Felony Theft Lawyer Manassas — What Are Your Defense Options?
A felony theft charge in Manassas, Virginia, is a serious offense prosecuted under Va. Code § 18.2-95 (grand larceny) and can result in 1 to 20 years in prison. As a felony theft lawyer Manassas, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for grand larceny and felony stealing charges. Our firm has documented results in Manassas courts.
Virginia Felony Theft Laws and Penalties
In Virginia, theft offenses are classified based on the value of the property taken. Theft of property valued at $1,000 or more is classified as grand larceny, a felony under Va. Code § 18.2-95. This is distinct from petit larceny (theft under $1,000), which is a misdemeanor. The specific statute is critical for any felony stealing charge lawyer Manassas to understand, as it dictates the potential penalties and defense strategies.
Last verified: April 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings a foundational understanding of how the Commonwealth builds its cases, which we use to construct effective defenses.
Official Legal Resources
Defending a Felony Theft Case in Manassas Court
Manassas General District Court handles the preliminary hearings for felony theft cases, while felony trials occur in Manassas Circuit Court. A key local procedural fact is that the Commonwealth’s Attorney must prove both the act of taking and the intent to permanently deprive the owner of their property. Value is often a contested element, and challenging the prosecution’s valuation can be a primary defense strategy for a grand larceny defense lawyer Manassas.
- Initial Appearance & Bond Hearing: Your first court date at Manassas GDC will address bond conditions.
- Preliminary Hearing: The prosecution must show probable cause that a felony was committed. This is a key stage to challenge evidence.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If the case proceeds, you will be formally charged in Manassas Circuit Court.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney will review all evidence and file motions to suppress improperly obtained evidence or dismiss charges.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Most cases are resolved through negotiation. If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a jury trial in Circuit Court.
Potential Penalties for Felony Theft in Virginia
In Manassas, felony theft (grand larceny) is a felony punishable by 1 to 20 years in prison, or at the jury’s discretion, up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Larceny (Value $1,000+) | Felony | 1-20 years (or up to 12 months at jury discretion) | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Permanent felony record, loss of voting rights, firearm rights, professional licenses, difficulty securing employment/housing. |
| Grand Larceny (Firearm) | Felony | Mandatory minimum 2 years | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Same as above, with enhanced penalties. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Felony Theft Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper, giving us unique insight into case construction from both sides. We have a documented record of favorable outcomes in theft cases. For instance, our attorneys have successfully argued for reduced charges based on valuation disputes and have secured dismissals where the intent element could not be proven.
Bryan Block, Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. Former Virginia State Trooper (15 years). View Bryan Block’s Profile
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 & Client Advocacy
Our approach is grounded in thorough preparation and aggressive advocacy. While every case is unique, our firm-wide experience includes over 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. In theft cases, favorable outcomes can include case dismissals, reduction of felony charges to misdemeanors, and alternative sentencing that avoids incarceration.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our secondary attorney on complex criminal matters is Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a background in accounting, which provides an advantage in cases involving financial evidence.
Local Defense for Manassas Residents
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Manassas courts (9311 Lee Avenue). As a felony theft lawyer near Manassas, we are accessible via I-66 and Route 28. We provide 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — with meetings by appointment only. We serve clients throughout the Manassas area.
Felony Theft Defense FAQs
What makes theft a felony in Virginia?
Yes. Theft becomes a felony (grand larceny) when the value of the stolen property is $1,000 or more, or if the item stolen is a firearm regardless of value, as defined under Va. Code § 18.2-95.
Can a felony theft charge be reduced to a misdemeanor?
It depends. A skilled grand larceny defense lawyer Manassas can often negotiate a reduction, especially if the valuation of the property is contested. Successfully arguing the value is below $1,000 can result in a misdemeanor petit larceny charge, which carries significantly lower penalties.
What are common defenses to felony theft charges?
Common defenses include lack of intent to permanently deprive, claim of right (believing you owned the property), mistaken identity, insufficient evidence of value exceeding $999, and challenging the legality of the evidence collection (search and seizure).
Do I need a lawyer for a felony theft charge in Manassas?
Yes. Felony charges carry the potential for years in prison and create a permanent criminal record. The Manassas Commonwealth’s Attorney vigorously prosecutes these cases. An experienced felony stealing charge lawyer Manassas is essential to protect your rights, challenge evidence, and seek the best possible outcome.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court for a felony theft case?
Your case starts in Manassas General District Court for a preliminary hearing to determine if there is enough evidence for a trial. If the judge finds probable cause, the case is “certified” to Manassas Circuit Court for a jury trial. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any felony charge.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing theft charges, you may also want to learn about Virginia criminal defense. For charges in nearby areas, see our pages for a criminal defense lawyer in Fairfax or a criminal defense lawyer in Prince William County. For other legal needs in Manassas, consider a DUI lawyer in Manassas.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your felony theft charge.