Felony Theft Lawyer Arlington County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Felony theft in Arlington County is prosecuted as grand larceny under Va. Code § 18.2-95, a felony carrying 1-20 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented criminal case results in Arlington County. A felony theft charge requires immediate action from a felony theft lawyer Arlington County to protect your rights and future.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Felony Theft Law and Penalties
In Virginia, theft becomes a felony, known as grand larceny, when the value of the stolen property is $1,000 or more, or when the item is taken directly from a person. This is defined under Va. Code § 18.2-95. Grand larceny is a felony punishable by 1 to 20 years in the state penitentiary, or at the jury’s discretion, up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. Theft under $1,000 is petit larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor. The firm, founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, uses this deep legal foundation to build strong defenses.
Official Legal Resources
For the official statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-95 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information is available at the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Court Process for Felony Theft
Felony theft cases in Arlington County begin with an arrest or summons. Your first hearing will be at the Arlington County General District Court at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd for a preliminary hearing. Here, the Commonwealth’s Attorney must show probable cause that a felony was committed. If the judge finds probable cause, your case is certified to the Arlington County Circuit Court for a jury trial. Prosecutors often seek strong penalties for theft charges, making early defense intervention critical.
- Secure representation immediately after arrest or receiving a summons.
- Attend the preliminary hearing in Arlington County General District Court.
- If certified, prepare for arraignment and trial in Arlington County Circuit Court.
- Work with your attorney to file pre-trial motions and negotiate with the prosecutor.
- Prepare for a jury trial if a favorable plea agreement cannot be reached.
Potential Penalties for Felony Theft in Arlington County
In Arlington County, felony theft (grand larceny) is punishable by 1 to 20 years in prison, though a jury can opt for a misdemeanor penalty of up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony | 1-20 years (or up to 12 months at jury discretion) | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Permanent felony record, loss of voting rights, difficulty finding employment and housing. |
| Petit Larceny (Under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Misdemeanor criminal record. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Arlington County Theft Cases
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. We have a documented record of 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Arlington County, we have 21 documented criminal case results. Our grand larceny defense lawyer Arlington County team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper who understand how these cases are built from both sides.
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 in Arlington County
Our firm has achieved favorable outcomes in Arlington County courts. Documented results include a nolle prosequi (dismissal) for a charge of Destruction of Property with Intent under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-137) and a dismissal for a Fare Evasion charge. We approach each case strategically to seek dismissals, reductions, or acquittals.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Felony Theft Defense Near Arlington County, VA
Our Arlington location serves clients facing charges at the Arlington County courts. We are a local felony theft lawyer Arlington County for neighborhoods including Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. 24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Arlington, VA 22209, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only.
Felony Theft Defense FAQs for Arlington County
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Arlington County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Arlington 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 Arlington County General District Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201). 21 documented results: 11 dismissed/not guilty, 10 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate)
Can criminal charges be expunged in Arlington 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 Arlington County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 21 documented results: 11 dismissed/not guilty, 10 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate)
How does bail work in Arlington County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Arlington County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Arlington 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)
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Arlington County, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Arlington County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Arlington County General District Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 21 documented results: 11 dismissed/not guilty, 10 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate) Contact SRIS 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a Consultation by appointment.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Arlington County?
Arlington County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Arlington 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. Arlington County General District Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201) is the GDC location.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.