Arlington County VA Grand Larceny Lawyer
An Arlington County grand larceny case may depend on the value of the property, how it was allegedly taken, whether the Commonwealth can prove an intent to steal, and what evidence connects the accused person to the property or alleged offense. Virginia Code § 18.2-95 generally makes larceny a felony when property valued at $1,000 or more is taken other than from the person, when property valued at $5 or more is taken from the person, or when a firearm is stolen regardless of its value. Grand larceny is punishable by one to 20 years in prison, although Virginia law permits an alternative misdemeanor-range punishment in appropriate cases. Our Arlington County VA grand larceny lawyers review property value, ownership, intent, witness testimony, surveillance video, statements, possession of allegedly stolen property, and other evidence affecting the charge and available defenses.
Arlington Grand Larceny Defense Guide
Arlington County Defense Services
For broader statewide criminal-defense information, see our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyers page.
Grand Larceny Under Virginia Law
Virginia Code § 18.2-95 determines when qualifying larceny is classified and punished as grand larceny.
Grand larceny includes:
- Larceny from the person of another involving money or another thing of value worth $5 or more;
- Simple larceny not from the person involving goods or property valued at $1,000 or more; and
- Simple larceny of a firearm regardless of the firearm’s monetary value.
In general, the Commonwealth must prove the elements of larceny together with the circumstances that bring the offense within § 18.2-95.
Grand Larceny Penalties in Virginia
Grand larceny under § 18.2-95 is punishable by imprisonment in a state correctional facility for not less than one nor more than 20 years.
The statute also permits the jury, or the court trying the case without a jury, to impose alternative punishment of confinement in jail for up to 12 months, a fine of up to $2,500, or both.
Because grand larceny is a felony, a conviction may also affect employment, professional licensing, security clearance, firearm rights, background checks, and other future opportunities.
Petit Larceny vs. Grand Larceny
For ordinary larceny not from the person, property valued at less than $1,000 generally falls within petit larceny, while property valued at $1,000 or more may constitute grand larceny.
For larceny directly from another person, the threshold is different. Property valued at $5 or more may fall within grand larceny.
Theft of a firearm is treated as grand larceny regardless of the firearm’s value.
For misdemeanor theft allegations, see our Arlington County VA Petit Larceny Lawyer page.
What the Commonwealth Must Prove
Depending on the particular grand-larceny allegation, significant issues may include whether the Commonwealth can prove beyond a reasonable doubt:
- A taking and carrying away of personal property;
- That the property belonged to another person;
- That the taking occurred without consent or lawful authority;
- An intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property;
- The identity of the person alleged to have committed the taking;
- The value of the property when value determines classification; and
- Any other circumstance necessary to establish the particular form of grand larceny charged.
Property Value and the $1,000 Threshold
Property value can become one of the most important issues in an Arlington grand-larceny case.
Evidence of value may include:
- Market-value testimony;
- Purchase price;
- Age and condition of the property;
- Receipts and business records;
- Photographs;
- Appraisals; and
- Other evidence bearing on value at the relevant time.
Original purchase price does not necessarily establish the current value of used or depreciated property.
If the Commonwealth cannot establish the felony threshold where value controls classification, the evidence may support petit rather than grand larceny.
Intent to Permanently Deprive the Owner
Larceny generally requires proof that the accused intended to permanently deprive the owner of the property.
Intent is ordinarily established through circumstances rather than direct evidence of what a person was thinking.
Relevant circumstances may include statements, conduct, concealment, possession, efforts to sell or dispose of property, communications concerning the property, ownership disputes, permission, and what occurred after the property was obtained.
Grand Larceny and Shoplifting
Retail theft can be punished as grand larceny when the requirements of Virginia Code § 18.2-103 are established and the merchandise is valued at $1,000 or more. Shoplifting cases may involve allegations of concealment, skip-scanning, price switching, transferring merchandise between containers, or other conduct allegedly intended to avoid paying the full purchase price. Surveillance video, self-checkout records, receipts, loss-prevention reports, merchandise-value evidence, witness testimony, and statements attributed to the accused may all become important in determining whether the Commonwealth can prove both the alleged conduct and the required intent. For retail-theft allegations, see our Arlington County VA Shoplifting Lawyer page.
