What Is Grand Larceny in Virginia?
Grand larceny is a criminal offense that deals with the unlawful taking of someone else’s property. It is a felony and is punished accordingly.
In Virginia, grand larceny is usually classified as either grand larceny in the first degree or grand larceny in the second degree. The classification depends on the property’s value and whether it was taken from one’s home.
When a law enforcement officer arrests someone for stealing or possessing stolen goods, a criminal investigation begins. If you are deemed guilty, you will be sentenced to prison time or ordered to pay a fine. In addition, the conviction will appear on your criminal record.
If you face charges of grand larceny in Virginia, consider consulting a grand larceny lawyer from Scrofano Law PC to help give yourself a chance of avoiding conviction.
Hiring a Lawyer for a Grand Larceny Case
There are many types of larceny charges in Virginia. The specific larceny charge laid on a defendant depends on the type of property taken, the value of the property, and how the property is taken.
If you are accused of grand larceny in Virginia, contacting a skilled grand theft defense attorney will be in your best interest.
Schedule a consultation with Scrofano Law PC and begin building an attorney-client relationship with us. The right lawyer can explain the difference between simple larceny and other larceny charges in Virginia and provide legal advice for your criminal charges.
What Is Considered Grand Larceny in Virginia?
Grand larceny is a crime in the United States where someone unlawfully takes someone else’s property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it.
Grand larceny in Virginia is theft of property of significant worth, generally over $1000, and is charged as a felony. It can also be committed by taking something worth less than $1000, but with the intent to sell it and make a profit.
Grand larceny in the first degree includes instances where property valued at $200,000 or more is taken from one’s home. It also includes cases where an individual steals the following types of property regardless of its value:
- Boat
- Firearm
- Livestock
- Motor vehicle
Grand larceny in the second degree includes instances where property valued at $50,000 or more is taken from one’s home.
For a charge of grand larceny in the third degree, the property taken has to be valued at $5,000 or more. When the property’s value is less than $5000, a defendant faces a grand larceny charge in the fourth degree.
What Are Other Larceny Categories in Virginia?
Aside from a few specific circumstances, grand larceny includes theft of over $1000 or equivalently-valued property.
Petit larceny, on the other hand, is a term for the theft of objects with little value or a meager amount of money. Petit larceny is a misdemeanor with maximum penalties, including a term in county jail.
Simple larceny is defined as the felonious taking of unattended personal property of another without acts of violence.
According to Virginia law, compound larceny is a separate and distinct offense. It involves violence or stealing someone’s personal property directly from them.
To improve your chance of avoiding a felony punishable by incarceration in a state correctional facility, you should contact a reputable attorney like those from Scrofano Law PC.
What Class Felony Is Grand Larceny in Virginia?
A felony is a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year.
The Virginia Code defines grand larceny as the theft of anything of value to $1000.00 or more. Grand larceny is a Class U felony, which means that you can face a punishment of up to five years in prison, a fine of $2,500, or both.
Larceny is defined as the unlawful taking, carrying away, taking possession, or exercising control over property without permission and with the intent to deprive the owner of it. Larceny can be accomplished by fraud or force.
The penalty for a conviction of criminal larceny varies depending on the property’s worth. In addition to immediate penalties, a grand larceny conviction can result in a criminal record and limit your freedom of movement and career opportunities.
According to Virginia law § 18.2-95, a person can be charged with larceny if they take money or another thing of value of $5 or more, goods valued at $1000 or more, or any firearm regardless of its value.
Since the law regarding stolen property can be confusing, when someone commits larceny, they should contact a skilled attorney to learn how to proceed with their defense.
What Is the Minimum Sentence for Grand Larceny in Virginia?
The average sentence for a grand larceny conviction in Virginia is five to six years in a state correctional facility. However, the minimum sentence is typically one year in state prison, a $2,500 fine, or both.
When someone commits simple larceny, whether such person would be charged with petit larceny or grand larceny depends on the property involved, its worth, and how it is taken.
How to Beat a Grand Larceny Charge
Grand larceny charges are serious. You could end up in prison, and the charge will appear on your criminal records. It can be a tough charge to beat, but there are options you can try.
There are several ways to mitigate a grand larceny charge in Virginia. One way is to prove that the stolen property was worth less than $200 and that you intended to return it. You can also show that you intended to return the property but were prevented from doing so. You could also assert that the law enforcement officers arrested the wrong person and claim a defense of mistaken identity.
Another way is by proving that you had a right to take the property. You can achieve this in several ways:
- You can prove that it was abandoned property, or
- You had the owner’s consent to take it, or
- The property belonged to someone who had died and never left instructions for how their property should be handled after death.
Although prima facie evidence may indicate that you are guilty, a knowledgeable lawyer can offer various criminal defense solutions.
Shoplifting, Intent to Sell, and Receiving Stolen Property
Shoplifting and Concealment
Under Va. Code § 18.2-103, hiding or concealing merchandise in a store—even before leaving—can result in criminal charges. Virginia law treats the act of concealment as strong evidence of intent to steal. Security footage, witness testimony, or recovered hidden goods may be used to prove the offense.
Penalties vary depending on the value of the merchandise. If the value is less than $1,000, the charge is typically petit larceny, a misdemeanor. If the value meets or exceeds $1,000, the charge can escalate to felony grand larceny.
Larceny with Intent to Sell
Va. Code § 18.2-108.01 targets situations where someone possesses stolen property with intent to sell or distribute. Prosecutors often use evidence such as multiple stolen items, possession of resale tags, or text messages discussing sales to prove intent.
This charge is serious and carries potential penalties of 2–20 years in prison if convicted.
Receiving Stolen Property
Under Va. Code § 18.2-108, knowingly buying, receiving, or concealing stolen property is illegal. The Commonwealth must prove you knew the property was stolen.
Felony charges apply when the property is worth $1,000 or more. Misdemeanor charges apply if the value is under that threshold.
Should You Hire a Law Firm for Your Grand Larceny Defense?
Whether you hire a trusted lawyer for grand larceny charges may have to do with the severity of the crime, your financial resources, and the availability of attorneys in your area.
Grand larceny is a serious crime that may result in long-term consequences, such as jail time, fines, and a criminal record. If you are innocent, an attorney can help you craft a strong defense and persuade the jury that there was no intent to steal. In that case, it might be worth it to get legal representation.
Law firms can be expensive, but they offer advice and information that individuals might not be able to provide themselves. Your attorney from Scrofano Law PC will know how to navigate the legal system, determine what evidence to introduce, and plan a solid defense strategy.
