Felony Theft Lawyer Fairfax County, VA

When the Commonwealth charges you with a felony theft offense in Fairfax County, every subsequent decision about your case carries significant consequences. Grand larceny, false pretenses, embezzlement, or any theft charge classified as a felony under Virginia law subjects you to the jurisdiction of the Fairfax County Circuit Court and to potential incarceration measured in years, not months. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Concentrates its practice on criminal defense and represents clients facing these charges, drawing on extensive collective experience to build a defense that addresses both the charged offense and the collateral consequences that follow a felony record. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear regularly at 4110 Chain Bridge Road, where the General District Court handles preliminary hearings for felonies and the Circuit Court conducts jury trials. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

On This Page

What Felony Theft Means in Fairfax County, Virginia

Virginia divides theft offenses into two categories: petit larceny and grand larceny. The dividing line is the value of the property taken. Since 2020, the grand larceny threshold has been set at $1,000 or more (Va. Code § 18.2‑95). Property valued below that amount is classified as petit larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor. But when the value crosses $1,000, the charge becomes grand larceny, which is a felony. Grand larceny carries a possible sentence of one to twenty years in prison or, at the discretion of a jury, up to twelve months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. Because Fairfax County juries may recommend a jail sentence within that statutory range, a felony theft accusation demands meticulous preparation from the outset.

Fairfax County processes felony theft cases through a two‑tier court system. The Fairfax County General District Court conducts the initial appearance, sets bond, and holds a preliminary hearing to determine whether probable cause exists to certify the charge to the Circuit Court. If the General District Court finds probable cause, the case is transferred to the Fairfax County Circuit Court, where a grand jury returns an indictment, and the matter proceeds to trial or resolution. Throughout this process, the Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fairfax County prosecutes the case, and the accused person has the right to a jury trial on any offense carrying potential incarceration. Virginia also permits plea agreements under Rule 3A:8 of the Supreme Court of Virginia. The court may accept an agreement that the parties present, including an agreed disposition or a charge reduction.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Felony Theft Cases

A felony theft defense in Fairfax County begins with a thorough examination of how the Commonwealth intends to prove value and intent. The value of the property determines whether the offense is a misdemeanor or a felony, so we scrutinize the Commonwealth’s valuation methodology, the condition of the property, and any documentation that might overstate the loss. We also examine the prosecution’s evidence of intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property. Without clear proof of intent, the Commonwealth may struggle to sustain a felony conviction.

Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear at the General District Court preliminary hearing ready to challenge probable cause on value, ownership, or identification. If the case is certified, we engage in discovery in the Circuit Court, file appropriate motions, and evaluate every opportunity for a pretrial resolution that serves the client’s interests. Virginia’s first‑offender statute for certain property offenses (Va. Code § 19.2‑303.2) may permit a deferred disposition, under which the court places the defendant on probation and, upon successful completion, dismisses the charge. Our approach is to explore every procedural and evidentiary defense while keeping the client informed about the realistic options at each stage.

Grand larceny in Virginia applies to theft of property valued at $1,000 or more (Va. Code § 18.2‑95).

Source: Virginia Code § 18.2‑95. Va. Code § 18.2‑95

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor and a multi‑state attorney admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He founded the firm in 1997 and has concentrated his practice on criminal defense for nearly three decades. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His approach to felony theft defense reflects his thorough understanding of how prosecutors evaluate evidence, assemble witnesses, and negotiate resolutions.

Mr. Sris is joined by Of Counsel attorneys who bring extensive experience in Virginia criminal practice. The team includes a former Virginia State Trooper whose law‑enforcement background provides insight into how theft investigations are conducted, how evidence is collected, and how reports are written—knowledge that is applied directly to challenging the Commonwealth’s case. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between grand larceny and petit larceny in Fairfax County?

The primary difference is the value of the property: $1,000 or more makes the offense grand larceny, a felony; less than $1,000 makes it petit larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor. Grand larceny is prosecuted in the Fairfax County Circuit Court and may result in a prison sentence, while petit larceny is handled in the Fairfax County General District Court. The valuation method used by the Commonwealth is often contested because it determines which court hears the case and the potential penalties.

Can felony theft charges be reduced or dismissed in Fairfax County?

Yes, reduction or dismissal is possible through pretrial negotiation, evidentiary challenges, or deferred disposition programs. The Commonwealth’s Attorney may agree to amend a felony theft charge to a misdemeanor if the evidence of value is weak or if the defendant lacks a significant criminal history. Virginia Code § 19.2‑303.2 allows the court to defer proceedings for certain first‑offense property crimes and dismiss the charge after successful probation completion.

Do I need a lawyer for a felony theft charge in Fairfax County?

Yes, because a felony conviction carries incarceration, a permanent criminal record, and long‑term collateral consequences such as loss of firearm rights and employment barriers. The Fairfax County courts handle felony cases formally, with strict procedural deadlines and rules of evidence. An experienced defense attorney can identify weaknesses in the Commonwealth’s case, negotiate with the prosecutor, and present mitigating facts to the court.

How does the court determine the value of stolen property?

The Commonwealth must present evidence of fair market value at the time of the theft, typically through receipts, appraisals, or testimony from the owner or an experienced attorney. The defense can contest the valuation by demonstrating that the item was used, damaged, or overvalued. Because the $1,000 threshold separates a misdemeanor from a felony, valuation disputes are often the central focus of a felony theft defense.

What should I bring to a consultation with a felony theft lawyer?

Bring all paperwork related to your case, including the summons, warrant, bond documents, and any correspondence from the court or the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Also gather any documents that may affect the value of the property, such as purchase receipts, repair records, or photographs. The more information you provide, the better your attorney can evaluate the case.

How do I find a felony theft lawyer in Fairfax County?

Look for a lawyer who practices regularly in the Fairfax County courts, is familiar with the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office, and has experience defending felony theft cases. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has a documented history of representing clients in the Fairfax County General District Court and Circuit Court. To discuss your case, reach our firm at (888) 437‑7747 to schedule a consultation.

For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437‑7747.

Last reviewed: July 2026

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder

Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York

Practicing since 1997

Internal‑link navigation:

Primary legal sources:

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary.