Petit Larceny Lawyer King George County, VA
A petit larceny charge in King George County, Virginia, arises under Va. Code § 18.2‑96 when property valued at less than $1,000 is taken without consent. This is a Class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. A conviction can also create a permanent criminal record that affects employment, professional licensing, and other areas long after the sentence is served. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, concentrates its practice on representing individuals facing these charges before the King George County General District Court at 10446 Government Center Blvd, Ste 105, King George, VA 22485. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel approach each petit larceny case with a careful evaluation of the evidence, the charging instruments, and the local procedural rules that apply in the Fifteenth Judicial District. To discuss your situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What a Petit Larceny Charge Means in King George County
Petit larceny is the Virginia misdemeanor for theft of property worth less than $1,000, as defined by Va. Code § 18.2‑96. The threshold separating petit larceny from grand larceny is value; any taking of $1,000 or more is a felony under § 18.2‑95. Because the charge is a misdemeanor, it is prosecuted in the King George County General District Court rather than the Circuit Court. However, a defendant has an absolute right to appeal an adverse GDC outcome to the Circuit Court for a de novo trial, and the Commonwealth’s Attorney may amend charges based on the facts developed during the case.
In King George County, petit larceny under Va. Code § 18.2‑96 carries a maximum penalty of 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine as a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Source: Va. Code § 18.2‑96; § 18.2‑11(a). Va. Code § 18.2‑96
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
King George County is a rural community in the Fifteenth Judicial District, bordering the Potomac River and accessible by Route 3, Route 301, and Route 206. The General District Court, located at the Government Center on Government Center Blvd, handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Although the court serves a smaller population than the Northern Virginia corridors, it follows the same Virginia misdemeanor procedures and holds regular criminal dockets. Local law enforcement includes the King George County Sheriff’s Office and the Virginia State Police, both of which can bring petit larceny charges based on complaints from retailers, neighbors, or other citizens. Anyone facing a charge in this court should be aware that the matter is public record and that a conviction, even for a misdemeanor, can have lasting consequences.
King George County General District Court is currently presided over by Hon. Hugh S. Campbell. Court hours: Mon‑Fri 8:00 AM‑4:00 PM. Counsel appearing on criminal matters should plan filings accordingly.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Petit Larceny Cases
Defending a petit larceny charge in King George County begins with a thorough review of the Commonwealth’s evidence, including any surveillance footage, witness statements, and charging documents. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel evaluate whether the property value has been correctly assessed—if the value is actually $1,000 or more, the charge should be grand larceny, and if it is de minimis, other defenses may apply. They examine whether the accused had a good-faith claim of right to the property, whether the alleged taking was without consent, and whether constitutional protections were observed during any stop or arrest. Because Virginia permits plea bargaining under Rule 3A:8 of the Supreme Court of Virginia, the Commonwealth’s Attorney may agree to amend or reduce charges, or enter a nolle prosequi after negotiations. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to identify the strong $1s for dismissal, reduction, or acquittal in each case.
The procedural path in King George County General District Court follows a standard Virginia misdemeanor timeline. After an arrest or summons, the first appearance is typically an arraignment where the defendant enters a plea. Misdemeanor trials are scheduled by the court; many petit larceny cases are resolved within a few months, though the exact timeframe depends on the court’s docket and the complexity of the evidence. If the case is not resolved at the GDC level, an appeal to the Circuit Court offers a new trial. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel represent clients through both levels of jurisdiction.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has been practicing criminal defense since 1997. Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, he brings a multi-jurisdictional perspective to every matter. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Alongside him, his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience. Results may vary. The team includes a former Virginia State Trooper with 15 years of law enforcement service, providing first‑hand insight into how investigations are conducted and how procedural weaknesses can be identified and challenged. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have documented 4,739+ case results across all practice areas since 1997. Results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a petit larceny conviction in King George County?
Petit larceny is a Class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. The sentencing judge considers the value of the property, any prior criminal record, and whether restitution has been made. A defendant may also face probation, community service, or both. Because Virginia does not seal most convictions automatically, a conviction becomes part of the public record and can be seen by employers, landlords, and licensing agencies. First‑offender deferral programs may be available under Va. Code § 19.2‑303.2 if the defendant meets certain requirements. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
Can a petit larceny charge be reduced or dismissed in King George County?
Yes, petit larceny charges can be reduced or dismissed depending on the facts of the case and the strength of the prosecution’s evidence. The Commonwealth’s Attorney may agree to amend the charge to a lesser offense such as trespass or unlawful entry, or to enter a nolle prosequi if evidence is insufficient. A defendant also has the right to a trial, and many cases are resolved favorably after a thorough defense investigation. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have documented 4 results in King George County criminal matters, with 3 dismissals. Results may vary.
Will I have a criminal record if charged with petit larceny in King George County?
A charge alone does not create a permanent criminal record, but a conviction for petit larceny will appear on your Virginia criminal record. The charge itself is public, so an arrest or summons may appear in online databases. If the charge is dismissed, you may petition for expungement under Va. Code § 19.2‑392.2. Expungement is generally available only for acquittals, nolle prosequi, or dismissals, not for convictions. The process must be initiated in King George County Circuit Court. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
How does a petit larceny case move through King George County General District Court?
A petit larceny case in King George County begins with an arrest or summons, followed by an arraignment where the defendant enters a plea, and then proceeds to trial if not resolved earlier. At arraignment, the court advises the defendant of the charge and the right to counsel. If the defendant pleads not guilty, a trial date is set. The Commonwealth must prove each element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. Defendants may also negotiate with the prosecutor before trial under Rule 3A:8. A judge decides guilt or innocence in the General District Court; there is no jury trial at this level, but a defendant can appeal to Circuit Court for a jury trial.
Do I need a lawyer for a petit larceny charge in King George County?
You are not required by law to have a lawyer, but having experienced counsel is strongly advisable given the potential penalties. Even a Class 1 misdemeanor can result in jail time, and a conviction creates a record that may affect employment, immigration status, and professional licenses. A lawyer can evaluate the strength of the Commonwealth’s evidence, identify procedural errors, and negotiate with the prosecutor. In King George County, the court can appoint counsel for those who financially qualify. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437‑7747.
What should I bring to a consultation with a petit larceny lawyer in King George County?
Bring all documents related to the charge, including the summons, any bond paperwork, and any correspondence from the court or law enforcement. If you have a receipt for the allegedly stolen property or any evidence supporting a good‑faith claim of right, bring that as well. Be prepared to discuss your version of events in detail, and come with a list of questions about the process. To schedule a consultation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
If you are seeking a petit larceny defense lawyer in northern Virginia communities, you may also find useful information on our pages for neighboring localities. We serve clients throughout the region.
Fairfax County criminal defense services ·
Prince William County criminal lawyer ·
Manassas criminal defense ·
Falls Church criminal defense
Virginia primary sources:
Virginia Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) ·
Virginia Judicial System ·
SCC business entity filings
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.