Felony Theft Lawyer Madison County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Felony theft in Madison County is prosecuted as grand larceny under Va. Code § 18.2-95, a felony carrying 1-20 years in prison. A felony theft lawyer Madison County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense. Our firm has 45 documented case results in Madison County. We offer 24/7 phone consultations.
Last verified: April 2026 | Madison County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Felony Theft Law
In Virginia, theft of property valued at $1,000 or more is charged as grand larceny, a felony under Va. Code § 18.2-95. This is distinct from petit larceny (theft under $1,000), which is a misdemeanor. The prosecution must prove you intentionally took property belonging to another with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it. The value of the stolen property is a critical element that determines whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony. A grand larceny defense lawyer Madison County can challenge the evidence on value, intent, and ownership.
Penalties for Felony Theft in Madison County
In Madison County, felony theft (grand larceny) is punishable by 1 to 20 years in the state penitentiary, or at the jury’s discretion, confinement in jail for up to 12 months and a fine of up to $2,500.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Larceny (Value $1,000+) | Felony | 1-20 years (or up to 12 months in jail at jury discretion) | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Permanent felony record, loss of voting rights, difficulty finding employment/housing |
| Grand Larceny from a Person | Felony | 2-20 years | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Enhanced penalties |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Defending Felony Theft Charges in Madison County
Madison County General District Court handles felony preliminary hearings, while Madison County Circuit Court conducts felony jury trials. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases. A felony stealing charge lawyer Madison County from our firm will examine every detail. Common defense strategies include challenging the property valuation, arguing a lack of intent to steal (claim of right or mistake), questioning the identification of the accused, or filing motions to suppress improperly obtained evidence. First-offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 may be available, potentially skilled to dismissal after successful completion.
- Initial Consultation: Contact a felony theft lawyer Madison County immediately after arrest or receiving a summons.
- Case Review: Your attorney will obtain discovery, review police reports, and assess the evidence against you.
- Preliminary Hearing: If charged by warrant, a hearing in Madison County General District Court determines if there is probable cause for a felony trial.
- Negotiation & Motions: Your lawyer may negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduction or file pre-trial motions to challenge evidence.
- Trial Preparation: If no plea agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a jury trial in Madison County Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, your attorney advocates for the most favorable sentence. Appeals must be filed within strict deadlines.
Our Firm’s Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have a combined 120+ years of legal experience and have handled over 4,739 cases with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. In Madison County, we have 45 total documented case results across all practice areas. Our approach is direct and focused on the specific details of your case.
Matthew Greene, Senior Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. 30+ years criminal defense. Death penalty certified (formerly). View Matthew Greene’s Profile
Case Results
Our firm’s documented results include favorable outcomes in theft-related cases. For example, we have secured reductions from felony charges to misdemeanors and obtained dismissals. In one case involving a felony charge of obtaining money by false pretenses, our advocacy resulted in a misdemeanor disposition with suspended jail time.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our team, including experienced attorney Kristen Fisher, a former Maryland prosecutor, works collaboratively to examine every angle of a theft case.
Contact Our Madison County Felony Theft Lawyers
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Madison County courts (1 Main Street, Madison, VA 22727), accessible via Route 29 and Route 231. We are a felony theft lawyer near Madison County and serve the surrounding communities.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Felony Theft Lawyer Madison County FAQ
What is the penalty for felony theft in Madison County, Virginia?
Grand larceny (felony theft of $1,000+) carries 1 to 20 years in prison, or at the jury’s discretion, up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. The exact penalty depends on the specifics of the case and your prior record.
Can a felony theft charge be reduced to a misdemeanor in Madison County?
Yes, it depends. A felony stealing charge lawyer Madison County can negotiate for a reduction if the property valuation is questionable or if mitigating factors exist. Successful completion of a first-offender program under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 can also lead to a misdemeanor disposition or dismissal.
What is the difference between grand larceny and petit larceny in Virginia?
The key difference is the value of the stolen property. Theft of property valued at $1,000 or more is grand larceny, a felony. Theft under $1,000 is petit larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail.
Do I need a lawyer for a felony theft charge in Madison County?
Yes. Felony charges carry severe, life-altering penalties. A grand larceny defense lawyer Madison County can protect your rights, challenge evidence, and work toward the best possible outcome. The court will appoint a public defender if you qualify financially.
Where are felony theft cases heard in Madison County?
Felony preliminary hearings are held in Madison County General District Court. If the case proceeds, the felony jury trial takes place in Madison County Circuit Court. You have an absolute right to a jury trial for any offense carrying potential jail time.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing theft charges, you may also want to learn about Virginia criminal defense. For charges in nearby areas, see our pages for Fairfax County criminal defense and Prince William County criminal defense. For other legal needs in Madison County, consider a Madison County DUI lawyer or a Madison County family law attorney.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.