Petit Larceny Lawyer Fairfax County, VA
You stopped at a department store in Tysons Corner after work, picked up a few items, and paid for most of them—but you forgot one small item in your cart. Before you reached your car, loss prevention stopped you and called Fairfax County police. Now you hold a summons for petit larceny and a court date at Fairfax County General District Court. You are not alone. Many people facing a first-time shoplifting or petty theft charge in Fairfax County were not intending to steal. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. defends individuals accused of petit larceny throughout Fairfax County, from the Fairfax County General District Court to the Circuit Court. Contact our firm at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
Strategy for a Petit Larceny Defense
A petit larceny charge under Va. Code § 18.2-96 is a Class 1 misdemeanor. The Commonwealth must prove you took property valued below the statutory threshold with intent to permanently deprive the owner. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys look for weaknesses in the evidence: Was the store’s video surveillance complete and clear? Did loss prevention follow proper procedures? Was there a plausible innocent explanation for your actions? In many cases, we can negotiate with the prosecutor to amend the charge to a lesser offense or pursue a deferred disposition under Virginia’s first-offender statute, which can result in dismissal after successful completion of probation.
What to Expect at Fairfax County General District Court
Misdemeanor petit larceny charges are heard at Fairfax County General District Court at 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210, Fairfax, VA 22030. You will be given a trial date. At the arraignment, you will enter a plea. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can appear on your behalf and present your defense. Fairfax County prosecutors handle a high volume of cases; our familiarity with local court procedures and the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office helps us pursue the trusted resolution available for your circumstances.
If the charge cannot be resolved in the General District Court, you have an absolute right to appeal to the Fairfax County Circuit Court for a new trial. There, a jury may be available, and the prosecution must prove its case again. We prepare every case as if it will go to trial, even while exploring all pretrial resolution options.
Penalties for Petit Larceny in Fairfax County
A conviction for petit larceny under Va. Code § 18.2-96 is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. In addition, a conviction creates a permanent criminal record that can affect employment, professional licensing, and security clearances. For non-citizens, it may have immigration consequences. Virginia law does allow the court to defer proceedings and place a first-time offender on probation under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2. If the terms—community service, restitution, staying out of legal trouble—are completed, the charge can be dismissed. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you determine whether you are eligible for this or other diversion programs.
Your Defense Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who has practiced law since 1997. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys include a former Virginia State Trooper and a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney, bringing insight into how police investigations are conducted and how prosecutors build their cases. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to petit larceny defense in Fairfax County. Results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is petit larceny in Virginia?
Petit larceny is the unlawful taking of property valued below the statutory threshold, a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-96. It is prosecuted in the General District Court. The prosecutor must prove that you took the property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner. Theft of items worth $1,000 or more would be grand larceny, a felony. A petit larceny charge is serious and requires a strong defense.
Can a first-offense petit larceny charge be dismissed in Fairfax County?
Yes, a first-offense petit larceny charge may be dismissed after successful completion of a first-offender program under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2. The court can defer the proceedings, place you on probation with conditions such as community service and restitution, and dismiss the charge if you complete the program. Not everyone qualifies—eligibility depends on prior record and the specific facts. An attorney can advocate for your admission into the program.
Do I need a lawyer for a petit larceny charge in Fairfax County?
You are not legally required to have a lawyer, but representing yourself in a criminal matter is extremely risky. A petit larceny conviction carries up to 12 months in jail and a permanent criminal record. An experienced criminal defense attorney can evaluate the evidence, negotiate with the prosecutor, and advocate for a dismissal or reduction. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are familiar with Fairfax County courts and prosecutors and can guide you through the process.
How does a petit larceny case proceed in Fairfax County?
The case begins with a summons or arrest, followed by an arraignment at Fairfax County General District Court. You will enter a plea. If you plead not guilty, a trial date is set. At trial, the Commonwealth presents its evidence and witnesses. Your attorney can cross-examine witnesses and present your defense. If you are found guilty, you have a right to appeal to the Fairfax County Circuit Court within 10 days. The appeal is a new trial, and you may have a jury.
What should I bring to my first meeting with a petit larceny lawyer?
Bring the summons or charging document, any police report, and any documents related to the incident, such as receipts or store correspondence. Also provide a list of witnesses and any information about your prior criminal record, if any. Be prepared to discuss the events in detail. Everything you share with your attorney is confidential. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.
Contact an Experienced Petit Larceny Lawyer in Fairfax County
A petit larceny charge can threaten your freedom, your record, and your future. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have defended many individuals accused of theft offenses in Fairfax County. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation.
For a full statutory breakdown of Virginia theft offenses, visit our comprehensive analysis at srislawyer.com/virginia-criminal-lawyer.
Primary source references: Va. Code § 18.2-96; Fairfax County General District Court.
Fairfax County General District Court is currently presided over by Hon. Michael Joseph Holleran. Court hours: Mon-Fri 8:00AM-4:00PM. Counsel appearing on criminal matters should plan filings accordingly.
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.