Larceny related charges in Virginia can range from shoplifting or petit larceny all the way up to embezzlement of millions of dollars. A conviction for larceny can lead to prison time, a criminal record, and the loss of certain rights. Before pleading guilty to theft charges, make sure you understand your rights and the consequences of giving up your day in court.

If you are facing larceny or theft related charges, contact me today for a free consultation.

Virginia Larceny and Fraud Offenses

Thomas M. Wilson provides legal representation in all theft, larceny, or fraud matters in Virginia, including the following.

• Shoplifting
• Petit larceny
• Grand Larceny
• Unauthorized Use
• Receiving Stolen Goods
• Robbery
• Burglary
• Identity Theft
• Embezzlement
• Fraud

Virginia Larceny Statutes

What is commonly considered theft is generally known as “larceny” in legal terms in Virginia. There are a number of statutes for different types of larceny in Virginia, including specific laws against taking shopping carts, larceny of animals and poultry, or removal of crops. However, the most common larceny offenses include the following.

• Shoplifting § 18.2-103
• Petit Larceny § 18.2-96
• Grand Larceny § 18.2-95
• Unauthorized Use § 18.2-102
• Receiving Stolen Goods § 18.2-108
• Embezzlement § 18.2-111

Penalties for Larceny Convictions

The penalties for larceny convictions generally depend on the value of items taken or the type of property taken. Larceny of goods valued at less than $1000 is generally considered petit larceny and is a Class 1 Misdemeanor. The penalties for a misdemeanor conviction include a maximum of 12 months in jail.

Theft of property valued at $1000 or more is considered grand larceny. Grand larceny is a felony with a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in jail. Theft from a person (such as taking someone's necklace or purse-snatching) and theft of a firearm are also considered grand larceny, regardless of the item's value.

Defenses to Larceny Charges

There may be a number of legal defenses to charges of larceny or theft. Your Charlottesville criminal defense attorney will investigate your case to determine the best defense strategies. This may include

• Mistaken identity,
• The defendant never left with the property,
• The defendant owned the property,
• The owner gave the defendant the property, or
• Violations of the defendant's protections against unlawful search or seizure,
• Honest mistakes regarding your right to the property

Charlottesville Larceny Crime Defense Lawyer

If you have been charged with shoplifting, grand larceny, or other theft crime in Charlottesville, contact attorney me today for a free consultation. Each case is unique but depending on the case, I may be able to help you have your charge dismissed, obtain a not guilty verdict, or minimize the negative impact of a conviction.