Fairfax, VA Theft Defense Lawyers

Criminal Defense Attorneys Defending Clients Charged With Larceny Offenses in Fairfax

There are a variety of situations where a person may be accused of theft, which is known as larceny under Virginia law. Whether these cases involve accusations of stealing money or property from people or businesses, they may be charged as either misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the dollar amount in question. In general, if the amount is less than $1,000, the charge is known as petit larceny, which is a misdemeanor. If the amount is $1,000 or more, the charge is known as grand larceny, which is a felony. If the item that was allegedly stolen was a firearm, larceny is automatically charged as a felony regardless of the firearm's value.

At Robinson Law, PLLC, our criminal defense lawyers have helped many people who have been charged with shoplifting, petit larceny, and grand larceny charges in Fairfax and other parts of Northern Virginia. With our experience, including our founder's service as a prosecutor, we can help negotiate the terms of a larceny charge. In some cases, we may be able to have a charge amended to a lesser offense with community service, or we may even be able to have a charge dismissed altogether. We can work with you to determine the ideal defense strategies, and we will fight to help you achieve the best possible outcome to your case.

What Are the Penalties for Petit Larceny In Virginia?

In Virginia, petit larceny is classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor. If you are convicted of this offense, you may face a maximum 12-month jail sentence, a $2,500 fine, or both. You may be required to pay restitution to the victim to address the losses they experienced due to theft. You will also have a misdemeanor conviction on your record. Our attorneys can provide you with guidance as you address these charges, helping you avoid penalties that could affect your life and your future.

What Are the Penalties for Grand Larceny In Virginia?

Grand larceny is more serious than petit larceny, and it is considered a felony offense. If you are convicted, you could be sentenced to between one year and 20 years in a state prison. You could also be fined up to $2,500. You will have a permanent felony conviction on your record, which could limit your ability to work in certain jobs and affect you in other ways. Since a felony conviction will be more serious than a misdemeanor, you will need a strong defense, and our lawyers can advise you of your options for reducing your charges, minimizing your penalties, or having your case dismissed.

Shoplifting and Altering Merchandise

If you are accused of stealing merchandise from a store or otherwise altering items to pay less than their full retail value, you could face either petit larceny or grand larceny charges, depending on the value of the items in question. If convicted, you could face a lengthy prison sentence, large fines, court-ordered restitution, shoplifting prevention classes, community service, and/or probation. Our attorneys can provide you with a strong defense in these situations, helping you take the best steps to avoid a conviction.

What Is Conspiracy to Commit Larceny?

An agreement between two or more people to unlawfully take someone else's property may lead to charges of conspiracy to commit larceny. Even if the actual theft is not successfully carried out, the mere agreement and intent to commit the crime can lead to criminal charges. In Virginia, conspiring to commit larceny is a felony that carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison. Our attorneys can help address these charges and demonstrate that there is not sufficient evidence to show that you had the intent to commit larceny.

Charges for Selling or Distributing Stolen Goods

Selling or distributing stolen goods is a serious crime in Virginia. If you are accused of selling or distributing property that you knew (or should have known) was stolen, you could face severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment. Here are important factors you should know:

• To secure a conviction, the prosecution must prove that you knew the goods were stolen.
• Merely possessing stolen property with intent to sell can lead to charges, even if no sale took place.
• The penalties can vary based on the value of the goods and your prior criminal history.

If the value of the stolen goods is $1,000 or more, this offense is a Class 5 felony punishable by imprisonment of two to 20 years and hefty fines. Stealing more than one item of the same product may be considered sufficient evidence to prove you had the intent to sell or distribute the goods. The legal term for this type of evidence is prima facie evidence, which refers to evidence that is powerful enough on its own to affirm a particular fact or create an initial assumption of truth unless it is disproved or rebutted.

However, prima facie evidence is not necessarily conclusive. Our attorneys can help refute these claims using other evidence or legal arguments. We can help you defend against charges related to stolen goods and make sure you will be able to respond to the claims made by prosecutors.

Contact Our Fairfax, Virginia Larceny Defense Attorneys

If you have been charged with larceny or theft, reach out to Robinson Law, PLLC for immediate assistance. We have extensive experience handling property crimes, and we can provide the representation you need to resolve your case successfully. We offer free consultations to all prospective clients so we can learn more about your case and offer sound guidance. Call 703-844-3746 today to get legal help with your case.