Grand Larceny Lawyer James City County, VA

A grand larceny charge in James City County, Virginia, means you are accused of taking property valued at
$1,000 or more without consent. Under Va. Code § 18.2‑95, grand larceny is a felony offense prosecuted in the
James City County Circuit Court. The charge carries serious potential consequences, including a term of
incarceration and a lasting criminal record. Our firm represents individuals facing grand larceny allegations
in the Williamsburg/James City County General District Court for preliminary hearings and in the Circuit
Court for felony jury trials. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to these
matters, working to protect your rights at every stage. If you are under investigation or have been charged,
contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747 to request a confidential consultation.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

What Grand Larceny Means in James City County

James City County, part of Virginia’s Ninth Judicial District, prosecutes grand larceny under Va. Code
§ 18.2‑95. The statute defines grand larceny as the theft of money or property worth $1,000 or more, the
theft of a firearm regardless of value, or theft directly from the person of another involving at least $5.
Because the offense is a felony, it is heard in the James City County Circuit Court after an initial
advisement and possible preliminary hearing in the Williamsburg/James City County General District Court at
5201 Monticello Ave, Suite 4, Williamsburg, VA 23188. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for James City County
handles the prosecution. A conviction can result in a prison sentence and a permanent criminal record that
affects employment, professional licensing, and other aspects of life.

The distinction between grand larceny and petit larceny—a Class 1 misdemeanor for property under $1,000—is
frequently at issue in these cases. The value attributed to the property determines which court has
jurisdiction and what penalties are at stake. Our firm examines the valuation evidence, whether a receipt,
experienced attorney appraisal, or testimony, because a discrepancy of even a few dollars can change the classification of
the charge. James City County’s courts serve the communities of Williamsburg, Norge, Toano, and Lightfoot,
and Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear regularly in these local courts, familiar with their procedures and
expectations.

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

When our firm takes on a grand larceny matter in James City County, we begin by scrutinizing the factual
basis of the charge—how the alleged value was determined, whether the property owner’s identification is
reliable, and whether any constitutional or procedural violations occurred during the investigation. We then
develop a defense strategy that may include challenging the valuation, contesting the evidence of intent,
or negotiating with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to reduce the charge to a misdemeanor when the evidence
supports it. In Virginia, plea agreements are permitted under Rule 3A 8 of the Rules of the Supreme Court of
Virginia, and an experienced attorney can explore resolution options that minimize collateral consequences.

If the case cannot be resolved through negotiation, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel prepare for a jury trial in
the James City County Circuit Court. We work to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, seek to
suppress improperly obtained evidence, and present a thorough defense on your behalf. For eligible
individuals, we also explore deferred-disposition opportunities and, where appropriate, post‑disposition
relief under Virginia’s expungement statute, § 19.2‑392.2, which permits the removal of records when a
charge ends in an acquittal, nolle prosequi, or dismissal. Results may vary.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who has practiced criminal
defense since 1997. He is admitted to practice 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). He and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to
grand larceny cases across all five jurisdictions. The firm’s Of Counsel include attorneys with prior law
enforcement backgrounds who understand police procedures and can identify investigative missteps. We serve
clients throughout James City County, including Williamsburg, Norge, Toano, and Lightfoot, with
accessibility from I‑64, Route 60, Route 5, and Route 199. To discuss your situation, reach our firm at
(888) 437‑7747.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the penalty for grand larceny in Virginia?

Grand larceny in Virginia is a felony punishable by 1 to 20 years of imprisonment or, at the
discretion of a jury, up to 12 months in jail and a fine up to $2,500. The actual sentence depends
on factors including the value of the property, the defendant’s prior record, and the specific circumstances
of the offense. A conviction also creates a permanent criminal record that can limit access to jobs,
housing, and professional licenses. Because the stakes are high, having an experienced criminal defense
attorney is essential.

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

The key difference is the value of the property taken: $1,000 or more is grand larceny (a felony),
while less than $1,000 is petit larceny (a Class 1 misdemeanor). Grand larceny is heard in the
Circuit Court, carries a potential state prison sentence, and results in the loss of certain civil rights
upon conviction, including firearm rights. Petit larceny is handled in the General District Court and
carries a maximum penalty of 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A conviction for either offense creates a
criminal record, but the long‑term consequences are far more serious for a felony.

Can grand larceny charges be expunged in James City County?

Virginia law permits expungement of grand larceny charges only when the case ends in an acquittal,
nolle prosequi, or dismissal—not after a conviction. A petition is filed in the James City County
Circuit Court under Va. Code § 19.2‑392.2. If the court finds that the continued presence of the record
constitutes an injustice, it may order the records expunged. A successful expungement removes the charge
from public view. Because the process is fact‑specific, consulting an attorney about your eligibility is
important.

Do I need a lawyer for a grand larceny charge in James City County?

You are not legally required to hire an attorney, but defending against a grand larceny felony
without one is extremely risky. The prosecution will be handled by the Commonwealth’s Attorney, and
the case will involve evidentiary rules, procedural deadlines, and sentencing guidelines that are difficult
to navigate alone. An experienced attorney can challenge the valuation of the property, negotiate with the
prosecutor to reduce or dismiss the charge, and advise you on the collateral consequences of a conviction.

How does a grand larceny case proceed through James City County courts?

A grand larceny case generally begins with an arrest or a summons, followed by an advisement in the
Williamsburg/James City County General District Court and a preliminary hearing to determine if probable
cause exists. If the judge finds probable cause, the case is certified to the James City County
Circuit Court for trial or plea. From there, the timeline depends on motions, discovery, and the court’s
calendar. Each stage presents opportunities for defense counsel to challenge the evidence and advocate on
your behalf.

What should I do if I am facing grand larceny charges?

If you are facing grand larceny charges, refrain from discussing the facts with anyone other than
your attorney, and contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Early involvement of counsel can influence
critical decisions, such as whether to agree to an interview or how to address the valuation of the
property. Preserve any documents, receipts, or communications that relate to the alleged incident, and do
not post about the matter on social media. For a consultation about your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

Last reviewed: July 2026

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