Felony Theft Lawyer in Colonial Heights, Virginia
Felony theft in Colonial Heights is prosecuted as grand larceny under Va. Code § 18.2-95, a felony carrying 1-20 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for theft charges at Colonial Heights General District and Circuit Courts. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper. Contact a felony theft lawyer Colonial Heights for a 24/7 consultation.
Last verified: April 2026 | Colonial Heights General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Felony Theft Law
In Virginia, theft becomes a felony—grand larceny—when the value of stolen property or services is $1,000 or more, as defined by Va. Code § 18.2-95. This statute is the primary legal framework for felony theft charges in Colonial Heights. Theft of certain items, regardless of value, is also a felony, including firearms (Va. Code § 18.2-108.1) and committing petit larceny after two prior larceny convictions (Va. Code § 18.2-104). The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Colonial Heights prosecutes these cases, which begin with a preliminary hearing in Colonial Heights General District Court before potentially moving to Circuit Court for trial.
For official state law, refer to the Virginia General Assembly website for Va. Code § 18.2-95. Court procedures and local rules can be found on the Colonial Heights General District Court website.
- Arrest and Initial Hearing: You will be taken before a magistrate. For felony theft, a secured bond is common.
- General District Court Preliminary Hearing: The Commonwealth must show probable cause for the felony charge. Your attorney can cross-examine witnesses and argue for a reduction.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If the case proceeds, you will be formally charged and enter a plea in Colonial Heights Circuit Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your larceny lawyer Felony Colonial Heights will file motions to suppress evidence and obtain all police reports and witness statements.
- Plea Negotiation or Trial: Most cases are resolved through negotiation. If not, you have a right to a jury trial in Circuit Court.
Penalties for Felony Theft in Colonial Heights
In Colonial Heights, felony theft (grand larceny) is punishable by 1 to 20 years in prison, or, in the discretion of the jury, confinement in jail for up to 12 months and a fine of up to $2,500.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Larceny (Value $1,000+) | Felony | 1-20 years (or up to 12 months in jail) | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Permanent felony record, loss of voting rights, difficulty finding employment. |
| Grand Larceny (Firearm) | Felony | Mandatory minimum 2 years, up to 20 years. | Court discretion | None directly | Same as above, plus severe restrictions on future firearm possession. |
| Third Petit Larceny Conviction | Felony | 1-20 years (or up to 12 months in jail) | Up to $2,500 | None directly | “Three strikes” rule applies even if individual thefts were under $1,000. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Defense Approach for Felony Theft Charges
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to theft cases. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand that a felony theft conviction can alter your life, and we build defenses focused on challenging the prosecution’s evidence on value, intent, and identity.
Our team also includes former prosecutor Kristen Fisher, whose insight into how cases are built by the Commonwealth is invaluable for crafting counter-strategies. For complex felony theft cases, firm founder Mr. Sris provides strategic oversight.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
While specific Colonial Heights felony theft results are part of our confidential case files, our firm-wide record demonstrates our commitment to vigorous defense. We pursue all avenues, from pre-trial motions to suppress evidence to negotiating for reduced charges or alternative sentencing.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Felony Theft Defense in Colonial Heights
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Colonial Heights courts. We represent individuals throughout the Colonial Heights community.
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: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Felony Theft Lawyer Colonial Heights FAQ
What makes theft a felony in Virginia?
Theft is a felony (grand larceny) if the stolen property or services are valued at $1,000 or more (Va. Code § 18.2-95). Theft of a firearm or a third petit larceny conviction are also felonies, regardless of value.
Can a felony theft charge be reduced to a misdemeanor?
It depends. A skilled theft defense attorney Felony Colonial Heights can negotiate a reduction by challenging the prosecution’s valuation evidence. If the value is close to the $1,000 threshold, arguing for a lower fair market value can lead to a misdemeanor petit larceny plea.
What court handles felony theft cases in Colonial Heights?
Felony theft cases begin with a preliminary hearing in Colonial Heights General District Court. If probable cause is found, the case is sent to Colonial Heights Circuit Court for indictment, arraignment, and potential jury trial.
What are the defenses to a felony theft charge?
Common defenses include mistaken identity, lack of intent to permanently deprive the owner (borrowing), ownership dispute, insufficient evidence of value exceeding $1,000, and unlawful search and seizure. A larceny lawyer Felony Colonial Heights will investigate all possible defenses.
Should I talk to the police if I’m accused of theft?
No. Politely decline to answer questions and request to speak with a felony theft lawyer Colonial Heights. Anything you say can be used against you, and investigators may misinterpret your statements.
For more information on related defenses, see our pages on Virginia Criminal Defense, Henrico County Criminal Lawyer, and Colonial Heights DUI Lawyer.