Petit Larceny Defense Lawyer Clarke County — Protecting Your Rights
A petit larceny charge in Clarke County is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-96, carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides strong defense for theft charges under $1,000. Our petit larceny defense lawyer Clarke County team has documented results in Clarke County General District Court.
Virginia Petit Larceny Law
Petit larceny, defined in Virginia Code § 18.2-96, is the theft of goods or services valued at less than $1,000. It is distinct from grand larceny, which involves property valued at $1,000 or more. The statute covers various acts, including shoplifting, theft from a person, or theft of property. The prosecution must prove you intentionally took property belonging to another without permission and with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it.
Last verified: April 2026 | Clarke County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, review Va. Code § 18.2-96 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures and forms are available through the Clarke County General District Court website.
Defending a Petit Larceny Charge in Clarke County
In Clarke County, prosecutors must prove every element of petit larceny beyond a reasonable doubt. A common defense involves challenging the identification of the accused or the value of the allegedly stolen property. For a shoplifting charge, lawyer Clarke County strategies may also examine store security procedures.
- Initial Consultation: Contact our office immediately after an arrest or receiving a summons.
- Case Review: We obtain all police reports, witness statements, and store security footage.
- Pre-Trial Strategy: We negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney, seeking dismissal, reduction, or diversion.
- Court Appearance: We represent you at all hearings in Clarke County General District Court.
- Trial or Resolution: We either secure a favorable pre-trial agreement or present a strong defense at trial.
Potential Penalties for Petit Larceny in Virginia
In Clarke County, petit larceny is a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petit Larceny (Value < $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Criminal record, difficulty finding employment, immigration consequences |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Clarke County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience and more than firm-wide 4,739 documented case results. We understand the local procedures at the Clarke County General District Court. Our approach is direct and focused on protecting your future.
Matthew Greene, Senior Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. 30+ years criminal defense. Death penalty certified (formerly). View Matthew Greene’s Profile
Case Results
Our team has achieved favorable outcomes in theft cases. For example, we have secured dismissals and reductions to nolle prosequi for clients charged with petit larceny in Northern Virginia courts. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our firm also includes Mr. Sris, the managing attorney and former prosecutor who founded the firm in 1997. His strategic oversight is applied to complex cases.
Petit Larceny Defense Lawyer Near Clarke County
Our Richmond location serves clients facing charges at the Clarke County General District Court (104 North Church Street, Berryville). We provide representation for residents of Berryville and Boyce.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for petit larceny in Clarke County, Virginia?
It is a Class 1 misdemeanor. The penalty is up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. The exact outcome depends on your criminal history, the case facts, and the defense presented.
Can a petit larceny charge be expunged in Virginia?
It depends. Under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2, you can petition for expungement if the charge was dismissed, you were found not guilty, or the prosecutor entered a nolle prosequi. A conviction for petit larceny generally cannot be expunged.
Do I need a misdemeanor theft defense lawyer Clarke County for a first-time shoplifting charge?
Yes. Even a first-time charge carries the possibility of jail time and creates a permanent criminal record. A lawyer can seek a first offender diversion program to avoid a conviction.
What is the difference between petit larceny and grand larceny?
The key difference is the value of the stolen property. Petit larceny involves property valued under $1,000 and is a misdemeanor. Grand larceny involves property valued at $1,000 or more and is a felony.
How does bail work for a petit larceny arrest in Clarke County?
After arrest, a magistrate sets a bond. For a first-offense misdemeanor like petit larceny, personal recognizance (release without payment) is common. A secured bond, requiring a bail bondsman, is more likely if you have prior failures to appear.
Related Legal Help in Clarke County
If you are facing other charges, our firm can help. We also handle DUI defense in Clarke County and family law matters. For a broader view of our criminal defense practice, visit our Virginia criminal defense hub page. We also represent clients in neighboring areas like Henrico County.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance.