prosecutor Kristen Fisher, has leveraged her insight into how cases are built to identify weaknesses early.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Defense for Henrico County Charges
Our Richmond location serves clients in Henrico County. We are familiar with the Henrico County General District Court and Circuit Court. We serve communities including Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, and Highland Springs. If you need a felony theft lawyer near Henrico County, we are accessible. 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Felony Theft in Henrico County
What makes a theft charge a felony in Virginia?
Yes. Theft is a felony (grand larceny) if the stolen property or services are valued at $1,000 or more, if the item is taken directly from a person, or if the item is a firearm regardless of value, as defined by Va. Code § 18.2-95.
Can a felony theft charge be reduced to a misdemeanor?
It depends. A felony stealing charge lawyer Henrico County can negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a reduction, often by challenging the evidence of value or intent. A jury also has the discretion to convict of a misdemeanor for grand larceny. Successful completion of a first-offender program may also lead to a dismissal.
What are the long-term consequences of a felony theft conviction?
A felony conviction creates a permanent criminal record, skilled to loss of voting rights, ineligibility for certain jobs and professional licenses, difficulty securing housing, and ineligibility for federal student aid. It also subjects you to harsher penalties for any future offenses.
Do I need a lawyer for a felony theft charge in Henrico County?
Yes. Felony charges carry the potential for years in prison and create a permanent felony record. The legal process in Henrico County Circuit Court is complex. An experienced felony theft lawyer Henrico County is essential to protect your rights, challenge evidence, and pursue the best possible outcome.
What court will my felony theft case be in?
Your case will start with a preliminary hearing in Henrico County General District Court. If the judge finds probable cause, the case will be bound over to Henrico County Circuit Court for a potential jury trial. All felony trials in Virginia are held in Circuit Court.
Internal Resources: For more information, see our Virginia Criminal Defense hub page. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Chesterfield County. If you are facing other charges, learn about our services as a Henrico County DUI lawyer.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for the most current legal advice regarding your specific situation.