Petit Larceny Defense Lawyer in New Kent County, Virginia
Petit larceny in New Kent 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 4 documented results in New Kent County: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended. A petit larceny defense lawyer New Kent County can challenge the prosecution’s evidence of intent and value.
Virginia Petit Larceny Law
Petit larceny is defined as the theft of goods valued under $1,000. It is prosecuted as a Class 1 misdemeanor under Virginia law. The charge requires the prosecution to prove you intentionally took property belonging to another without permission and with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it. The value of the item is a critical element; if the prosecution cannot prove the value is under $1,000, the charge may be reduced or dismissed.
Last verified: April 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official Virginia statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-96 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information for New Kent County is available at the New Kent County Combined Courts website.
Defending a Petit Larceny Charge in New Kent County
The Commonwealth’s Attorney for New Kent County prosecutes these cases at the New Kent County General District Court. A common defense involves challenging the evidence of intent or the stated value of the property. For first-time offenders, Virginia law provides options like first offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2, which can lead to dismissal upon successful completion.
- Receive a summons or warrant for petit larceny.
- Attend your arraignment at New Kent County General District Court to enter a plea.
- Your attorney will review discovery, file pre-trial motions, and negotiate with the prosecutor.
- Proceed to a bench trial in General District Court or appeal for a jury trial in Circuit Court.
- If convicted, explore sentencing alternatives or appeal the verdict.
Penalties for Petit Larceny in New Kent County
In New Kent County, petit larceny carries up to 12 months in jail, a fine of up to $2,500, and creates a permanent criminal record.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petit Larceny (Value under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Permanent criminal record, difficulty finding employment, loss of professional licenses. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys include former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper, providing a combined 120+ years of legal experience. We have handled firm-wide 4,739+ cases with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our approach uses this deep experience to build strong defenses for clients in New Kent County.
Case Results in New Kent County
Our firm has documented results in New Kent County. In recent cases, we have secured dismissals and reductions for clients facing misdemeanor charges. For example, we successfully argued for the dismissal of a petit larceny charge where the store’s loss prevention procedures were not followed correctly.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our New Kent County Petit Larceny Defense Lawyer
Our Richmond location serves clients at the New Kent County courts. We are accessible via I-64, Route 33, and Route 249. We are a petit larceny attorney New Kent County residents can consult near Providence Forge and Quinton.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 | Local: (804) 977-1659
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in New Kent County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in New Kent County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor: up to 6 months/$1,000. Common charges include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57), petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96), and driving on suspended (§ 46.2-301).
Can criminal charges be expunged in New Kent 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 New Kent County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in New Kent County, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges in New Kent County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at New Kent County General District Court. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. A petty theft attorney New Kent County can protect your rights.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in New Kent County?
New Kent County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. New Kent 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 in New Kent County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in New Kent County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to New Kent County General District Court.
Related Legal Information
If you need a Virginia criminal defense lawyer, visit our state hub. For defense in nearby areas, see our pages for Henrico County and Chesterfield County. For other legal needs in New Kent County, consider a DUI lawyer or a family law attorney.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.