Felony Theft Lawyer Chesterfield County, VA

A felony theft charge in Chesterfield County, Virginia, brings the possibility of a state prison sentence, a permanent criminal record, and long-term consequences for your employment, housing, and civil rights. Chesterfield County prosecutes grand larceny and other felony theft offenses at the Chesterfield County General District Court for preliminary hearings and at the Chesterfield County Circuit Court for trial and sentencing. If you are facing such a charge—whether you were arrested in Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights, Bon Air, Brandermill, or Moseley—obtaining experienced legal counsel as early as possible is critical. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience to theft defense in the Twelfth Judicial District. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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What Felony Theft Means in Chesterfield County, VA

In Virginia, theft is classified as either petit larceny or grand larceny based on the value of the property taken. Under Va. Code § 18.2-95, grand larceny—the foundation of most felony theft charges—applies when the stolen property is valued at $1,000 or more, or when the theft is committed directly from the person of another regardless of value. Grand larceny is a felony punishable by imprisonment in a state correctional facility for a term of not less than one year nor more than twenty years, or, at the discretion of the jury, confinement in jail for up to twelve months and a fine of not more than $2,500. The same penalty structure applies to felony shoplifting under Va. Code § 18.2-103 when the value meets the $1,000 threshold.

Chesterfield County prosecutes felony theft actively. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Chesterfield County handles prosecutions, and cases move through two courts. The Chesterfield County General District Court, located at 9500 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832, conducts arraignments, bond hearings, and preliminary hearings. If a grand larceny charge is certified, it proceeds to the Chesterfield County Circuit Court for trial. Defendants have an absolute right to a jury trial in the Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Felony Theft Cases

When you retain Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., the firm immediately examines the evidence, the circumstances of the stop or detention, and the valuation of the allegedly stolen property. Valuation disputes are often pivotal—if the value can be shown to fall below the $1,000 threshold, the charge may be reducible to petit larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys also scrutinize whether law enforcement followed proper procedures during the investigation, search, and questioning. Any procedural deficiency can be raised through motions to suppress evidence or to dismiss the charge.

The firm works toward the trusted resolution in the Chesterfield County courts. This may involve negotiating with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to reduce the charge, seeking a deferred disposition or first-offender program where eligible, or preparing the case for trial. Throughout the process, the firm ensures that you understand each step and the potential consequences so that you can make informed decisions.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. A former prosecutor, he has practiced since 1997 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova), a bill that revised Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. His experience as a prosecutor and his multi-state practice give him a broad perspective on criminal defense.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys include a former Virginia State Trooper with 15 years of law enforcement experience, who brings first-hand knowledge of police investigation protocols, evidence handling, and enforcement tactics. Together, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience to theft defense matters. Results may vary. In your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

What constitutes felony theft in Virginia?

Felony theft in Virginia generally means grand larceny—stealing property valued at $1,000 or more, or taking property directly from another person regardless of its value. Virginia Code § 18.2-95 defines grand larceny. Additional theft offenses that may be charged as felonies include embezzlement, receiving stolen property, and certain fraud offenses when the value exceeds the statutory threshold. The exact charge and classification depend on the specific facts.

What are the penalties for felony theft in Chesterfield County?

Grand larceny is punishable by one to twenty years in a state correctional facility, or at the discretion of the jury, up to twelve months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. A felony conviction also results in the loss of firearm rights and, in Virginia, permanent disenfranchisement of voting rights. The Chesterfield County Circuit Court imposes the sentence after a trial or plea.

How does a Virginia lawyer defend against felony theft charges?

Defense strategies for felony theft in Virginia may include challenging the valuation of the stolen property, demonstrating lack of intent to permanently deprive the owner, asserting a claim of right, or showing that the evidence was obtained through an unlawful search or seizure. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys evaluate the specific facts under Va. Code § 18.2-95 to build the strong $1. Success often turns on the strength of the Commonwealth’s evidence and the availability of legal or factual weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

What should I do if I am facing felony theft charges in Chesterfield County?

If you are facing felony theft charges in Chesterfield County, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately and do not discuss the facts of the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve any documents, receipts, or communications that may relate to the allegations. Early legal involvement allows your attorney to evaluate the evidence, seek bond if you are in custody, and begin building a defense before critical deadlines pass. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation.

Can felony theft charges be reduced to a misdemeanor in Chesterfield County?

Yes, a felony theft charge may be reduced to a misdemeanor if the evidence shows that the value of the property was less than $1,000, or if the Commonwealth’s Attorney agrees to amend the charge as part of a plea agreement. In Chesterfield County General District Court, the felony charge can be dismissed or amended at the preliminary hearing stage. The firm works to negotiate charge reductions wherever the facts and evidence support it.

What results has the firm achieved in Chesterfield County theft cases?

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented 5 favorable outcomes in Chesterfield County criminal cases—3 dismissals or not-guilty findings and 2 charges reduced or amended. Results may vary. Each case turns on its own facts, and the firm’s role is to protect your rights and pursue the most favorable resolution possible under the law.

For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Primary authority resources:
Virginia Code Title 18.2 – Crimes and Offenses Generally
Chesterfield County General District Court
Virginia Circuit Courts

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary.

Last reviewed: July 2026

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