Grand Larceny Involving Theft of a Firearm
Virginia Code § 18.2-95 specifically treats simple larceny of a firearm as grand larceny regardless of the firearm’s monetary value. The Commonwealth must still prove the elements of larceny. Issues may include identity, possession, ownership, consent, and whether the accused intended to permanently deprive the owner of the firearm. Because the ordinary $1,000 threshold does not apply to firearm theft, a firearm may support a grand-larceny charge even when its monetary value is substantially below that threshold.
Common Defense Issues in Arlington Grand Larceny Cases
The appropriate defense depends on the particular facts, the prosecution’s theory, and the available evidence. Grand larceny cases may involve disputes concerning property value, intent, ownership, permission, identity, possession, statements, or how the allegedly stolen property was recovered. A defense should begin by identifying exactly what the Commonwealth must prove under the particular theory of grand larceny charged. Video, witness testimony, property records, receipts, appraisals, electronic communications, police statements, and evidence concerning possession should be evaluated together rather than in isolation. The felony classification itself may also be contested. When the prosecution relies on property value to establish grand larceny, insufficient or unreliable valuation evidence may affect whether the Commonwealth can prove the felony offense.
Insufficient Proof of Value
When value determines whether an allegation is felony grand larceny, the prosecution must establish the required value with sufficient evidence.
Lack of Intent to Steal
Mistake, misunderstanding, temporary possession, or another explanation may create an issue concerning intent to permanently deprive the owner.
Ownership or Claim of Right
A genuine dispute concerning ownership or the right to possess the property may affect whether the taking was wrongful.
Consent or Permission
Evidence that possession was authorized may undermine an essential part of the prosecution’s theory.
Mistaken Identity
The Commonwealth must establish the identity of the person who committed the alleged offense.
Insufficient or Conflicting Evidence
Video, witnesses, statements, possession, electronic communications, and other evidence may conflict or leave reasonable doubt.
Arlington County Grand Larceny Court Process
Because grand larceny is a felony, an Arlington case may begin in Arlington County General District Court with proceedings that can include an advisement, bond issues, discovery, motions, negotiations, and a preliminary hearing. At a preliminary hearing, the issue is whether sufficient probable cause exists for the felony charge to proceed toward Circuit Court. It is not the felony trial. A grand-larceny charge may also proceed by indictment. Felony trials, guilty pleas, and final felony dispositions are handled in Arlington County Circuit Court.
What to Send for an Arlington Grand Larceny Case Review
Helpful information may include:
- The warrant, indictment, or charging document;
- The scheduled Arlington court date;
- Documents identifying the property;
- Receipts, appraisals, or value records;
- Ownership or permission documents;
- Photographs or surveillance video;
- Text messages, emails, or other communications;
- Payment or transaction records; and
- Names and contact information for potential witnesses.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arlington Grand Larceny
What is grand larceny in Virginia?
Virginia Code § 18.2-95 generally includes larceny from the person involving property valued at $5 or more, simple larceny not from the person involving property valued at $1,000 or more, and simple larceny of a firearm regardless of value.
Is grand larceny a felony in Virginia?
Yes. Grand larceny under Virginia Code § 18.2-95 is a felony.
What is the punishment for grand larceny?
Grand larceny is punishable by one to 20 years in a state correctional facility. Virginia law also permits the jury or a court trying the case without a jury to impose up to 12 months in jail, a fine of up to $2,500, or both.
What separates petit larceny from grand larceny?
For ordinary larceny not from the person, the general dividing line is $1,000. Different thresholds apply to larceny from the person, and theft of a firearm is grand larceny regardless of value.
Can property value be challenged?
Yes. When value controls the offense classification, receipts, market evidence, age, condition, appraisals, and other information may be relevant.
Is stealing a firearm always grand larceny?
Virginia Code § 18.2-95 provides that simple larceny of a firearm is grand larceny regardless of the firearm’s monetary value.
When can shoplifting become grand larceny?
Under Virginia Code § 18.2-103, qualifying shoplifting involving merchandise valued at $1,000 or more is punished as grand larceny.
Where is an Arlington grand larceny case heard?
A felony grand larceny case may begin in Arlington County General District Court and proceed toward Arlington County Circuit Court, or the case may proceed by indictment in Circuit Court.
Request a Confidential Arlington Grand Larceny Case Review
If you have been charged with grand larceny in Arlington County, reviewing the alleged property value, ownership, intent, possession, witness testimony, video, statements, and other evidence can help determine what the Commonwealth must prove and what defense issues may affect the felony charge. Request a confidential case review with an Arlington criminal defense lawyer.
9/15/2026