Grand Larceny Lawyer Bedford County — Defending Felony Theft Charges
Grand larceny in Bedford County is a felony under Va. Code § 18.2-95, defined as theft of property valued at $1,000 or more. A conviction can result in 1 to 20 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for felony theft charges. Our grand larceny lawyer Bedford County builds a case-specific defense strategy. Contact us 24/7 for a consultation.
Last verified: April 2026 | Bedford County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Grand Larceny Law
In Virginia, grand larceny is a serious felony offense. The statute, Va. Code § 18.2-95, defines it as the theft of money, goods, or chattels valued at $1,000 or more. The law also classifies theft of certain items, like firearms or certain livestock, as grand larceny regardless of their market value. This charge is distinct from petit larceny (theft under $1,000), which is a misdemeanor. The case is prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney for Bedford County and is heard in the Bedford County General District Court for preliminary hearings and then moves to Bedford County Circuit Court for trial.
Penalties for a Grand Larceny Conviction
In Bedford County, a grand larceny conviction is a felony carrying a potential prison sentence of 1 to 20 years, or, in the discretion of the jury or court, 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 prison, or up to 12 months jail | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Permanent felony record, difficulty finding employment/housing, loss of voting rights, ineligibility for certain professional licenses. |
| Grand Larceny (Firearm) | Felony | Mandatory minimum sentence applies | Court discretion | None directly | Same as above, with enhanced penalties. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Defense Strategy for Grand Theft Charges
Defending a grand larceny charge requires a detailed examination of the evidence. Our approach involves scrutinizing police reports, witness statements, and the methods used to determine the property’s value. We assess whether your rights were violated during the investigation or arrest. We explore all procedural and substantive defenses.
- Initial Case Review: We obtain all discovery from the prosecution, including police reports, witness lists, and evidence logs.
- Evidence Challenge: We file motions to suppress evidence obtained through unlawful searches or seizures, or to challenge the reliability of witness identification.
- Valuation Dispute: We work with experts, if necessary, to contest the prosecution’s valuation of the stolen property, aiming to reduce the charge.
- Negotiation & Trial Prep: We engage in pre-trial negotiations with the prosecutor for a favorable plea agreement. If no fair offer is made, we prepare a vigorous defense for trial in Bedford County Circuit Court.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your 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 achieving favorable outcomes for our clients. Our team understands the high stakes of a felony theft charge and works diligently to protect your future.
Bryan Block, Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. Former Virginia State Trooper (15 years). View Bryan Block’s Profile
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 & Client Advocacy
Our firm has a documented history of defending clients against serious theft allegations. In related cases, our attorneys have secured dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and charge reductions. For instance, our team has successfully argued for the reduction of felony theft charges to misdemeanors by challenging property valuation. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our secondary attorney on complex criminal matters is Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a background in accounting, which provides a unique advantage in cases involving financial evidence.
Contact Our Grand Larceny Lawyer Bedford County
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients in Bedford County. We are accessible from Route 460, Route 122, and other major highways.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Shenandoah/Woodstock
505 N Main St #103, Woodstock, VA 22664, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only. We serve Bedford, Forest, Smith Mountain Lake, and Moneta.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Bedford County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Bedford County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor: up to 6 months/$1,000. Common charges include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57), petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96), and driving on suspended (§ 46.2-301). Cases heard at Bedford County General District Court (123 East Main Street, Suite 202, Bedford, VA 24523). 4 documented results: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 1 other favorable (100% favorable outcome rate)
Can criminal charges be expunged in Bedford County, Virginia?
Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. Most convictions cannot be expunged. The petition is filed in Bedford County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 4 documented results: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 1 other favorable (100% favorable outcome rate)
How does bail work in Bedford County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Bedford County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Bedford County General District Court. Bond amount set by magistrate at arrest — personal recognizance for many first-offense misdemeanors; secured bond typical for felonies (bail bondsman charges approximately 10%); public defender eligibility based on income; court-appointed attorney fee: $120 (misdemeanor) to $445+ (felony)
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Bedford County?
Bedford County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Bedford County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying jail time. Bedford County General District Court (123 East Main Street, Suite 202, Bedford, VA 24523) is the GDC location.
What makes grand larceny a felony in Virginia?
Grand larceny is a felony in Virginia primarily based on the value of the stolen property, which must be $1,000 or more under Va. Code § 18.2-95. Theft of a firearm, regardless of value, is also grand larceny. This distinguishes it from petit larceny (theft under $1,000), which is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Can a grand larceny charge be reduced?
It depends. A felony theft defense lawyer Bedford County can often negotiate a reduction, especially if the property valuation is disputable. If successful, the charge may be reduced to petit larceny (a misdemeanor) or an alternative offense with lesser penalties. The outcome hinges on the evidence and the specific facts of the case.
Internal Links: For more information, see our Virginia Criminal Defense hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Shenandoah County. If you are facing other charges, consider our Bedford County DUI defense services.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.