Petit Larceny Defense Lawyer in Chesterfield County, Virginia
Petit larceny in Chesterfield County is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-96, carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 5 documented results in Chesterfield County for theft-related charges. A petit larceny defense lawyer Chesterfield County can challenge the evidence and seek dismissal or reduction. Contact us 24/7 for a consultation.
Virginia Petit Larceny Law
Petit larceny is defined as the theft of goods valued under $1,000. It is prosecuted under Va. Code § 18.2-96. A conviction creates a permanent criminal record that can affect employment, housing, and professional licenses. The case is heard at the Chesterfield County General District Court located at 9500 Courthouse Road.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-96 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information is available at the Chesterfield County General District Court website.
Chesterfield County Court Process for Theft Charges
In Chesterfield County, prosecutors often seek convictions on first-offense petit larceny charges. However, first-offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 may be available, skilled to dismissal upon completion. A misdemeanor theft defense lawyer Chesterfield County can handle this process.
- Receive a summons or warrant for petit larceny.
- Attend the arraignment at Chesterfield County GDC to enter a plea.
- Your attorney will review evidence and police reports in discovery.
- Negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for dismissal, reduction, or diversion.
- Prepare for trial or a plea hearing based on the best available outcome.
Penalties for Petit Larceny in Chesterfield County
In Chesterfield County, petit larceny is a Class 1 misdemeanor carrying up to 12 months in jail, a fine up to $2,500, and a permanent criminal record.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petit Larceny (Value under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record; possible restitution |
| Shoplifting (Petit Larceny) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Store ban; civil demand letter |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Firm Experience in Chesterfield County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. We have documented case results in Chesterfield County, including matters handled by Of Counsel Bryan Block, a former Virginia State Trooper with 15 years of law enforcement experience. This background provides a distinct advantage in analyzing theft cases.
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 5 documented results in Chesterfield County: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 2 reduced/amended. In one case, a charge of “Purchase/Possess Alcohol” was dismissed in Chesterfield General District Court. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Chesterfield County Petit Larceny Defense Lawyer
Our Richmond location serves clients in Chesterfield County. We are accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, and Route 10. We are a petit larceny defense lawyer near Midlothian, Chester, and the Colonial Heights area. We offer 24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Chesterfield County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor carries up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine. Common charges include petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
It depends. Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. Most convictions cannot be expunged. The petition is filed in Chesterfield County Circuit Court. First-offense diversion may qualify.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer for a shoplifting charge in Chesterfield County?
Yes. A shoplifting charge lawyer Chesterfield County is crucial. Even a first-time misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and creates a permanent record. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases at Chesterfield County General District Court.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Chesterfield County?
Chesterfield County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Chesterfield County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. You have a right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any jail-time offense.
How does bail work for a petit larceny arrest in Chesterfield County?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors like petit larceny. Secured bond (using a bail bondsman) is more typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to the General District Court.
Internal Links: For more information, see our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub. We also serve clients in Henrico County. If you have related needs, consider our Chesterfield County DUI Lawyer.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.