Larceny Offenses
Larceny Offenses
Larceny is the legal term used for theft. Larceny is defined as the unlawful taking of someone else’s property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of his property. In Virginia, this is charged as petit larceny or grand larceny.
Petit Larceny
In Virginia, petit larceny is the unlawful taking of an item valued at less than *$1000 with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of such property. *On July 1, 2020 the value will increased to $1000. For any offenses listed here committed before July 1, 2020, the value is $500.
Under Virginia Code §18.2-96, petit larceny is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable with up to 12 months in jail, and a fine of up to $2500. with the intent to deprive the owner of his property permanently, or the wrongful taking of an item not from the person that is worth less than $200, with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of his property. A Virginia petty larceny charge is a Class 1 misdemeanor. It is punished with up to 12 months in jail, a fine up to $2500, or both.
Multiple Virginia Petty Larceny Convictions
Grand Larceny
Grand larceny in Virginia is the taking of an item from a person valued at more than $5, intending the permanently deprive him of his property, OR taking an item whose value exceeds *$1000 not from a person. Virginia grand larceny is charged under Va. Code §18.2-95.
Grand Larceny is a felony, punishable with up to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $2500.
Other Virginia Larceny Charges
Shoplifting
Shoplifting is the most common form of larceny in Virginia. It can be charged as petit larceny or grand larceny, depending on the value of the items taken. Police officers will charge an individual under Va. Code §18.2-95 or §18.2-103 (concealment).
Receiving Stolen Goods
Another Virginia larceny charge is found in Va. Code §18.2-108. This statute makes receiving stolen goods a Virginia larceny. If the value of the goods is less than *$1000, it is a misdemeanor. If it is more than *$1000, it is punished as a felony, and punished like grand larceny.
Larceny with Intent to Sell or Distribute
Larceny with Intent to Sell or Distribute property valued at *$1000 or more is a felony punishable between 2-20 years in prison, pursuant to §18.2-108.01(A).
Collateral Consequences
Beyond the immediate penalties associated with a larceny charges, other collateral consequences are also at play. Not only will the charge carry a conviction, but a larceny charge will likely be classified as a crime of moral turpitude, in that it touches upon honesty. Having a conviction for a crime of moral turpitude will likely affect future education or employment opportunities. Further, if you are subject to a background check for employment, security clearance, or immigration, a larceny conviction could affect your future.
If you find yourself charged with any form of larceny in Virginia, contact an experienced Virginia larceny attorney. An initial consultation with a TATE BYWATER attorney is complimentary. We’ll discuss your case and work with you to obtain the best possible outcome. We’re here to help!