Felony Theft Lawyer Lexington — Defending Against Grand Larceny Charges
Felony theft, or grand larceny, is a serious charge in Lexington, Virginia, prosecuted under Va. Code § 18.2-95. A conviction can result in 1 to 20 years in prison. If you are accused, you need a felony theft lawyer Lexington from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Our team, including former prosecutor Kristen Fisher, provides a strong defense.
Last verified: April 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Felony Theft Law
In Virginia, theft becomes a felony, known as grand larceny, when the value of the stolen property or services is $1,000 or more, as defined by Va. Code § 18.2-95. This statute is the primary legal framework for felony stealing charges in Lexington. The law also specifies other circumstances that constitute grand larceny regardless of value, such as theft directly from a person. 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 property is a critical element that the Commonwealth must establish beyond a reasonable doubt to secure a felony conviction.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Virginia’s larceny statutes, refer to Va. Code § 18.2-95 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures for Lexington cases are handled at the Lexington General District Court website.
Lexington Court Process for Felony Theft
Felony theft cases in Lexington begin with an arrest or summons. Your first appearance will be at the Lexington General District Court for a bond hearing and a preliminary hearing. At the preliminary hearing, the judge determines if there is probable cause to send the case to the Lexington Circuit Court for a jury trial. A felony theft lawyer Lexington can challenge the evidence at this early stage. In Lexington, prosecutors must carefully establish the value of the stolen property to meet the $1,000 felony threshold.
- Secure representation immediately after arrest or receiving a summons.
- Attend the arraignment and bond hearing in Lexington General District Court.
- Your attorney will review evidence and file pre-trial motions.
- Participate in a preliminary hearing where the felony charge is evaluated.
- If the case proceeds, prepare for trial or negotiate a resolution in Lexington Circuit Court.
Penalties for Felony Theft in Lexington
In Lexington, felony theft (grand larceny) is punishable by 1 to 20 years in prison, or at the jury’s discretion, up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony | 1-20 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Permanent felony record, difficulty finding employment, loss of professional licenses, ineligibility for certain government benefits. |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Misdemeanor criminal record. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Lexington Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We have a documented record of favorable outcomes for clients facing serious charges. Our approach is based on thorough investigation and case-specific strategy. For a felony stealing charge lawyer Lexington, our team understands the local legal field.
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 and Client Advocacy
Our commitment to client defense is demonstrated through our work. In prior cases involving serious theft allegations, our attorneys have secured outcomes such as reductions from felony to misdemeanor charges and case dismissals based on evidentiary challenges. For example, Mr. Sris has successfully navigated complex financial theft cases, leveraging his background in accounting and information systems.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Lexington Felony Theft Lawyers
Our Richmond location serves clients in Lexington. We are accessible via I-64 and I-81. If you need a felony theft lawyer near Lexington or a grand larceny defense lawyer Lexington, we are here to help. We serve the Lexington community and surrounding areas.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Felony Theft Defense FAQs in Lexington, VA
What is the penalty for felony theft in Lexington, Virginia?
Grand larceny is a felony punishable by 1 to 20 years in prison under Va. Code § 18.2-95. A jury can alternatively impose up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. The exact penalty depends on the value of the property and your criminal history.
Can a felony theft charge be reduced to a misdemeanor in Lexington?
It depends. A felony theft lawyer Lexington may negotiate a reduction if the property value is close to the $1,000 threshold or if there are weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence. Successful completion of a first-offender program or restitution can also support a reduction to petit larceny.
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. Certain thefts, like from a person, are felonies regardless of value.
Do I need a lawyer for a felony theft charge in Lexington?
Yes. Felony charges carry severe, long-term consequences including prison time and a permanent criminal record. A felony stealing charge lawyer Lexington can protect your rights, challenge evidence, and work toward the best possible outcome in Lexington General District and Circuit Courts.
How does the court determine the value of stolen property?
The Commonwealth must prove fair market value at the time of the theft. Receipts, experienced appraisal testimony, or owner statements may be used. Defense attorneys often scrutinize the valuation method, as it directly determines whether the charge is a felony or misdemeanor.
Internal Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia Criminal Defense hub page. We also assist with related matters like DUI defense in Lexington. Learn more about our team on attorney Bryan Block’s profile.
Last verified: April 2026. Information is subject to change. Consult an attorney for current legal advice.