Felony Theft Lawyer Fairfax County, VA
Being charged with felony theft in Fairfax County can affect your freedom, your record, and your future. Whether the charge is grand larceny under Va. Code § 18.2‑95, credit card theft, embezzlement, or obtaining money by false pretenses, a conviction carries the possibility of prison time and a permanent felony record. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have defended clients against felony theft accusations in the Fairfax County General District Court and the Fairfax County Circuit Court for many years. The firm works to protect your rights from the earliest stages of the case—beginning with the preliminary hearing and continuing through trial if necessary. Early guidance from an experienced attorney can make a meaningful difference. To schedule a consultation, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Felony Theft Means in Fairfax County
In Virginia, theft offenses are classified primarily by the value of the property involved and by the method used to commit the taking. The most common felony theft charge is grand larceny under Va. Code § 18.2‑95. If the property taken is valued at $1,000 or more, the offense is grand larceny. The same charge applies when a firearm is taken, regardless of its dollar value, or when property is taken directly from a person. Grand larceny is a felony that can be punished by a term of imprisonment ranging from one to twenty years, or by a jail term of up to twelve months at the discretion of the jury or the court trying the case without a jury. A conviction also results in a permanent criminal record and the loss of certain civil rights.
Grand larceny in Virginia—theft of property valued at $1,000 or more, theft of a firearm, or theft from a person—is a felony punishable by 1 to 20 years imprisonment, or up to 12 months in jail at the discretion of the court or jury.
Source: Va. Code § 18.2‑95. Virginia Code § 18.2‑95
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
Other felony theft offenses prosecuted in Fairfax County include credit card theft under § 18.2‑192, embezzlement under § 18.2‑111, and obtaining money by false pretenses under § 18.2‑178. Each of these carries its own penalty range, and many are punished according to the value of the property involved, following the grand‑larceny grading structure. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fairfax County pursues these charges actively, and the local courts—the General District Court for preliminary hearings and the Circuit Court for felony trials and jury proceedings—follow established procedures that place significant procedural demands on the accused. Because Virginia law does not permit a judge to participate in plea negotiations, having an attorney who knows how to engage with the prosecutor’s office is important. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are familiar with the local practice at the Fairfax County General District Court at 4110 Chain Bridge Road and the Fairfax County Circuit Court.
Fairfax County is one of Virginia’s largest and busiest jurisdictions. The court system handles a high volume of criminal matters, and the docket moves quickly. A person charged with felony theft must navigate arraignment, a probable‑cause hearing in the General District Court, and—if the charge is certified—trial or other disposition in the Circuit Court. Understanding the procedural landscape, including the availability of pretrial motions, the role of the grand jury, and the timeline for discovery, can directly influence the strategy for a defense.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Felony Theft Cases
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel approach every felony theft case by first scrutinizing the evidence the prosecution intends to offer. That review focuses on whether the value of the alleged stolen property meets the statutory threshold, whether the taking can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, and whether any constitutional violations occurred during the investigation or arrest. The firm challenges weak valuation evidence, conflicting witness statements, and procedural missteps that could affect the admissibility of key evidence. In cases where the evidence is strong, the firm’s advocacy may shift to negotiating with the prosecutor for a reduction of the charge to a misdemeanor or for a disposition that avoids a felony conviction, such as a deferred finding under available statutory provisions when the client is eligible.
The process in Fairfax County begins with the preliminary hearing in the General District Court, where the Commonwealth must present enough evidence to establish probable cause. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel use that hearing to test the prosecution’s case and, when appropriate, to argue for dismissal or for amendment of the charge. If the case is certified to the Circuit Court, the firm prepares for trial while simultaneously exploring all pretrial resolution options. Throughout the case, the firm keeps the client informed of the risks, the options, and the practical consequences of each decision. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to this work, drawing on years of courtroom practice in Fairfax County and across Virginia.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who founded the firm in 1997. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His experience on both sides of the courtroom gives him insight into how the prosecution builds a case, and he applies that perspective to the defense of individuals charged with felony offenses.
Mr. Sris works alongside a team of experienced Of Counsel attorneys who concentrate in criminal defense. Together, they represent clients in the Fairfax County courts and throughout Northern Virginia. The firm has documented case results across multiple practice areas, including criminal matters in Fairfax County. Results may vary. To speak with Mr. Sris or a member of his Of Counsel team about a felony theft charge, call (888) 437-7747.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I am facing felony theft charges in Virginia?
If you are facing felony theft charges, you should contact a criminal defense attorney immediately and avoid discussing the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve any documents, receipts, or other evidence that might relate to the property at issue. Do not make any statements to law enforcement without counsel present. The prosecutor can use anything you say against you. Early representation allows your attorney to begin investigating the facts, identifying witnesses, and communicating with the prosecutor before the preliminary hearing. Prompt action can affect the direction of the case from the outset. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss the situation.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against felony theft charges?
An experienced Virginia lawyer defends against felony theft by challenging the value of the property, the identity of the accused, the intent to permanently deprive, and the legality of the police investigation. If the alleged value falls below $1,000, the charge may be reduced to a misdemeanor. The attorney may also raise constitutional defenses if the evidence was obtained through an unlawful search or seizure. In appropriate cases, the attorney negotiates with the prosecutor for a resolution that avoids a felony conviction. Each defense strategy is tailored to the specific facts of the case and the applicable statute.
What is the difference between grand larceny and petit larceny in Virginia?
Grand larceny is a felony involving property valued at $1,000 or more, a firearm of any value, or theft directly from a person; petit larceny is a Class 1 misdemeanor for property under $1,000. The distinction is critical because a grand larceny conviction can result in a prison sentence and a permanent felony record, while a petit larceny conviction carries a maximum of twelve months in jail and a fine. The value of the property is often the key point of contention. A skilled defense evaluation may identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s valuation evidence that could lead to a reduction to a misdemeanor charge.
Can a felony theft charge be reduced to a misdemeanor in Fairfax County?
Yes, a felony theft charge can be reduced to a misdemeanor if the evidence of value is insufficient or if the prosecutor agrees to amend the charge as part of a negotiated resolution. In Fairfax County, amendments may occur at the preliminary hearing in the General District Court or later in the Circuit Court. The decision rests with the prosecutor, not the judge. An attorney who thoroughly reviews the evidence and raises credible challenges to the valuation or to other elements of the charge can often create the leverage needed to secure a reduction. Each case depends on its own facts, and past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Do I need a lawyer for a felony theft case in Fairfax County?
Yes, a felony charge carries the risk of imprisonment and a permanent record, so retaining an experienced defense attorney is strongly recommended. The court system moves quickly, and procedural missteps can have lasting consequences. An attorney can evaluate the strength of the prosecution’s case, advise you on the trusted course of action, and represent you at every stage—from the initial appearance to trial. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have handled felony matters in the Fairfax County courts and can discuss your options with you. Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.
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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.