Petit Larceny Lawyer in Falls Church, Virginia — What Are Your Defense Options?
Petit larceny in Falls Church is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-96, carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented results defending theft charges in Falls Church General District Court. A skilled petit larceny lawyer Falls Church can challenge evidence and seek dismissal or reduction of charges.
Virginia Petit Larceny Law and Penalties
Petit larceny is defined as the theft of goods or services valued at less than $1,000. It is prosecuted under Virginia Code § 18.2-96. This statute is the foundation for all theft charges below the felony threshold in the Commonwealth.
Last verified: April 2026 | Falls Church General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm has a deep understanding of Virginia’s theft laws. We apply this knowledge to build strong defenses for clients facing misdemeanor charges.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, review Va. Code § 18.2-96 (official Virginia General Assembly site). Court procedures and filing information can be found on the Falls Church General District Court website.
Falls Church Court Process for Theft Charges
All petit larceny cases in Falls Church begin at the Falls Church General District Court located at 300 Park Avenue. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases. A key local procedural fact is that first-time offenders may be eligible for a first offender program under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2, which can lead to dismissal upon successful completion.
- Arraignment: You will be formally advised of the charge and enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss the charge based on procedural errors.
- Negotiation: Your lawyer will negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduction, diversion program, or dismissal.
- Trial: If no agreement is reached, your case will proceed to a bench trial before a judge.
- Sentencing or Appeal: After a verdict, you may be sentenced or have the right to appeal to Falls Church Circuit Court.
Potential Penalties for Petit Larceny in Falls Church
In Falls Church, a petit larceny conviction carries a penalty of up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500, plus a permanent criminal record.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petit Larceny (Value < $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Permanent criminal record, difficulty finding employment, immigration consequences for non-citizens. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys bring a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. We have achieved over firm-wide 4,739 favorable results for clients across our service areas. Our approach is direct and focused on the specific details of your case.
For Virginia family law matters, it is notable that our founder, Mr. Sris, personally assisted in amending Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating a deep engagement with Virginia law.
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
Documented Case Results in Falls Church
Our firm has a record of favorable outcomes in Falls Church courts. In one instance, we secured a nolle prosequi (dismissal) for a client charged with operating an uninsured vehicle in Falls Church General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our team, including experienced attorneys like former prosecutor Kristen Fisher, works collaboratively to analyze every angle of a case.
Local Defense Near You
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Falls Church courts (300 Park Avenue). We are accessible via Route 7, Route 29, I-66, and I-495, near the West Falls Church Metro.
We are your local petit larceny lawyer near Falls Church, serving the community. 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Falls Church, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Falls Church carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor carries up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Petit larceny is a common Class 1 misdemeanor charge.
Can a shoplifting charge be dropped in Virginia?
It depends. A shoplifting charge lawyer Falls Church can seek dismissal by challenging the evidence, proving a lack of intent, or negotiating a first-offender diversion program. Success depends on the case facts and the prosecutor’s policies.
Do I need a lawyer for a petit larceny charge?
Yes. Even a first-time misdemeanor carries the risk of jail and a permanent record that affects employment and housing. A misdemeanor theft defense lawyer Falls Church can protect your rights and work toward the best possible outcome.
What is the difference between petit larceny and grand larceny?
The key difference is the value of the stolen property. Petit larceny involves property valued under $1,000 and is a misdemeanor. Grand larceny involves property valued at $1,000 or more and is a felony in Virginia, carrying potential prison time.
Can charges be expunged if my petit larceny case is dismissed?
Yes. Under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2, you can petition the Falls Church Circuit Court to expunge records of charges that resulted in an acquittal, dismissal, or nolle prosequi. An attorney can guide you through this process.
Related Pages: For other legal needs, see our Virginia Criminal Defense hub, or learn about criminal defense in Fairfax. If you are also facing traffic issues, consider a reckless driving lawyer in Falls Church.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for current legal guidance regarding your specific case.