Grand Larceny Lawyer Lexington, VA

A grand larceny charge in Lexington, Virginia, is a serious felony that can alter the course of a person’s life. Under Va. Code § 18.2‑95, grand larceny means stealing property worth at least $1,000, stealing any firearm regardless of its value, or taking money or an item worth $5 or more directly from another person. A conviction can result in a prison sentence of one to twenty years—or, at the jury’s discretion, up to twelve months in jail and a $2,500 fine. These charges are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and begin with a preliminary hearing in the Lexington General District Court before a felony trial in Lexington Circuit Court. Because the stakes include imprisonment, a permanent criminal record, and long-term collateral consequences, an experienced defense attorney should be involved at the earliest possible stage. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, represents individuals accused of grand larceny and other theft offenses in the Lexington courts. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder, is a former prosecutor who understands how the Commonwealth builds a theft case. The firm’s Shenandoah location serves clients throughout the Lexington area and Rockbridge County. To discuss your situation, call (888) 437‑7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

What Grand Larceny Means in Lexington, Virginia

Grand larceny is defined by the value of the property taken or the manner of the taking. Section 18.2‑95 of the Virginia Code classifies larceny from a person of money or property worth $5 or more, theft of goods valued at $1,000 or above, and theft of any firearm as a felony. A person accused of the offense faces a charge that is triable only in Circuit Court after a probable‑cause determination in General District Court. Unlike a misdemeanor, a felony conviction carries the loss of civil rights—including the right to vote, to hold public office, and to possess a firearm—and may affect employment, professional licensing, housing, and educational opportunities.

In Lexington, criminal cases are heard in the Lexington General District Court and, when a felony is involved, in the Lexington Circuit Court. Both courts sit at 2 South Main Street and are part of Virginia’s Twenty‑fifth Judicial District. The General District Court conducts arraignments, bond hearings, and preliminary hearings. If the judge finds probable cause, the case is certified to the Circuit Court for trial. An individual charged with grand larceny has an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court. Local practice also provides access to first‑offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2‑303.2 for certain eligible defendants, and expungement is available for charges that end in acquittal, dismissal, or nolle prosequi under § 19.2‑392.2.

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

Defending a grand larceny accusation requires a careful review of the evidence, the Commonwealth’s theory of the case, and the procedural steps that led to the charge. The defense effort begins with a thorough examination of the arrest and investigation. Law enforcement must establish probable cause; any deficiency in a search, an interrogation, or the handling of evidence can form the basis of a motion to suppress. The value of the property is often the single most important factual question, because it determines whether the charge is a felony or a misdemeanor. A defense strategy may involve challenging the Commonwealth’s valuation method, demonstrating a lack of intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property, or presenting evidence that the accused had a claim of right.

In Lexington, a grand larceny case moves through a preliminary hearing in General District Court. At that stage, the defense has an early opportunity to test the strength of the prosecution’s witnesses and evidence. If the case is certified to Circuit Court, pretrial motions and negotiations with the Commonwealth’s Attorney can shape whether the charge is amended, reduced, or whether a plea agreement is presented to the court. Throughout the process, the goal is to protect the client’s rights, explore every available defense, and work toward the most favorable resolution the facts and the law permit. Results may vary.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who has practiced criminal law since 1997. His experience inside the prosecution’s function gives him a practical understanding of how theft cases are investigated, charged, and tried. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and he has testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).

Mr. Sris is supported by Of Counsel attorneys who bring substantial courtroom and investigative experience to the firm’s criminal defense practice. The team includes a former Virginia State Trooper whose fifteen‑year law‑enforcement career provides direct insight into police procedures, evidence collection, and report preparation—often critical in theft and property‑crime cases. The firm’s Shenandoah location in Woodstock serves Lexington and the surrounding region. For a consultation, call (888) 437‑7747.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the threshold for grand larceny in Virginia?

Virginia law designates theft as grand larceny when the property taken is valued at $1,000 or more, when any firearm is stolen, or when money or an item worth $5 or more is taken directly from another person. Theft below that amount is generally petit larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor. The value of the property at the time of the alleged offense is a key element the Commonwealth must prove.

What are the penalties for grand larceny in Lexington?

A grand larceny conviction in Virginia carries one to twenty years in prison; the jury may opt for up to twelve months in jail and a $2,500 fine. The court also imposes court costs, restitution to the victim, and probation or post‑release supervision. Because the offense is a felony, a conviction results in the loss of civil rights—including firearm possession—and may affect immigration status, employment, and professional licenses.

How does a lawyer defend against grand larceny charges?

A defense attorney examines the valuation of the property, the lawfulness of the stop and search, the identification of the accused, and the intent element of the offense. The Commonwealth must prove that the accused intended to permanently deprive the owner of the property. Weaknesses in any of these areas can lead to a reduction of the charge, a dismissal, or a not‑guilty verdict after trial. An experienced attorney also explores diversion options where applicable.

Can a grand larceny charge be expunged in Lexington?

Virginia law permits expungement only when a charge ends in an acquittal, a dismissal, or a nolle prosequi; a conviction cannot be expunged under current law. A petition for expungement is filed in the Lexington Circuit Court under Va. Code § 19.2‑392.2. If the court grants the petition, police and court records relating to the charge are sealed. It is important to consult an attorney early, because the final disposition of the case directly affects eligibility for expungement.

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

Yes. Grand larceny is a felony that can result in years of imprisonment and a permanent criminal record. The prosecution is handled by the Commonwealth’s Attorney, who has the resources of the state. A defense attorney can challenge the evidence, cross‑examine witnesses, present mitigating circumstances, and negotiate with the prosecutor. Self‑representation in a felony matter carries significant risk. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

How does bail work in a grand larceny case in Lexington?

A magistrate sets bond shortly after arrest, considering factors such as ties to the community, prior record, and the nature of the charge. For a first‑offense grand larceny, a personal‑recognizance bond may be granted. In other cases a secured bond is required, and a bail bondsman typically charges a non‑refundable premium. The bond decision can be reviewed by a judge in the Lexington General District Court. An attorney can present information that supports a reasonable bond and conditions of release.

Related Criminal Defense Services

Fairfax County Criminal Defense  | 
Prince William County Criminal Defense  | 
Manassas Criminal Defense  | 
Falls Church Criminal Defense

Virginia Legal Resources

Virginia Code Title 18.2 – Crimes and Offenses  | 
Lexington General District Court  | 
Virginia Judicial System

Last reviewed: July 2026

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