Grand Larceny Lawyer Alexandria, VA

Grand larceny is a serious felony in Virginia defined under Va. Code § 18.2‑95 as the theft of property valued at $1,000 or more, or theft directly from a person regardless of value. A conviction can lead to imprisonment for up to 20 years, and in Alexandria these charges are prosecuted actively by the Commonwealth’s Attorney. The Alexandria General District Court handles preliminary hearings for felony larceny, while jury trials and sentencing take place at Alexandria Circuit Court. Facing a grand larceny charge without experienced legal counsel puts your future at risk. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, serves clients across Northern Virginia with extensive combined legal experience between Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel; Results may vary. Reach our firm at (888) 437‑7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

What Grand Larceny Means in Alexandria, Virginia

Under Virginia law, the line between petit larceny—a Class 1 misdemeanor—and grand larceny is drawn at the $1,000 value threshold established by the 2020 amendment to Va. Code § 18.2‑95. Stealing property worth $1,000 or more, or taking any item directly from another person, elevates the offense to a felony. The statute also classifies theft of a firearm as grand larceny regardless of value. In Alexandria, grand larceny cases are pursued by the Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Alexandria, an independent city within the 18th Judicial District.

Alexandria’s court system divides responsibility between the General District Court, located at 520 King Street, and the Circuit Court. A person charged with grand larceny will first appear in the General District Court for an initial appearance and, if the charge is a felony, for a preliminary hearing. If the court finds probable cause, the case is certified to the Circuit Court for trial. The Circuit Court hears all felony jury trials and also handles appeals from the General District Court. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Regularly appears in both the Alexandria General District and Circuit Courts, and our attorneys are familiar with local procedures and the approach taken by the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Grand Larceny Cases

When a person is accused of grand larceny in Alexandria, the first step is a thorough evaluation of the evidence. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel examine how law enforcement arrived at the property valuation, whether the alleged theft fits the statutory definition, and whether any procedural errors occurred during the investigation or arrest. In many cases, the valuation of the property is central to the charge; if the evidence supports a valuation below $1,000, the charge may be amended to petit larceny, a misdemeanor with far less severe consequences. Our team also evaluates whether the property was taken “from the person,” a determination that can change the charge even if the value is below the threshold.

After a detailed review, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel develop a defense strategy tailored to the specific circumstances of the case. This may involve negotiating with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to seek an amendment of charges or a deferred disposition under Va. Code § 19.2‑303.2, where a defendant who meets certain criteria may complete probation and then have the charge dismissed. If a trial is necessary, our attorneys are prepared to challenge the prosecution’s evidence, cross‑examine witnesses, and present a defense that highlights weaknesses in the Commonwealth’s case. Throughout the process, we keep clients informed about each step and work to achieve the most favorable resolution possible under Virginia law.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded the firm in 1997. A former prosecutor, he brings firsthand insight into how the prosecution builds its case in Virginia courts. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and he has built a multi‑state firm that handles criminal matters across these jurisdictions.

Mr. Sris is supported by a team of Of Counsel attorneys whose collective experience includes prior prosecutorial and law enforcement backgrounds. This depth of experience allows the firm to evaluate a grand larceny charge from multiple angles—examining police procedure, evidence handling, and prosecutorial tactics. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience; Results may vary. Together, they work to protect clients’ rights and to pursue outcomes that minimize the impact of a criminal charge on their lives, families, and careers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the penalty for grand larceny in Alexandria, Virginia?

Grand larceny is a felony in Virginia punishable by imprisonment for one to twenty years, or, at the discretion of a jury, up to twelve months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. The exact sentence depends on the defendant’s prior record, the value of the property taken, and the circumstances of the offense. Because grand larceny is a felony, a conviction can also lead to a permanent loss of certain civil rights, including firearm possession. An Alexandria grand larceny lawyer can explain how these sentencing provisions apply to a specific case and can work to seek a reduction or alternative disposition whenever possible.

Can grand larceny charges be reduced in Alexandria?

Yes, grand larceny charges in Alexandria can sometimes be reduced to petit larceny—a Class 1 misdemeanor—if the evidence suggests the property’s value was less than $1,000 or if the Commonwealth’s Attorney agrees to an amendment. A reduction may be pursued through negotiation or by challenging the valuation at the preliminary hearing or trial. In some situations, a first‑offender program under Va. Code § 19.2‑303.2 may be available, allowing the charge to be dismissed after successful completion of probation. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can evaluate whether any of these options are appropriate for your case.

What should I do if I am arrested for grand larceny in Alexandria?

If you are arrested for grand larceny, you should exercise your right to remain silent and ask to speak with an attorney immediately. Do not discuss the facts with police or anyone else until you have legal representation. Preserve any documents, receipts, or communications that could relate to the property in question. The timeline for a grand larceny case in Alexandria moves quickly, and missing a court date or failing to take prompt action can have serious consequences. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747 to request a consultation as soon as possible.

Which court handles grand larceny cases in Alexandria, Virginia?

Grand larceny cases in Alexandria begin in the Alexandria General District Court, where an initial appearance and a preliminary hearing are held, but if the charge is a felony, the case is certified to the Alexandria Circuit Court for trial. The General District Court does not conduct jury trials for felonies, so the Circuit Court becomes the trial court. All felony jury trials and any appeals from the General District Court are heard in the Circuit Court. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients in both the Alexandria General District Court and the Alexandria Circuit Court.

Do I need a lawyer for a grand larceny charge in Alexandria?

Yes—given the serious nature of a felony grand larceny charge, you should have an experienced criminal defense lawyer representing you as early as possible. The stakes include potential incarceration, a permanent felony record, loss of employment opportunities, and loss of firearm rights. An attorney can evaluate the charge, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney, and help you understand the options available under Virginia law. Reaching our firm at (888) 437‑7747 gives you an opportunity to discuss your situation and make informed decisions about your defense.

Official Virginia resources:
Virginia Code Title 18.2 – Crimes and Offenses |
Alexandria Circuit Court |
Alexandria General District Court

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