Defense of Grand Larceny and Petit (Petty) Larceny – Theft and Shoplifting Charges
Grand Larceny and Petit (Petty) Larceny Defense in Virginia
The Law Office of Wilfred W. Yeargan vigorously defends clients charged with the felony offense of Grand Larceny. That charge, contained in §18.2-95 of the Virginia Code, is a felony in Virginia. Grand Larceny is generally defined as a theft of money or other thing of value directly from a person with a value of $5 or more, theft of a person's goods or chattels not from their person worth $200.00 or more, or theft of a firearm not from their person. Grand Larceny is punishable by imprisonment in a state correctional facility for a minimum of one year up to a maximum of twenty years. However, a jury or court trying the case without a jury, may impose confinement in jail for a period not exceeding twelve months, and/or a fine of not more than $2,500.00.
Individuals charged with a first offense of Grand Larceny may be able to get the charge deferred for dismissal or reduced to a misdemeanor level offense. These dispositions almost always include a probationary period, payment of restitution to the victim, and completion of community service hours. The disposition of each case is determined by the severity of the facts, a client's criminal record, and the amount of money involved in the alleged theft. Attorney Yeargan works hard to achieve the best results for a client, with the knowledge that a felony conviction can harm chances for employment and applications for security clearances. Each client is carefully advised before court that felony convictions may affect an immigrant's visa status and a citizen's right to vote or possess a firearm.
In Northern Virginia, Grand Larceny charges often arise from shoplifting at area stores. Attorney Yeargan has handled many cases involving Target, Home Depot, Wal-Mart, Wegmans, Lord & Taylor, Best Buy, Macy's, and Bloomingdales. Attorney Yeargan is experienced in dealing with the loss prevention representatives of area stores. His firm issues a Subpoena Duces Tecum to loss prevention departments for records relating to the alleged theft. This Subpoena Duces Tecum requires that the store provide videotape of the incident and any written statement made by the client. In addition, a Discovery Order is filed requiring the government to provide information and any client statements about the case.
This law firm also aggressively defends clients charged with Petit Larceny, a misdemeanor theft offense. Petit Larceny is classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor under §18.2-96 of the Virginia Code. It is a theft offense punishable by confinement in jail for zero to twelve months, and/or a fine of up to $2,500.00. The Virginia statute describes Petit Larceny as the taking of money or other thing of value from a person of the value of less than $5, or the taking not from the person of another of goods and chattels of the value of less than $200.00.
Defendants charged with Petit Larceny may be eligible in certain counties for a deferral program. This program allows the charge to be dismissed after a period of probation, payment of restitution and completion of community service hours. Attorney Yeargan can help clients charged with this offense keep their record clean. Contact his office today at 703-352-9044 for help with defending this type of charge in a Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, General District Court or Circuit Court in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
This is a short list of the many offenses contained in the Code of Virginia and excludes many other types of cases handled by this law firm. It is important to retain competent counsel early in the criminal trial process, especially in felony cases. Attorney Yeargan encourages prospective clients to contact him early before trial in misdemeanor cases and before the preliminary hearing in felony cases.
CASE RESULTS DEPEND ON A VARIETY OF FACTORS UNIQUE TO EACH CASE. CASE RESULTS DO NOT GUARANTEE OR PREDICT A SIMILAR RESULT IN ANY FUTURE CASE UNDERTAKEN BY THE LAWYER.
