Petit Larceny Lawyer Arlington County, VA

A simple mistake—taking something you did not realize you were not allowed to take—can lead to a petit larceny charge in Arlington County. Even a first-offense petit larceny is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Virginia law, carrying up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. A conviction also creates a permanent criminal record. If you have been charged, the attorneys at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can help. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm has extensive experience representing clients in Arlington County General District Court and Arlington County Circuit Court. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience to defending larceny charges, with 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. Our Arlington location is at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room 719. Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

What Petit Larceny Means in Arlington County

Under Va. Code § 18.2-96, petit larceny is the theft of property valued at less than $1,000. It is a Class 1 misdemeanor, the most serious level of misdemeanor in Virginia. The potential penalties include up to 12 months in jail, a fine of up to $2,500, or both. Beyond the immediate sentence, a petit larceny conviction stays on your record and can affect employment opportunities, professional licensing, and housing applications.

In Arlington County, misdemeanor petit larceny cases are heard in the Arlington County General District Court, located at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400. If a case is appealed or if it is a felony matter (such as grand larceny), it proceeds to the Arlington County Circuit Court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Arlington County prosecutes these cases. The local courts serve the communities of Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. The Arlington County General District Court is currently presided over by Hon. Jason S. Rucker. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel regularly appear in these courts and understand the local procedures that affect how a petit larceny charge moves through the system.

Plea bargaining is permitted under Rule 3A:8 of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia; the Commonwealth’s Attorney and defense counsel may negotiate a plea agreement, which the court may accept or reject. However, the prosecutor may agree to amend the charge, making early legal engagement critical. Understanding how the Commonwealth’s Attorney approaches petit larceny cases in Arlington County—and how to present mitigating facts—can influence the direction of a case.

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

When you engage Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for a petit larceny matter in Arlington County, the first step is a careful review of the evidence. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel examine the police report, witness statements, and any video or documentary evidence to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. They consider whether the value of the property was accurately determined—a key factor in staying within the misdemeanor range and avoiding felony exposure.

Because Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor, he brings insight into how the Commonwealth’s Attorney builds a case. His Of Counsel include an attorney who previously served as a Virginia State Trooper, providing firsthand knowledge of police procedures and evidence-gathering techniques. That dual perspective allows the firm to challenge the admissibility of evidence when appropriate and to negotiate from a position of strength. Common defense strategies may include showing that there was no intent to permanently deprive the owner, that the accused had a claim of right to the property, or that a mistake of fact occurred. In some instances, the firm works to secure a dismissal through deferred disposition or the first-offender program under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2, provided the client meets eligibility requirements.

If a trial is necessary, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are prepared to present a well-prepared defense in the Arlington County General District Court or, on appeal, in the Circuit Court. While past results do not guarantee a similar outcome, the firm has documented 21 favorable case results in Arlington County criminal matters—11 dismissed or not guilty, and 10 reduced or amended. Results may vary.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. A former prosecutor, he has practiced since 1997 and is admitted to the bars of 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 background includes a degree in accounting and information systems, which sharpens his ability to analyze financial evidence that often arises in theft cases.

Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience, with 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. The Of Counsel team includes attorneys with backgrounds as a former Virginia State Trooper and a former Assistant State’s Attorney in Maryland, as well as litigators with decades of trial experience. This collective experience allows the firm to address petit larceny charges from multiple angles—investigative, prosecutorial, and defensive. Every client receives focused attention from an experienced legal team dedicated to working toward a favorable resolution.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the penalty for petit larceny in Arlington County, Virginia?

Petit larceny in Virginia is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-96, carrying up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. The exact sentence depends on the circumstances, including the value of the property, the defendant’s prior record, and whether the case is resolved through a plea agreement or trial. In Arlington County General District Court, a judge imposes sentence after a finding of guilt. For first-time offenders, alternatives such as first-offender probation under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 may be available, which can lead to a dismissal upon successful completion. Contact our firm to discuss how these options may apply to your situation.

Can petit larceny charges be expunged in Virginia?

Yes, Virginia law permits expungement of a petit larceny charge if the case was dismissed, you were acquitted, or the prosecutor entered a nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. Convictions generally cannot be expunged unless later overturned on appeal or by pardon. The expungement petition must be filed in the Arlington County Circuit Court. A successful petition removes police and court records from public view. Because the process requires showing that the records cause a manifest injustice, having experienced counsel prepare the petition is important. If your charge resulted in a non-conviction disposition, we can help you evaluate expungement eligibility.

How does bail work for a petit larceny charge in Arlington County?

For a first-offense petit larceny, a magistrate may release you on personal recognizance—meaning no money is required—or set a secured bond. The magistrate considers factors such as ties to the community, criminal history, and the nature of the alleged offense. If the bond is set too high, your attorney can request a bond reduction hearing in the Arlington County General District Court. A bail bondsman typically charges a non-refundable fee of about 10% of the bond amount for a secured bond. Our firm can advise on the bond process and, if necessary, advocate for reasonable bail conditions.

Do I need a lawyer for a petit larceny charge in Arlington County?

Yes. Even a misdemeanor petit larceny conviction creates a permanent criminal record that can affect jobs, professional licenses, and housing opportunities. An experienced attorney can evaluate the evidence, identify procedural errors, and negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to seek a reduced charge or alternative disposition. The stakes are higher than they may appear, especially if the charge could be elevated to a felony based on prior offenses or the value of the property. Early legal representation helps protect your rights and maximizes the chance of a favorable outcome. Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.

What are possible defenses to petit larceny in Virginia?

Defenses may include lack of intent to permanently deprive, mistake of fact, or that the property was valued at less than $1,000 to avoid felony exposure. For example, if you honestly believed you had permission to take the item, that may negate the required criminal intent. Another defense might challenge the identification of the accused or the reliability of witness testimony. Additionally, if the police violated your constitutional rights during the stop or search, evidence could be suppressed. A thorough investigation of the facts by a defense attorney is essential to identify the strong $1s available in your case.

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

Petit larceny involves theft of property worth less than $1,000, while grand larceny applies when the value is $1,000 or more. Grand larceny is a felony, punishable by one to 20 years in prison, or up to 12 months in jail at jury discretion. Theft from the person of another (valued at $5 or more) also constitutes grand larceny regardless of value. The threshold amount is critical; if the prosecutor overvalues the item, your attorney can challenge the valuation to keep the charge a misdemeanor. This distinction can dramatically affect the potential sentence and long-term consequences, making it essential to have experienced representation.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary.