You’re at a friend’s place, and on a whim, you slip an expensive watch into your pocket. It’s a dumb move, sure, but you don’t think much of it — until the cops show up. Now you’re sweating, wondering: is grand larceny a felony in Virginia?
The answer’s a big deal, because Virginia theft law doesn’t play around when you are stealing something valuable. What started as a bad choice could spiral into a life-changing charge, and that’s a scary place to be.
At Kearney, Freeman, Fogarty & Joshi, PLLC, we’ve been helping folks in Northern Virginia face down moments like this for over 30 years. From our Fairfax office, we’ve built a reputation for excellence in representation — one client at a time — bringing decades of know-how to every case. If you’re tangled up in a grand larceny mess, you need straight answers fast.
Stick with us as we unpack whether it’s a felony, what penalties you might face, and how to fight back smart. We’re here to shed light and lend a hand. Let’s get started.
Decoding Virginia Theft Law: What Makes Grand Larceny
Grand larceny sounds serious, and it is. However, what exactly triggers it under Virginia theft law? It’s all about value and specifics.
If you take something worth $1,000 or more, like a high-end laptop or jewelry, you’re in grand larceny territory. The same goes for stealing a firearm, no matter the price, or even livestock like a cow.
Over our 30-plus years in Northern Virginia, we’ve seen how easy it is to stumble into this. The line’s thin, and crossing it flips your case from petty theft to a whole different beast.
Why does this matter? Because it ties straight into whether you’re looking at jail, fines, or worse. At Kearney, Freeman, Fogarty & Joshi, PLLC, we’ve spent decades breaking this down for folks in Fairfax.
Virginia doesn’t mess around with theft, and knowing where grand larceny starts is your first step to figuring out what’s at stake. We’ve got the experience to spot the details that count and build a case for you that may help.
Is Grand Larceny a Felony in Virginia? The Straight Answer
Here’s the question on your mind: is grand larceny a felony in Virginia? Yes, every single time. In Virginia, it’s classified as a felony — usually a Class 6, but it can climb higher depending on what you took or how it went down.
That means you’re not just dealing with a slap on the wrist; you’re in serious territory with prison on the table. Over our 30 years in Fairfax, we’ve watched courts treat these cases like a tightrope — some folks get probation, others don’t.
At Kearney, Freeman, Fogarty & Joshi, PLLC, we’ve seen the shock on clients’ faces when they realize what’s at stake. It’s not just a “theft gone wrong” — it’s a life-altering charge. We’re here with the straight talk: it’s a felony, no question, and fighting it takes know-how we’ve honed for decades.
Grand Larceny Penalties: What You’re Really Facing
So, grand larceny’s a felony, but what does that mean for grand larceny penalties? Buckle up, because Virginia doesn’t go easy.
For a Class 6 felony, you could face up to five years in prison, though first-timers might see one year or just probation if the stars align. Fines can hit $2,500, too — money most folks don’t have lying around.
If the theft’s bigger, like snagging something worth thousands or a felony bumped to Class 3, you’re staring at 5 to 20 years.
At Kearney, Freeman, Fogarty & Joshi, PLLC, we’ve learned how these penalties land in real life. Beyond jail, there’s the felony record, which will make finding housing and work a tough nut to crack.
The weight of it all can crush you if you’re not ready. We’re here to map it out and fight to lighten the load.
Why Legal Advice in Virginia Can Change the Game
Felony charges in Virginia aren’t something to shrug off. The law’s tricky, and courts don’t hand out second chances lightly. That’s where legal advice in Virginia becomes your lifeline.
Waiting to act is the worst move. Virginia’s rules, like proving intent or value, give us room to maneuver if we’re on it fast. At Kearney, Freeman, Fogarty & Joshi, PLLC, our team knows the ins and outs of felony charges in Virginia, and we bring that to every fight.
You’re not a lawyer — why try to crack this alone? With our decades of experience, we can spot angles you’d miss and push for outcomes that save your skin.
How a Criminal Defense Attorney in VA Can Fight for You
Facing grand larceny? A criminal defense attorney in VA could be your best shot at staying free. We’re not talking empty promises.
We challenge shaky evidence, like if the value’s inflated or the cops messed up. Negotiating is another trick up our sleeve — plea deals can cut jail time or even drop the felony.
Our Fairfax crew knows:
- The local courts
- The judges
- The game
That’s decades of wins we bring to your corner. Acting fast matters, evidence fades, and so do your options. With a criminal defense attorney in VA like us, you’re not just a case number; you’re someone we fight for with everything we’ve got.
Caught in a Grand Larceny Mess? We’re Here to Help
Is grand larceny a felony in Virginia? The answer’s a firm yes, and it’s not a label to take lightly. With penalties like years in prison, steep fines, and a record that follows you, it’s a fight you can’t afford to lose. Over our 30-plus years serving Northern Virginia, we’ve learned what tips the scales — value, evidence, and a smart defense.
At Kearney, Freeman, Fogarty & Joshi, PLLC, we’ve spent decades in Fairfax perfecting the art of representation, building our firm one victory at a time since the 1980s. Our experience isn’t just talk — it’s a toolbox we use to battle felony charges in Virginia for every client.
Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t go it alone. Give us a call today for a consultation.
