Petit Larceny Defense Lawyer Prince William County — What Are Your Options?
Petit larceny in Prince William 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 141 documented results in Prince William County. A skilled petit larceny defense lawyer Prince William County can challenge evidence and seek dismissal or reduction of charges.
Virginia Petit Larceny Law
Petit larceny is defined as the theft of goods valued at less than $1,000. It is prosecuted under Va. Code § 18.2-96. This statute classifies the offense as a Class 1 misdemeanor, the most serious misdemeanor category in Virginia. The case is heard at the Prince William County General District Court located at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110.
Last verified: April 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official statute, refer to Va. Code § 18.2-96 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information is available at the Prince William County General District Court website.
Local Court Process for Petit Larceny
In Prince William County, petit larceny cases begin with an arrest or summons. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases. The court at 9311 Lee Avenue handles all initial proceedings. A strong defense often involves challenging the prosecution’s evidence of intent and value.
- Attend your arraignment and enter a plea.
- Your attorney will review all police reports and evidence.
- Negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduction or dismissal.
- Prepare for trial if a favorable plea cannot be reached.
- Present your defense at a bench trial in General District Court.
- If convicted, you have the right to appeal for a new jury trial in Circuit Court.
Penalties for Petit Larceny in Prince William County
In Prince William County, petit larceny carries a penalty of up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500, plus a permanent criminal record.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petit Larceny (Value < $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record; impacts employment, housing, professional licenses |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Prince William County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. We focus on providing strong defense strategies for clients facing theft charges. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how cases are built.
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 Prince William County, we have 141 documented criminal case results: 118 dismissed or found not guilty, 19 reduced or amended, and 1 other favorable outcome. For example, our attorneys have secured dismissals for petit larceny charges in neighboring Fairfax County GDC. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Prince William County Petit Larceny Defense
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Prince William County courts. We are your local petit larceny defense lawyer Prince William County near Manassas and Woodbridge. We serve Manassas, Woodbridge, Dale City, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Lake Ridge, and Occoquan. 24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Prince William County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Prince William County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor carries up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Cases are heard at Prince William County General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Prince William 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 Prince William County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
Do I need a misdemeanor theft defense lawyer Prince William County for a shoplifting charge?
Yes. A shoplifting charge lawyer Prince William County is crucial because even a first-time conviction creates a permanent criminal record visible to employers and can result in jail time. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases aggressively.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Prince William County?
Prince William County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Prince William 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?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors like petit larceny in Prince William County. Secured bond (using a bail bondsman) is more typical for felony charges.
Internal Links: For more information, see our Virginia criminal defense hub. We also assist clients in Fairfax County. If you are facing other charges, consider our Prince William County DUI defense services.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.