Grand Larceny Lawyer Manassas, VA

A grand larceny charge in Manassas, Virginia, brings immediate exposure to serious felony penalties. Under Va. Code § 18.2‑95, taking property valued at $1,000 or more—or any theft directly from another person, regardless of dollar amount—constitutes grand larceny, an offense punishable by one to twenty years in prison or, at the discretion of a jury, up to twelve months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, represents individuals facing grand larceny allegations at the Manassas General District Court and Manassas Circuit Court. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, and his Of Counsel team bring extensive combined legal experience to each case, working toward outcomes that minimize the impact on a client’s liberty, record, and future. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747 to schedule a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

What Grand Larceny Means in Manassas

The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Manassas prosecutes felony theft charges actively. The Manassas General District Court—located at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230—handles initial appearances, bond hearings, and preliminary hearings for felony cases, while the Manassas Circuit Court hears felony trials and any appeals from the General District Court. Because grand larceny is a felony, the case begins in General District Court for a preliminary hearing and then moves to Circuit Court for trial or disposition. Manassas General District Court is currently presided over by Hon. Che C. Rogers, and its hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. To 4:00 p.m.

Virginia law treats grand larceny as a non‑classed felony with a broad sentencing range. The court may impose a sentence of one to twenty years, or, if a jury so recommends, up to twelve months in jail and a fine. Beyond the immediate sentence, a grand larceny conviction creates a permanent criminal record that can affect employment, professional licensing, housing, and the ability to hold public office. The threshold that separates grand larceny from the less serious petit larceny (a Class 1 misdemeanor) is the $1,000 valuation of the property taken. Disputes over valuation often become a central issue in the defense of a grand larceny charge, and an experienced attorney examines the evidence to determine whether the Commonwealth can prove value beyond a reasonable doubt.

The firm’s Fairfax location serves Manassas residents, appearing regularly at the courthouse on Lee Avenue and understanding the procedural expectations of the judges and prosecutors who handle felony theft cases there. Early involvement by defense counsel can shape how the case is charged, the conditions of pretrial release, and the range of resolution options available.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Grand Larceny Cases

Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, approaches every grand larceny matter by first examining the government’s evidence through the lens of the elements it must prove. The Commonwealth must establish that the accused took property, that the taking was without the owner’s consent and with intent to permanently deprive the owner of it, and that the value of the property meets the statutory threshold. Weaknesses in any of these elements—such as a flawed valuation, an equivocal identification, or a lack of intent—can be the basis for a motion to reduce the charge, a not‑guilty finding, or negotiating an amendment to a lesser offense.

The firm’s Of Counsel team, working with Mr. Sris, reviews police reports, surveillance footage, witness statements, and any financial records that pertain to the alleged theft. In Manassas cases, the attorneys examine whether law enforcement followed proper procedures during the investigation, whether property was lawfully seized, and whether any statements were obtained in compliance with constitutional safeguards. When a preliminary hearing is held in the Manassas General District Court, the defense has the opportunity to cross‑examine the Commonwealth’s witnesses and test the strength of the evidence before the case is certified to the Circuit Court. This early testing often reveals gaps that can lead to a charge being dismissed or reduced.

Where the evidence supports a reasonable resolution, the firm negotiates with the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office. Virginia prosecutors have discretion to amend charges, and an attorney familiar with the Manassas court’s culture can present mitigating facts—such as the defendant’s lack of prior record, restitution efforts, or collateral consequences—that make a misdemeanor disposition or a deferred finding more likely. If the case proceeds to trial, the team prepares thoroughly, challenges the state’s proof on valuation and intent, and presents a defense tailored to the specific facts. Results may vary.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced since 1997 and is admitted to the bars of Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. His prosecutorial background gives him insight into how the Commonwealth builds a grand larceny case and where those cases are vulnerable. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He has documented case results across multiple practice areas since the firm’s founding.

Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience. The Of Counsel team includes attorneys who have handled major state felonies in Virginia’s General District and Circuit Courts, and who understand the investigative techniques and evidence‑gathering protocols that law enforcement employs in theft cases. Because every non‑Sris attorney at the firm serves as Of Counsel—none is a firm employee—the team structure allows the firm to draw on deep, concentrated experience without diluting client attention. A person charged with grand larceny in Manassas benefits from having a full team analyzing the case, identifying procedural weaknesses, and preparing for every stage of the proceeding.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is grand larceny in Virginia?

