Charles City Theft Lawyer

Theft, which is most commonly defined as taking property belonging to someone else without their permission, is harshly prosecuted in the state of Virginia. The punishment a person receives for a theft conviction depends on the value of the item they allegedly stole, as well as their prior criminal record. Those with previous records often face stiffer penalties and longer sentences.

If you are currently facing any type of theft charge, you may be wondering if you need a criminal defense attorney to represent you. The short answer to your question is yes, primarily because a Charles City theft lawyer could help you better understand your charges and legal options and take advantage of them in and out of court.

Theft Conviction Penalties

As mentioned above, the penalties a person charged with theft may face will depend heavily on the value of the item they allegedly stole. In the state of Virginia, felony theft is defined as taking anything valued at $500 or more without the permission of the owner. Felony theft convictions can result in a longer time behind bars, especially for those with prior convictions.

On the other hand, misdemeanor theft is defined as taking property valued at less than $500 from another person without their permission. Although a misdemeanor conviction can result in a jail sentence of up to a year, it is still less serious than a felony conviction.

Larceny Conviction Penalties

Theft and larceny are often considered the same charge, but in Virginia, there is a slight difference between the two. Larceny, like theft, is defined as taking property belonging to someone else with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property.

However, larceny more specifically involves taking property belonging to someone without using the threat of violence. There are two distinct categories of larceny in Virginia—petit and grand—each of which a qualified Charles City theft attorney could help a defendant contest.

Petit larceny is defined as taking property valued at less than $500 or taking less than $5 directly from a person. It is classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to a year in prison and a fine of up to $2,500.

If a person has a prior conviction of larceny on their criminal record, they may face a minimum of up to 30 days in jail. Individuals with three or more petit larceny offenses will automatically face Class 6 felony charges if they are arrested.

Grand larceny, as defined by the Code of Virginia, entails taking property valued at $500 or taking at least $5 directly from a person. Grand larceny is a felony charge, and those convicted can spend up to 20 years in jail and face a fine of up to $2,500. Those with prior larceny convictions may automatically face a one-year jail sentence and a fine of up to $2,500.

Other Types of Theft

There are many different types of theft/larceny charges, but they all have to do with stealing money or property from a person without their permission. Other common types of theft include:

If a person is facing any type of theft charge, they may want to consult a theft lawyer in Charles City before their trial.

Speak with a Charles City Theft Attorney About Legal Options

A theft allegation can shift the course of your future, and the consequences of a conviction can last your entire life. If you are currently facing theft charges in Virginia, consult a Charles City theft lawyer today to see what can be done in your particular situation.

Charles City Theft Lawyer