Felony Theft Lawyer Manassas, VA

When a theft charge rises to a felony in Manassas, the stakes are serious. Virginia law defines felony theft, commonly called grand larceny, under Va. Code § 18.2‑95. A conviction can mean years in prison and a permanent criminal record. If you are facing a felony theft charge in Manassas, understanding how the law applies to your situation is critical. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, represents individuals accused of theft offenses in the Manassas courts. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, and his Of Counsel team work with clients to examine the evidence and build a defense tailored to each case. To request a consultation, call (888) 437‑7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

Grand Larceny and Theft Offenses in Manassas, Virginia

Virginia law separates theft into two categories based on the value of the property. Under Va. Code § 18.2‑96, theft of property valued at less than $1,000 is petit larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor. A conviction for petit larceny carries up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. When the value reaches $1,000 or more, the charge becomes grand larceny under Va. Code § 18.2‑95, a felony offense. The $1,000 threshold was set in 2020. Theft directly from the person of another, or theft of a firearm regardless of value, also constitutes grand larceny. A grand larceny conviction is punishable by imprisonment for 1 to 20 years, though a jury may instead impose up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.

Manassas courts handle theft cases based on the classification of the charge. Misdemeanor petit larceny cases are heard in the Manassas General District Court, located at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230. Felony grand larceny charges begin with a preliminary hearing in the General District Court and, if certified, proceed to trial in the Manassas Circuit Court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Manassas prosecutes these cases. Because the value of the property — and how it was taken — determines whether a charge is a misdemeanor or a felony, early review of the Commonwealth’s evidence can be essential. Prosecutors must prove both the value of the property and the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it. An experienced defense attorney can scrutinize how the value was calculated and whether the evidence supports the grand larceny charge.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Felony Theft Cases

Defending a felony theft charge starts with a thorough examination of the arrest, the police report, and the evidence the Commonwealth intends to present. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel approach each case by identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, including questions about the property’s value, the owner’s identification of the item, and the circumstances surrounding the alleged taking. In appropriate cases, they work to negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduction to a misdemeanor charge or for a deferred disposition that may ultimately lead to a dismissal. If the case proceeds to trial, the team prepares to challenge the evidence, cross‑examine witnesses, and present a defense that casts doubt on the prosecution’s case.

Because grand larceny is a felony, the stakes are high, and the defense strategy may involve raising issues about witness credibility, chain of custody of evidence, or the voluntariness of statements made to police. Mr. Sris’s background as a former prosecutor gives him insight into how the other side builds its case, and his Of Counsel team’s collective experience in Manassas courts helps them address the local procedural landscape. Every case is different, and the approach taken is based on the unique facts of the charge and the client’s goals.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded by Mr. Sris in 1997. Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of the firm, a former prosecutor, and is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Along with his Of Counsel team, Mr. Sris represents clients facing felony theft charges in Manassas. All non‑Sris attorneys serve as Of Counsel; the firm has no associates or partners. Clients receive representation from attorneys who are experienced in criminal defense. The firm’s Fairfax location serves Manassas and the surrounding region. To discuss a felony theft matter, call (888) 437‑7747.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between grand larceny and petit larceny in Virginia?

Grand larceny is a felony involving theft of property valued at $1,000 or more, while petit larceny is a misdemeanor for property worth less than $1,000. This distinction is set out in Va. Code §§ 18.2‑95 and 18.2‑96. The same act of taking another’s property can be a felony or a misdemeanor based solely on value, which makes how police and prosecutors calculate the value a critical part of a defense. Theft directly from a person, or theft of a firearm regardless of value, is also treated as grand larceny. A petit larceny conviction is a Class 1 misdemeanor with a maximum jail term of 12 months; a grand larceny conviction carries 1 to 20 years in prison.

What should I do if I am charged with felony theft in Manassas?

If you are charged with felony theft, the first step is to remain silent and request an attorney. Do not discuss the facts of the case with police or anyone else until you have legal representation. Write down everything you remember about the incident while it is fresh — dates, times, locations, witnesses — and provide that information to your lawyer. Prompt action is important because evidence can be lost and witnesses’ memories fade. An experienced attorney can review the charging documents, investigate how the value of the property was determined, and identify any procedural or constitutional issues. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747 to request a consultation.

Can a felony theft charge be reduced to a misdemeanor?

Yes, a grand larceny charge may be reduced to petit larceny if the evidence does not support the felony value threshold or through negotiation with the Commonwealth’s Attorney. In Virginia, a charge can be amended before or during court proceedings. When the property’s fair market value is in dispute, a defense attorney may argue that the value falls below $1,000, which would make the appropriate charge a misdemeanor. Additionally, in cases with mitigating circumstances, a prosecutor may agree to reduce the charge as part of a plea agreement. The possibility of reduction depends on the specific facts of the case.

Do I need a lawyer for a felony theft case?

Yes, anyone facing a felony theft charge in Manassas should have legal representation. A felony conviction can result in prison time, a permanent criminal record, and long‑term consequences for employment, housing, and civil rights. The court system and rules of evidence are complex, and a prosecuting attorney has extensive resources. A defense lawyer can examine the state’s evidence, challenge the valuation of the alleged stolen property, negotiate with the prosecutor, and, if necessary, prepare for trial. Representing yourself in a felony matter is risky. For a consultation, call (888) 437‑7747.

How does the court process work for felony theft in Manassas?

The process begins with an initial appearance and a preliminary hearing in the Manassas General District Court, where a judge decides if there is enough evidence to send the case to the grand jury. If the charge is certified, the case moves to the Manassas Circuit Court for indictment and trial. At the circuit court level, the defendant may enter a plea, and if the case is not resolved by an agreement, a trial date is set. The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case and the court’s schedule. Throughout the process, the defense may file motions to suppress evidence or to challenge the admissibility of certain statements.

What are possible defenses to a grand larceny charge?

Common defenses include disputing the value of the property, challenging whether the defendant intended to permanently deprive the owner, and asserting a claim of right. To prove grand larceny, the Commonwealth must show not only that the property was taken but that its value reached the $1,000 threshold and that the defendant acted with a specific intent to steal. If the property was taken temporarily or under a mistaken belief of ownership, the intent element may be challenged. Additionally, evidence obtained through an unlawful search or seizure may be excluded. Each defense depends on the particular facts of the case.

Also serving these nearby localities:
Criminal Defense Lawyer Fairfax County, VA •
Criminal Defense Lawyer Prince William County, VA •
Criminal Defense Lawyer Manassas Park, VA •
Criminal Defense Lawyer Fairfax City, VA •
Criminal Defense Lawyer Falls Church, VA

For more information on Virginia theft statutes, see the Virginia Code Title 18.2. For court information, visit Manassas General District Court and Manassas Circuit Court.

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