Petit Larceny Defense Lawyer in Henrico County, Virginia — What Are Your Options?
Petit larceny under $1,000 is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-96, carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine in Henrico County. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented results in Henrico County: 7 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended.
Virginia Petit Larceny Law and Penalties
In Virginia, petit larceny is defined as the theft of goods or services valued at less than $1,000. The statute, Va. Code § 18.2-96, classifies it as a Class 1 misdemeanor. This classification applies uniformly across the state, including in Henrico County General District Court. The law requires the prosecution to prove you intentionally took property belonging to another without permission and with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it. Common defenses include lack of intent, mistaken identity, claim of right, or that the value of the property was under the $1,000 threshold.
Last verified: April 2026 | Henrico County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the Virginia larceny statutes, refer to the Va. Code § 18.2-96 (official Virginia General Assembly website). Court procedures and local rules for Henrico County can be found on the Henrico County General District Court website.
Handling a Petit Larceny Charge in Henrico County
In Henrico County, prosecutors at the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office handle petit larceny cases. They often seek convictions that can impact employment and housing. The court at 4301 East Parham Road sees many first-time offender cases. A misdemeanor theft defense lawyer Henrico County knows that early intervention is key. Prosecutors may be willing to consider alternatives to a conviction, such as a first offender program under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2, which can lead to dismissal upon completion.
- Secure Representation: Contact a defense attorney immediately after being charged or receiving a summons.
- Case Review: Your attorney will obtain all police reports, witness statements, and store security footage to assess the case.
- Pre-Trial Strategy: Develop a defense strategy, which may involve filing motions to suppress evidence or negotiating for a diversion program.
- Court Appearances: Your attorney will represent you at all hearings in Henrico County General District Court, advocating for the best possible outcome.
Potential Penalties for Petit Larceny in Henrico County
In Henrico County, petit larceny carries a penalty of up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500, plus court costs and potential restitution.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petit Larceny (Value < $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months in jail | Up to $2,500 | Criminal record, restitution, difficulty finding employment |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys bring a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. We have documented over 4,739 case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Henrico County specifically, we have 8 documented results for criminal matters, with 7 cases dismissed or found not guilty and 1 case reduced or amended. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to vigorous representation.
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 in Henrico County
Our firm has a documented record in Henrico County. For criminal matters, we have achieved 8 results: 7 cases were dismissed or resulted in a not-guilty verdict, and 1 case was reduced or amended to a lesser charge. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. For example, our team, including secondary attorney Mr. Sris—a former prosecutor and firm founder with a background in accounting and information systems—has successfully defended against petit larceny charges in neighboring jurisdictions, securing dismissals and reductions.
Contact Our Henrico County Defense Team
Our Richmond location serves clients facing charges in Henrico County courts. We are accessible via I-64, I-95, and I-295, near landmarks like Short Pump Town Center and Richmond International Airport. We are a petit larceny defense lawyer Henrico County residents can consult near the Henrico County General District Court. We serve the communities of Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, and Mechanicsville.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Henrico County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Henrico County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor: up to 6 months/$1,000.
Common charges include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57), petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96), and driving on suspended (§ 46.2-301). Cases are heard at Henrico County General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Henrico 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 Henrico County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer for a shoplifting charge in Henrico County?
Yes. A shoplifting charge lawyer Henrico County can protect your rights from the start.
Even a misdemeanor petit larceny charge carries up to 12 months in jail and creates a permanent criminal record. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases at Henrico County General District Court. An attorney can challenge evidence and seek diversion programs.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Henrico County?
Henrico County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Henrico County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying jail time.
How does bail work for a petit larceny charge in Henrico County?
For a first-offense misdemeanor like petit larceny, a magistrate often releases the defendant on personal recognizance (no payment). If bond is set, a bail bondsman typically charges about 10% of the bond amount. You can request a bond review in Henrico County General District Court.
Internal Resources: For more information, see our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page, or learn about related services like DUI defense in Henrico County. We also serve neighboring areas like Chesterfield County.
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 specific case.