Theft & Grand Larceny Lawyers in Norfolk, VA

Our Virginia law firm can defend your rights

Have you been charged with theft, grand larceny, or another theft-related crime in Virginia? Depending on the circumstances of your case, the consequences can be very serious if you are convicted of grand larceny or another theft-related crime.

We understand the seriousness of your case. That’s why our Norfolk criminal defense attorneys want to help. Our legal team at Welch & Wright, PLLC has the knowledge, the skills and determination you need to succeed if you have been charged with theft or another serious criminal offense.

Our trial lawyers regularly represent individuals in court in the Hampton Roads, VA area charged with theft or grand larceny. As a result, we won’t waste a second getting to work on your legal defense. Your freedom is our mission.

What is grand larceny?

Larceny is the legal word for theft. Larceny specifically refers to a theft that does not involve the use of force (that’s robbery) or breaking into someone else’s property (burglary).

In Virginia, there are two types of larceny – petty larceny and grand larceny.

Petty larceny criminal charges apply to the theft of items worth less than $1,000.
Grand larceny criminal charges involve the theft of items worth more than $1,000, or the theft of a firearm of any value.

Virginia Code 18.2-95 formally explains what is considered grand larceny in Virginia.

Difference between theft and larceny?

The short answer? There is no difference. Larceny is simply the legal term the Commonwealth of Virginia uses for criminal charges and offenses that involve larceny. So if someone is charged with petty larceny or grand larceny, they have been accused of stealing someone else’s property. Virginia’s Crimes Against Property laws can be found in Virginia Code 18.2, Chapter 5.

Common theft & larceny charges

Some of the most common theft and larceny charges in Virginia include:

Shoplifting – Type of theft that involves allegedly stealing items from a business.
Robbery – Theft involving the use of force or threatening to use force.
Burglary – The act of breaking into someone else’s property.

There are subtle differences between these charges. Even similar robbery or burglary charges can be very different legal cases. This is why anyone charged with larceny, robbery, burglary, or another theft-related crime should talk to a Virginia criminal defense attorney right away.

Penalties for grand larceny

If you are convicted of grand larceny in Virginia, the judge and jury can choose a tough or lenient criminal sentence. One option is a 1 to 20-year prison sentence in a state correctional facility. The other option is up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500.

Larceny charges are also considered crimes of “moral turpitude” due to their dishonest nature. This means if you are convicted of one of these charges, if you are later in court as a witness or even victim for another case, the opposing attorney can impeach (or discredit your trustworthiness) based on this prior conviction. This allows the judge and/or jury to question the validity of your testimony. Crimes of moral turpitude can also cause you to lose your license if you are a licensed professional such as an electrician, realtor, or healthcare professional.

Legal defenses for grand larceny?

There are many different ways your Virginia criminal defense attorney can successfully defend against a grand larceny charge. Legal strategies that result in a not guilty verdict, charges being dismissed or reduced can include proving:

Police arrested the wrong person.
You did not commit the crime.
Police conducted an unlawful search and seizure during arrest.
You legally own the property you are accused of stealing.
The property owner gave you the property or the right to use the property you allegedly stole.
Police overvalued how much the stolen property is worth.

You have rights. We can fight for them

A grand larceny conviction can have serious legal consequences. You might end up spending years in prison. You might be fined thousands of dollars. And if you have a job or career, your employer might fire you and future employers may be reluctant to hire you as well.

Take your grand larceny charge seriously right from the start. Contact us and schedule a free case evaluation with one of our experienced Norfolk, Virginia criminal defense attorneys. Our trial lawyers thoroughly understand Virginia’s criminal laws and how its legal system actually works.