Grand larceny in Virginia is the theft of property worth $1,000 or more, or a theft directly from another person regardless of value, under Va. Code § 18.2‑95. It is a felony punishable by imprisonment ranging from one to twenty years, or up to twelve months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500 at the discretion of a jury. The charge is distinguished from petit larceny solely by the value of the item taken. Because the value element is often contested, an experienced criminal defense attorney can challenge the Commonwealth’s valuation evidence.

Where are grand larceny cases heard in Manassas?

Grand larceny cases begin in the Manassas General District Court, located at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, for bond review and a preliminary hearing, and proceed to the Manassas Circuit Court for trial. The General District Court determines whether probable cause exists to send the case forward; the Circuit Court then handles the trial, plea negotiations, and sentencing. An attorney who appears regularly in both courts understands the procedural deadlines, local prosecutors, and the bench’s expectations.

What are the possible defenses to a grand larceny charge?

Defenses to a grand larceny charge include challenging the value of the property taken, disputing the identity of the accused, showing absence of intent to permanently deprive the owner, and asserting a claim of right. Additionally, if law enforcement obtained evidence through an illegal search or seizure, or if statements were taken in violation of Miranda rights, a motion to suppress may be filed. Each defense depends on the specific facts, and an attorney evaluates them after reviewing the discovery.

Can a grand larceny charge be reduced to a misdemeanor?

Yes, a grand larceny charge can be reduced to petit larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor, if the Commonwealth agrees that the property’s value is less than $1,000 or if other mitigating factors support a lesser disposition. In Manassas, prosecutors sometimes agree to amend a felony theft charge when the defendant has no prior criminal record or when the evidence on value is weak. An attorney can negotiate for a reduction, avoiding the long‑term consequences of a felony conviction.

How does bond work in Manassas for a felony theft charge?

After an arrest for grand larceny, a magistrate sets an initial bond; personal recognizance is common for first‑offense or low‑risk defendants, while a secured bond may be required for more serious circumstances. The bond amount can be reviewed by the Manassas General District Court at a bond hearing, where counsel can argue for lower conditions or release on recognizance. The court considers factors such as community ties, flight risk, and the nature of the allegations.

Do I need a lawyer for a grand larceny charge in Manassas?

A grand larceny charge is a felony offense that can result in years of imprisonment and a permanent criminal record, so retaining an attorney is critical. The legal process—from preliminary hearing through trial or resolution—involves complex evidentiary rules and procedural deadlines. An attorney can challenge the evidence, negotiate with the prosecutor, and protect your rights at every stage. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides legal representation to individuals accused of grand larceny in Manassas.

What is the difference between grand larceny and petit larceny in Virginia?

The difference is the value of the property taken: grand larceny involves $1,000 or more or a taking from the person, while petit larceny involves less than $1,000 and is a misdemeanor. Grand larceny is a felony with the potential for a years‑long prison sentence, whereas petit larceny carries a maximum of twelve months in jail and a $2,500 fine. The valuation evidence, therefore, is often the most contested part of a case.

Can a grand larceny conviction be expunged in Virginia?

Virginia law generally does not permit expungement of a conviction, including a grand larceny conviction, but expungement may be available if the charge was dismissed, nolle prossed, or resulted in an acquittal. Under Va. Code § 19.2‑392.2, a person may petition the circuit court to seal records of a charge that did not lead to a conviction. Because a conviction remains on your record permanently absent a pardon, avoiding a felony conviction is the paramount goal.

How long does a grand larceny case take in Manassas?

The timeline varies by case complexity and court scheduling, but a felony grand larceny case in Manassas can take several months from arrest to disposition. A preliminary hearing in the General District Court typically occurs within weeks of the initial appearance, and if the case is certified to the Circuit Court, additional months may pass before a trial date or a plea hearing. An attorney can explain the expected timing and work to resolve the matter efficiently.

What happens if the property was recovered or restitution is paid?

Returning stolen property or paying restitution does not automatically dismiss a grand larceny charge, but it can be a significant mitigating factor in plea negotiations and sentencing. A prosecutor may consider restitution as a sign of acceptance of responsibility and a reason to offer a more favorable resolution, such as an amended misdemeanor charge or a reduced sentence. An attorney can present these facts to the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office and to the court.

Last reviewed: July 2026

Virginia Code § 18.2‑95 · Manassas General District Court · Manassas Circuit Court

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Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder, admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — (888) 437‑7747. Fairfax Location — 4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032. By appointment only. Call to schedule a consultation.

Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.