McLean Larceny Defense Attorney

Lawyer for Petit Larceny or Grand Larceny Charges in McLean, VA

Many offenses involving accusations of theft are classified as larceny in Virginia. If you are accused of stealing money or property directly from a person, from someone's home, from a retail store, or in another situation, you could face charges of either petit larceny or grand larceny. The specific offense will be based on the value of the items that were allegedly stolen. If you are convicted, you may face fines, a prison sentence, and other penalties. To address these charges and determine how to resolve your case successfully, you will need to secure representation from an experienced criminal defense attorney.

At Noorishad Law, P.C., our knowledgeable lawyer can review the facts of your case and work with you to build a legal strategy to help you prevent a criminal conviction. With extensive experience in these types of cases, a history of successfully defending people against criminal charges, and more than 125 positive reviews from satisfied clients, our firm has the skills needed to help you resolve your case successfully.

Understanding Larceny Charges

You could face Larceny charges if you are accused of taking someone else's property without their authorization with the intent to keep it for yourself, sell it, or permanently deprive the owner of their belongings. The specific charges will generally depend on how much the property that was allegedly stolen is worth, and offenses may fall into one of two categories:

Petit Larceny

Under Va. Code § 18.2-96, you could be charged with this offense if you are accused of stealing property valued at less than $1,000. If property was allegedly taken directly from another person and was valued at less than $5, this may also be considered petit larceny. In these cases, you could be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor, and if you are convicted, you could be sentenced to up to 12 months in jail and fined up to $2,500.

Grand Larceny

Under Va. Code § 18.2-95, charges of theft may be classified as grand larceny if the value of property that was allegedly stolen exceeds $1,000 or if you are accused of taking more than $5 directly from a person. The theft of a firearm will be considered grand larceny, regardless of its actual value. Grand larceny is a felony that generally carries a minimum prison sentence of one year and a maximum of 20 years.

Additional Charges Related to Larceny

Depending on the circumstances of your case, you could be accused of other offenses that fall under the category of larceny, including:

• Shoplifting (Va. Code § 18.2-103): Allegations of theft of merchandise from a retail store can lead to larceny charges. Concealing merchandise, altering price tags, or assisting someone else in stealing merchandise may also be classified as larceny. If merchandise that was allegedly stolen was worth less than $1,000, an offense will be classified as petit larceny, but the alleged theft of goods worth $1,000 or more can lead to grand larceny charges.
• Receiving Stolen Property (Va. Code § 18.2-108): If you are accused of buying, receiving, or concealing any property that you knew was stolen, you could be charged with larceny. An offense may be classified as petit larceny or grand larceny depending on the value of the item or items in question.

Collateral Consequences of a Theft Conviction

The sentence you may face if you are convicted of larceny can be harsh enough on its own. However, you may face additional penalties that could affect your life and your future, including:

• Immigration Concerns: Theft offenses may be considered crimes involving moral turpitude. This classification can affect your immigration status, possibly resulting in deportation, the denial of a Green Card or citizenship, or refusal of re-entry into the United States.
• Employment and Licensing Issues: Many employers conduct background checks, and they may refuse to hire you based on a criminal record showing that you have been convicted of larceny or other theft-related offenses. If you have a professional license, your license may be revoked following a conviction, or an application for a license could be denied in the future.
• Housing and Financial Concerns: Landlords may conduct background checks, and they may refuse to rent to you if you have a criminal record. Your educational opportunities may also be limited, and you may be unable to obtain a college degree or receive training that could help you improve your career prospects and increase your income in the future.

Because of the long-term consequences of a criminal conviction, a strong defense can be crucial. At Noorishad Law, P.C., our attorney will work to minimize the impact of these charges on your life by helping you to defend against a conviction and other collateral consequences.

Contact Our McLean, Virginia Larceny Defense Lawyer

After an arrest for larceny, it is critical to speak with a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. Anything you say to police could be used against you, and even speaking to someone else about your case could have unforeseen consequences. At Noorishad Law, P.C., we will help you determine the best defense strategies that will allow you to resolve your case successfully. Contact our McLean larceny attorney at 703-542-4500 to set up a free consultation and get the legal representation you need.