Petit Larceny Lawyer Fairfax, VA

A petit larceny charge in Fairfax, Virginia, is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-96. The offense involves taking property valued under $1,000 — a threshold that often surprises people who assume smaller-value theft is only an infraction. In reality, a conviction can mean up to 12 months in jail, a $2,500 fine, and a permanent criminal record that affects employment, housing, and professional licensing. These cases are heard in the Fairfax County General District Court or, if the charge arises within the city limits, the Fairfax City General District Court, with felony preliminary hearings and jury trials proceeding to the respective Circuit Courts. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents individuals facing petit larceny allegations throughout Fairfax. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have documented 501 case results in Fairfax County alone, with 336 dismissed or not guilty and 143 reduced or amended. Results may vary. To discuss your situation, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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What Petit Larceny Means in Fairfax, Virginia

In Virginia, petit larceny is defined as the wrongful taking of property worth less than $1,000 — the cutoff established by the 2020 amendment to Va. Code § 18.2-96. If the value equals or exceeds $1,000, the charge becomes grand larceny, a felony. For most Fairfax residents, a petit larceny arrest results from shoplifting, taking cash or electronics, or other relatively low-value theft. The charge is prosecuted by the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fairfax County or, in city matters, the Fairfax City Commonwealth’s Attorney.

Despite being a misdemeanor, a petit larceny case in Fairfax carries serious procedural weight. The General District Court handles arraignment, bond, and trial for misdemeanors; felony cases begin with a preliminary hearing there before moving to Circuit Court. Under Virginia law, a defendant has an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time. The court does not engage in plea bargaining — judges are not parties to negotiations — but the Commonwealth’s Attorney may agree to reduce or amend charges in a negotiated plea under Supreme Court Rule 3A:8. First-offender programs may be available under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2, and post-dismissal expungement is possible under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2 for acquittals, nolle prosequi, or otherwise dismissed charges. Each of these outcomes depends on the facts of the case and the prosecutor’s evaluation.

For anyone unfamiliar with the Fairfax court system, the General District Court is located at 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210, Fairfax, VA 22030, and the City court is at 10455 Armstrong Street, Room 101. Both fall within the Nineteenth Judicial District. The firm’s Fairfax Location, at 4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032, is minutes from both courthouses. By appointment, clients meet with Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel to review charges, explore defenses, and prepare for court. Phone consultations are available during business hours at (888) 437-7747.

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

When a client is charged with petit larceny in Fairfax, the defense begins with a detailed review of the arrest circumstances, the evidence the prosecution intends to present, and any procedural irregularities. The team examines whether law enforcement followed proper protocols, whether the alleged value of the property is accurately documented, and whether the Commonwealth can prove the element of intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property — all required for a conviction under Va. Code § 18.2-96.

Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring decades of experience in Virginia criminal courts, including backgrounds in prosecution and law enforcement, which provide insight into how the Commonwealth builds its case. Where the evidence is weak, the firm may move to suppress it or seek a dismissal at the preliminary hearing stage. In appropriate cases, the team negotiates with the prosecutor to amend the charge to a lesser offense or to defer proceedings under the first-offender statute. If the case goes to trial, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are prepared to challenge witness credibility, cross-examine on value, and present mitigating evidence. Throughout, the firm works with the client to minimize the impact on their record, employment, and immigration status.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced law since 1997. A former prosecutor, he founded the firm with the goal of providing experienced defense counsel to individuals across Virginia. Mr. Sris is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His Of Counsel team brings over 120 years of combined legal experience, with 4,739+ documented firm-wide results, and includes professionals with backgrounds in prosecution and law enforcement — perspectives that inform every criminal case the firm handles. Results may vary.

Verify admissions: Virginia State Bar ? Maryland Judiciary ? DC Bar ? NJ Courts ? NY OCA

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the penalty for petit larceny in Fairfax, Virginia?

A petit larceny conviction in Fairfax is a Class 1 misdemeanor, carrying up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. The court may also impose probation, community service, restitution to the victim, and court costs. Because the charge is a criminal offense, a conviction creates a permanent record that can affect background checks. First‑time offenders may be eligible for deferred disposition under Va. Code § 19.2‑303.2, which can lead to dismissal upon successful completion of probation terms. For specific guidance, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

Do I need a lawyer for a petit larceny charge in Fairfax?

Yes. Even a misdemeanor theft charge can result in jail time, a fine, and a criminal record — and navigating the Fairfax courts without counsel puts those consequences at risk. An experienced attorney can evaluate whether the prosecution’s evidence is sufficient, identify procedural errors, and negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a reduction or dismissal. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled numerous petit larceny charges in Fairfax County and City courts. To discuss the details of your matter, contact the firm at (888) 437‑7747.

Can a petit larceny charge be expunged in Virginia?

Expungement is available under Va. Code § 19.2‑392.2 only when the charge ends in an acquittal, nolle prosequi, or otherwise dismissal — not after a conviction. Virginia’s 2021 record‑sealing framework expanded eligibility for certain non‑convictions, but most petit larceny convictions are not sealable. If you are found not guilty or the charge is dismissed, you may file a petition for expungement in Fairfax County Circuit Court. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can help determine whether your case qualifies. For a consultation, call (888) 437‑7747.

What should I do if I am accused of petit larceny in Fairfax?

The first step is to contact an attorney before speaking with law enforcement or anyone else about the accusation. Do not discuss the facts with store security, police, or even family members. Preserve any receipts, messages, or other records that may be relevant. Prompt legal advice can make a difference in whether charges are filed, and an early attorney’s involvement may allow for pre‑court resolution. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. offers during business hours phone consultations at (888) 437‑7747.

How does the court process work for petit larceny in Fairfax?

Petit larceny charges start with an arrest or summons, followed by an arraignment in the Fairfax County or City General District Court, where the defendant enters a plea and bail is set. If the case is not resolved at arraignment, a trial date is scheduled — usually within several weeks. At trial, the prosecution must prove the value of the property was under the statutory threshold for petit larceny and that the defendant intended to permanently deprive the owner of it. A defendant may appeal a General District Court conviction to Circuit Court for a new trial. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Appears regularly in both Fairfax County and Fairfax City courts. Reach the firm at (888) 437‑7747 to discuss the process for your specific case.

What are possible defenses against a petit larceny charge?

Defenses may include lack of intent to steal, mistaken ownership, insufficient evidence of value, or procedural violations during the arrest or search. An attorney may challenge the credibility of witnesses, question whether the accused actually took the property, or argue that the value exceeded $1,000 — which would make it a different charge, not a dismissal, but could affect plea negotiations. Often, a defense strategy includes demonstrating that the accused qualifies for a first‑offender program, which can result in dismissal. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

Official resources: Virginia Code § 18.2‑96 ? Petit Larceny Statute ? Virginia Courts

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