Petit Larceny Defense Lawyer Fauquier County, VA

If you are accused of petit larceny in Fauquier County, Virginia, the steps you take now matter. A charge under Va. Code § 18.2‑96 involves theft of property valued at less than $1,000 and is classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor—an offense that can carry jail time, a substantial fine, and a permanent criminal record. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., we concentrate our practice on defending individuals against misdemeanor and felony charges throughout Virginia, including Fauquier County’s General District Court and Circuit Court. Our firm, founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, brings extensive courtroom experience to every case. From our Fairfax location we serve clients across Warrenton, New Baltimore, Bealeton, Marshall, The Plains, and all of Fauquier County. A petit larceny conviction can affect employment, professional licensing, and immigration status. That is why early intervention with a knowledgeable defense attorney is important. We review the evidence, examine the prosecution’s case, and work to pursue a favorable resolution—whether through negotiation, a first‑offender program, or at trial. To request a consultation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

What Petit Larceny Defense Means in Fauquier County, Virginia

Fauquier County sits in Virginia’s Twentieth Judicial District and has two trial courts that handle criminal matters. The Fauquier County General District Court, located at 6 Court Street in Warrenton, Virginia 20186, hears all misdemeanor cases, including petit larceny. The Fauquier County Circuit Court presides over felony trials and any appeal from the General District Court. A petit larceny charge usually begins with an arraignment in the General District Court, where the defendant enters a plea and the court sets a trial date. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fauquier County prosecutes the case, and the defendant has the right to be represented by counsel at every stage.

The local court follows procedural rules that can shape the course of a petit larceny case. Under Va. Code § 19.2‑303.2, a first‑offender program may be available for eligible defendants. A person who meets the statutory requirements can be placed on probation with conditions such as community service and restitution; upon successful completion, the court may dismiss the charge. This option is discretionary and depends on the specific facts of the case and the defendant’s prior record. Expungement is another avenue worth understanding. If a petit larceny charge ends in an acquittal, a dismissal, or a nolle prosequi, the person may petition the Circuit Court under Va. Code § 19.2‑392.2 to remove the related records from public view. Convictions, however, generally cannot be expunged. Because the prosecution, the court, and the available outcomes are tied to this specific locality, retaining a defense lawyer who is familiar with Fauquier County procedures can help a defendant navigate the system more effectively.

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

Every petit larceny case begins with a rigorous examination of the evidence. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team review police reports, witness statements, security footage, and any documentation of the alleged property’s value. Because the value of the property determines whether the offense is a misdemeanor or a felony, the accuracy of the valuation is often a critical point. If the property is worth less than the $1,000 threshold, the charge falls under petit larceny; a valuation error could change the nature of the case. The team also scrutinizes whether law enforcement followed proper procedures during any stop, search, or arrest, and whether any statements were obtained in compliance with constitutional requirements.

Once the evidence is assessed, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel develop a strategy aimed at achieving the most favorable outcome for the client. That may involve negotiating with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to reduce the charge to a lesser offense, securing admission into a first‑offender program, or, when the evidence supports it, presenting a defense at trial. The team’s background includes a former prosecutor and a former Virginia State Trooper, perspectives that inform how the other side builds its case and where weaknesses may lie. Throughout the process, the client receives straightforward guidance about the likely consequences of each option, from accepting a plea to moving forward with a hearing. The goal is to protect the client’s record, liberty, and future while keeping the client fully informed.

About Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of the firm, brings firsthand prosecutorial insight to every criminal defense matter. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). All non‑Sris attorneys are Of Counsel—attorneys who engage with the firm on a case‑by‑case basis, each bringing extensive experience to the defense team. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary.

The firm handles criminal cases throughout Virginia, including Fauquier County. In Fauquier County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented 1 criminal case result where a charge was reduced or amended to a favorable outcome. Results may vary. Every case presents its own facts and legal issues. The firm’s attorneys are admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and the firm serves clients from its Fairfax location by appointment. To schedule a consultation, call (888) 437‑7747.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the penalty for petit larceny in Virginia?

As a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2‑96, petit larceny carries a possible sentence of up to 12 months in jail and a maximum fine. A conviction also results in a permanent criminal record that can affect employment, housing, professional licenses, and, for non‑citizens, immigration status. The actual sentence imposed in Fauquier County General District Court depends on factors such as prior criminal history, the value of the property, and whether any aggravating circumstances exist. The court may order probation, community service, or restitution in addition to or instead of incarceration. First‑offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2‑303.2 may allow a charge to be dismissed after completion of court‑ordered conditions, but eligibility is not automatic; an attorney can advise whether this option applies in your case.

How does a lawyer defend against a petit larceny charge?

Defense strategies focus on challenging the prosecution’s evidence, including the valuation of the property, proof of intent, or identification of the accused. To obtain a conviction, the Commonwealth must prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt—that the defendant took property belonging to another, with the intent to permanently deprive the owner, and that the value was under $1,000. A lawyer may attack the reliability of witness testimony, the accuracy of security footage, or the procedure by which evidence was gathered. If a search or seizure violated the Fourth Amendment, the lawyer may move to suppress the resulting evidence. Negotiation with the prosecutor often plays a central role; an agreement to reduce the charge to a non‑larceny offense or to pursue a first‑offender program can preserve a clean record. Every defense is built around the specific facts and circumstances.

Can a petit larceny charge be expunged in Fauquier County?

Expungement is available under Va. Code § 19.2‑392.2 for charges that end in an acquittal, dismissal, or nolle prosequi, but not for most convictions. In Fauquier County, a petition for expungement is filed in the Circuit Court. If the court grants the petition, the police and court records relating to the charge are removed from public access, which can help individuals move forward without the stigma of an old arrest showing up on background checks. Because expungement is a separate legal proceeding that follows the resolution of the underlying charge, it is important to consult with an attorney about both the defense and the possibility of later expungement. Convictions generally cannot be expunged unless they fall within narrow statutory exceptions.

Do I need a lawyer for a petit larceny charge?

Yes; a petit larceny charge in Virginia is a criminal offense that can result in jail time, a fine, and a lasting record, and having an attorney is critical. A lawyer can evaluate the strength of the prosecution’s case, identify legal issues such as improper searches or insufficient evidence, and advise on the risks of going to trial versus accepting a plea. In Fauquier County, the procedures of the General District Court, the availability of first‑offender programs, and the nuances of local practice are all factors that an experienced defense attorney can address. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients charged with petit larceny and other theft offenses throughout Virginia. To discuss your situation, call (888) 437‑7747.

Criminal Defense in Nearby Virginia Counties

For representation in other areas, see our criminal defense pages for Fairfax County, Prince William County, Stafford County, Loudoun County, and Arlington County.

Official Virginia Primary Sources

For the full text of Virginia’s larceny statutes, see the Virginia Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). Information about the Fauquier County General District Court, including local rules and contact details, is available on the Virginia Judicial System website.

Last reviewed: July 2026

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