Theft Crime Attorney in Virginia

If you have been charged with larceny, burglary, robbery, shoplifting, or another theft offense, it is critical that you speak to a Virginia theft lawyer as soon as possible. The criminal justice system in Virginia can move quickly. So, the sooner you get legal help for your case, the better off you will be in the long run when it comes to protecting your rights and your future.

At Upton Law, PLLC, Virginia theft lawyer Samantha Upton can provide you with the experienced, straightforward advice that you need at a critical time in your life. Samantha will take the time to help you understand the charges you face, the possible and likely outcomes in your case, and how she can help you pursue a favorable result.

Attorney Samantha Upton understands how stressful a theft charge can be. You will always be treated with compassion and respect at Upton Law, PLLC. You will start by talking with Samantha in a free case review, where you will receive a quote for exactly how much your case will cost. Your case will never cost more than that, no matter what. Call today or contact us online to get started with a free and confidential consultation.

Petit Larceny vs. Grand Larceny

Traditional theft, also known as larceny, is the unlawful taking of another’s property with the intent to permanently deprive them of that property. Larceny falls into one of two categories under Virginia law: petit larceny and grand larceny.

Petit larceny is usually charged when the total value of the stolen property is lower than $1,000. Conversely, grand larceny usually refers to any theft involving more than $1,000 of stolen property or more than $5 of property taken directly from the victim’s possession or the theft of a firearm.

Petit larceny is usually charged as a Class 1 misdemeanor. A conviction for petit larceny can carry a possible sentence of up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. You would also be responsible for paying restitution. Prior larceny convictions may also expose you to a potential Class 6 felony charge, which means you could get one to five years in prison.

Grand larceny is charged as a felony offense. A conviction for grand larceny can result in a prison sentence ranging from one to 20 years.

Common Types of Theft Crimes

Virginia outlaws many different types of theft crimes. In addition to petit and grand larceny, a person may be charged with theft crimes that include:

• Robbery – Usually defined as a theft accomplished through use of violence or threat of violence.
• Burglary – Involves the entering of a dwelling or other private structure with the intent to commit a theft or other felony inside.
• Embezzlement – Occurs through the theft or misappropriation of money or other property that was entrusted to the person committing the embezzlement – for example, stealing money from a business bank account that you have access to.
• Vehicle theft – Including the theft of cars, motorcycles, boats, or airplanes. Vehicle theft is grand larceny and is performed with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the vehicle.
• Carjacking – The intentional seizure of a motor vehicle, or control of a motor vehicle, using violence with the intent to deprive another of possession or control of the vehicle, either permanently or temporarily.
• Shoplifting – Involves the taking of merchandise from a store with the intent to deprive the merchant of the full value of the merchandise.
• Receiving stolen goods – Taking possession of property you know or should know has been stolen.
• Identity theft – The unlawful use of information about a person that is not available to the public and with the intent to access financial resources, documents, benefits, goods, or services of another person.
• Fraud – In Virginia, fraud crimes include forgery, impersonation, false pretenses, bad check law, false representation to get credit or property, electronic communication device offenses, and credit card offenses, among others.