Felony Theft Lawyer Madison County — Defending Grand Larceny & Felony Stealing Charges
Felony theft in Madison County, Virginia, is prosecuted as grand larceny under Va. Code § 18.2-95, carrying 1 to 20 years in prison for property valued at $1,000 or more. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for felony theft charges in Madison County. Our felony theft lawyer Madison County team has documented results in the local courts.
Virginia Felony Theft Law & Penalties
In Virginia, theft offenses are categorized based on the value of the property taken. The critical threshold is $1,000. Theft of property valued at less than $1,000 is petit larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor. Theft of property valued at $1,000 or more is grand larceny, a felony. The specific statute is Va. Code § 18.2-95. This law defines grand larceny and sets the penalty as imprisonment in a state correctional facility for not less than one nor more than twenty years, or, in the discretion of the jury or court, confinement in jail for not more than twelve months and a fine of not more than $2,500.
Last verified: April 2026 | Madison County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings extensive experience to complex financial and property crime cases. A felony theft lawyer Madison County must understand both the statutory elements and the local court procedures to build an effective defense.
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code § 18.2-95 (Grand Larceny) — Official Virginia statute.
- Madison County General District Court — Official court website for case information.
Defending Felony Theft Charges in Madison County
The key local procedural fact for a felony theft lawyer Madison County is understanding the court process. Madison County General District Court handles the preliminary hearing for felony grand larceny charges. The Commonwealth’s Attorney must present probable cause that a felony was committed. If the judge finds probable cause, the case is certified to Madison County Circuit Court for a potential jury trial. Defendants have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time.
- Initial Court Appearance: You will be arraigned in Madison County General District Court, where the charges are formally read.
- Preliminary Hearing: The prosecution presents evidence to establish probable cause for the felony theft charge.
- Case Certification: If probable cause is found, the case moves to Madison County Circuit Court for trial.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney will review all evidence, file pre-trial motions, and negotiate with the prosecutor.
- Trial or Resolution: The case proceeds to a jury trial in Circuit Court or is resolved through a plea agreement.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing occurs in Circuit Court, with penalties based on Virginia’s sentencing guidelines.
Penalties for Theft Crimes in Virginia
In Madison County, felony theft (grand larceny) is punishable by 1 to 20 years in prison, while misdemeanor petit larceny carries up to 12 months in jail.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony | 1 – 20 years | Up to $2,500* | None | Permanent felony record, loss of voting rights, difficulty finding employment. |
| Petit Larceny (Under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Misdemeanor criminal record. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
*A jury or judge may, as an alternative to prison, impose a jail sentence of up to 12 months and a fine.
Our Experience with Felony Theft Cases
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper, providing a combined 120+ years of legal experience. We have handled over firm-wide 4,739 cases with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. Our approach is grounded in a thorough investigation of the facts, including challenging property valuation, intent, and evidence collection procedures. For a felony stealing charge lawyer Madison County, this detailed case work is essential.
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 firm has a documented history of achieving favorable results in theft cases. In one instance, we represented a client facing a felony charge of “Obtain Money on False Pretence >= $200.00” in Fairfax County. The defense successfully negotiated a resolution resulting in a misdemeanor disposition with a suspended sentence. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
In Madison County, we have 45 total documented case results across all practice areas. A dedicated felony theft lawyer Madison County from our team will work to challenge the prosecution’s evidence, negotiate for reduced charges, or seek case dismissal where possible.
Felony Theft Defense Near Madison County, VA
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Madison County courts. We are accessible via Route 29 and Route 231. If you are searching for a “felony theft lawyer near me” in Madison or near Shenandoah National Park, we are here to help. We serve the community of Madison.
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Felony Theft Defense FAQs
What is the difference between petit larceny and grand larceny in Virginia?
The difference is the value of the stolen property. Petit larceny involves property valued under $1,000 and is a misdemeanor. Grand larceny involves property valued at $1,000 or more and is a felony. The valuation is a common defense point for a felony theft lawyer Madison County.
Can a felony theft charge be reduced to a misdemeanor?
It depends. A skilled grand larceny defense lawyer Madison County can negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduction, especially if there are weaknesses in the evidence regarding the property’s value or the defendant’s intent. Participation in a first offender program may also lead to a dismissal or reduction.
What are the long-term consequences of a felony theft conviction?
A felony conviction results in a permanent criminal record, loss of voting rights, ineligibility for certain professional licenses, and significant difficulty securing employment and housing. This underscores the importance of hiring a qualified felony stealing charge lawyer Madison County immediately.
Do I need a lawyer for a felony theft charge in Madison County?
Yes. Felony charges carry the potential for years in prison. The Commonwealth’s Attorney vigorously prosecutes these cases. An experienced felony theft lawyer Madison County is essential to protect your rights, challenge evidence, and work toward the best possible outcome.
What should I do if I am accused of felony theft?
First, do not speak to law enforcement without an attorney. Contact a felony theft lawyer Madison County immediately. Preserve any evidence that may support your case. Our firm offers 24/7 consultations at (888) 437-7747 to begin building your defense.
Related Legal Resources
If you are facing other charges in Madison County, our firm can also assist with DUI defense, family law matters, and reckless driving tickets. For more information on Virginia criminal defense, visit our statewide criminal defense hub. We also represent clients in neighboring areas like Fairfax County.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.