Felony Theft Lawyer Lexington — What Are Your Defense Options?
Felony theft in Lexington is prosecuted as grand larceny under Va. Code § 18.2-95, a Class 5 felony carrying 1-10 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for felony stealing charges in Lexington General District and Circuit Courts. Our felony theft lawyer Lexington team has documented results across Virginia. Contact us 24/7 for a consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Felony Theft Law
In Virginia, theft becomes a felony, known as grand larceny, when the value of the stolen property or services is $1,000 or more. This is defined under Va. Code § 18.2-95. The statute classifies grand larceny as a Class 5 felony, which carries a potential penalty of 1 to 10 years in prison, or at the discretion of the jury, confinement in jail for up to 12 months and a fine of up to $2,500. Theft of certain items, regardless of value, is also automatically grand larceny, including firearms and items taken directly from a person.
For a grand larceny defense lawyer Lexington, understanding the specific elements the Commonwealth must prove is critical. The prosecution must establish that you intentionally took property belonging to another without permission and with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it, and that the value meets the felony threshold. A skilled felony theft lawyer Lexington will scrutinize the evidence on each element, from the valuation of the property to the proof of intent.
Court Process for Felony Theft in Lexington
Felony theft cases in Lexington begin at the Lexington General District Court at 2 South Main Street for a preliminary hearing. The judge determines if there is probable cause to send the case to Lexington Circuit Court for a jury trial. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases. A felony stealing charge lawyer Lexington must be prepared to challenge the case at both stages.
- Arraignment & Bond Hearing: Your first appearance in Lexington General District Court. The judge will read the charge and address bail conditions.
- Preliminary Hearing: The Commonwealth presents evidence to show probable cause for the felony charge. Your attorney can cross-examine witnesses and argue for a reduction or dismissal.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If the case is certified, it moves to Lexington Circuit Court for a formal arraignment on the indictment.
- Discovery & Motions: Your defense attorney reviews all evidence, files pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges, and negotiates with the prosecutor.
- Trial or Plea: The case proceeds to a jury trial in Circuit Court or is resolved through a negotiated plea agreement, potentially to a lesser offense.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the Circuit Court judge will impose a sentence within the statutory guidelines, considering all factors.
Penalties for Felony Theft in Lexington
In Lexington, felony theft (grand larceny) is a Class 5 felony punishable by 1 to 10 years in prison, or up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine at the jury’s discretion, plus court costs and restitution.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months jail) | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Permanent felony record, restitution, difficulty finding employment/housing. |
| Petit Larceny (Under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months jail | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Misdemeanor criminal record. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Felony Theft Cases
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We have a documented record of favorable outcomes across Virginia, including cases involving theft and fraud charges. Our approach is grounded in a thorough investigation and aggressive defense strategy from the initial hearing through trial.
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
Our attorneys have achieved favorable results in theft-related cases. In Fairfax County General District Court, we have successfully negotiated resolutions for clients facing felony-level theft charges, resulting in reductions to misdemeanors with suspended sentences. For example, in a case involving a charge of Obtaining Money by False Pretenses (a felony under Va. Code § 18.2-178), our representation led to a disposition of a misdemeanor with a suspended jail sentence.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our team, including experienced former prosecutor Kristen Fisher, works collaboratively to defend clients across Virginia. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex cases.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond Location
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our Richmond location serves clients in Lexington and the surrounding Central Virginia area. We are accessible via major highways and offer representation for felony theft charges at the Lexington General District and Circuit Courts. We serve the Lexington community and neighboring areas.
Felony theft lawyer near Lexington? Contact us 24/7 for a confidential consultation.
Felony Theft Defense FAQs in Lexington, VA
What makes theft a felony in Virginia?
Yes. Theft is a felony (grand larceny) if the stolen property or services are valued at $1,000 or more under Va. Code § 18.2-95. Theft of certain items like firearms is also grand larceny regardless of value. A grand larceny defense lawyer Lexington can challenge the prosecution’s evidence on valuation.
Can a felony theft charge be reduced to a misdemeanor?
It depends. Negotiations with the prosecutor can sometimes result in a reduction to petit larceny (a misdemeanor), especially for first-time offenders or if there are weaknesses in the evidence. A felony stealing charge lawyer Lexington can advocate for a reduction based on the specifics of your case and your background.
What are the long-term consequences of a felony theft conviction?
A felony conviction creates a permanent criminal record, severely limiting employment opportunities, professional licensing, housing options, and voting rights. It also subjects you to higher sentencing ranges for any future offenses. A felony theft lawyer Lexington fights to avoid these lifelong consequences.
Do I need a lawyer for a felony theft charge in Lexington?
Yes. Felony charges carry the potential for years in prison and a permanent criminal record. The process involves complex hearings in both General District and Circuit Court. An experienced felony theft lawyer Lexington is essential to protect your rights, challenge evidence, and work toward the best possible outcome.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court for a felony?
Lexington General District Court holds the preliminary hearing to determine if there’s enough evidence for a trial. Lexington Circuit Court is where the felony jury trial actually takes place. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying jail time. Your attorney will represent you at both levels.
Contact a Lexington Felony Theft Defense Attorney
If you are facing grand larceny or other felony theft charges in Lexington, immediate action is critical. Contact the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for a confidential case evaluation. We offer 24/7 phone availability and consultations by appointment. Call our toll-free number or local line to speak with our team.
Internal Resources: Learn more about Virginia criminal defense. For related legal issues in Lexington, see our pages on DUI defense and family law. For defense in nearby areas, consider our Henrico County criminal lawyer.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws and procedures can change. For the most current advice regarding your felony theft charge in Lexington, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.