Alexandria Theft Lawyer
Theft crimes in Alexandria can range from minor infractions to severe offenses. Punishments can vary from fines to lengthy prison sentences, depending on the value associated with the alleged theft.
If you are charged with any theft-related offense in Alexandria, you do not have to face the charge alone. You do not have to rely on a public defender or accept a plea agreement without first consulting with an Alexandria theft lawyer. Call today to learn more about how a seasoned criminal defense attorney could help your case.
Grand Larceny
According to § 18.2-95 of the Code of Virginia, there are three distinct ways in which a person can commit the crime of grand larceny in Alexandria:
- Unlawfully taking money or possessions valued at $5 or more from a person
- Unlawfully taking money or chattel valued at $200 or more from a store
- Unlawfully taking a firearm from a store
The mandatory sentence for a grand larceny conviction is one year in jail and up to 20 years in prison. A court can order a fine of up to $2,500 as well. The penalties for grand larceny are severe which is why it is essential for a defendant to obtain an Alexandria theft attorney.
Petit Larceny
The theft of money or chattel of less than $5 in value from a person is considered petit larceny. Likewise is the theft of merchandise valued at less than $200 from a store. Petit larceny is a Class 1 misdemeanor, which means that it could potentially result in a sentence to up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. An experienced lawyer could be particularly useful in convincing a court to place a convicted person on probation rather than ordering any jail time.
Additional Larceny Offenses
A person can be convicted of either grand or petit larceny without actually stealing any item. An individual who intends to defraud vendor of the value of merchandise may be charged with larceny if they do so by:
- Concealing an item while inside an establishment
- Altering the price tag of an item
- Assists another in doing either of the above
Just as in the case of actual theft, the value of the merchandise will determine whether a defendant is charged with petit or grand larceny. If the merchandise is valued at under $200, the defendant will be charged with petit larceny. If the value is greater than $200, a charge of grand larceny will follow. In the case of multiple items being concealed, the value of the items may be aggregated in determining the level of the offense.
Receiving Stolen Goods
According to § 18.2-108 of the Virginia Code, a person who knowingly receives, buys, or conceals a stolen item can be charged with the larceny of that item. An Alexandria theft lawyer could prove that a defendant did not know a particular piece of chattel was stolen, and thus move for the court to dismiss the charges.
Let an Alexandria Theft Attorney Assist You
Theft crimes can range in terms of their consequences and in some cases could result in prison sentences. Do not face a theft crime without first consulting a legal professional. An attorney could make all the difference in the outcome of your case. If you are charged with a theft offense, set up a consultation with an Alexandria theft lawyer to learn more your options.
