Larceny

Fairfax Attorneys Defending Parties Charged with Larceny

In Virginia, larceny is the term used for theft of other people’s property, and there are numerous larceny offenses a person can be accused of committing. While larceny crimes range in severity, any criminal charges should be taken seriously as they can result in both imprisonment and fines. If you are charged with a larceny crime, it is smart to consult an attorney to assess your potential defenses as soon as possible. The seasoned Fairfax criminal defense lawyers of Crowley Peritz Law are well-versed in what it takes to achieve favorable results in theft cases, and if you hire us, we will craft persuasive arguments on your behalf. Our office is in Fairfax, and we frequently defend people charged with larceny and other theft offenses in cities throughout Northern Virginia.

Larceny Offenses Under Virginia Law

There are multiple larceny offenses defined by the Code of Virginia, each of which carries its own burden of proof and penalties. Broadly speaking, larceny is the unlawful taking of another person’s property. In some instances, larceny does not involve a physical taking; for example, embezzlement and making false statements to obtain credit are both considered larceny offenses. Two of the most commonly charged theft crimes are grand larceny and petit larceny. Three acts constitute grand larceny: unlawfully taking money or anything valued at $5 or more from another person, taking goods or property valued at $1,000 or more without permission, and illegally taking a firearm. Grand larceny is punishable by up to twenty years in prison and fines of up to $2,500. Petit larceny is the theft of things that do not meet the minimum value needed to impose a charge of grand larceny. Specifically, a person can be charged with petit larceny for unlawfully taking money or other things valued at less than $5.00 from another person or taking goods or property valued at less than $1,000 without permission. Petit larceny is a Class 1 misdemeanor that carries penalties of up to a year in prison.

Defenses Available in Larceny Cases

While criminal defendants do not have to offer defenses, in many cases, it is beneficial for them to do so. In larceny cases, defendants may be able to avoid convictions by demonstrating that the prosecution failed to demonstrate the elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. In other words, larceny offenses generally require the prosecution to show that the defendant took someone else’s property without permission with the intent of permanently depriving them of it. As such, if a defendant can show that they were authorized to take the property in question or did not intend to keep it, they may be found not guilty. In some instances, they may be able to argue that the prosecution cannot demonstrate that the property in question was valued at the amount necessary to demonstrate guilt. Additionally, if the defendant was forced to take the alleged victim’s property, they may be able to argue that the act was undertaken under duress and, therefore they, lacked the necessary intent.

Meet With an Experienced Fairfax Attorney Today

A conviction for a theft offense can impact multiple aspects of a person’s life, but there are often multiple opportunities for a criminal defendant to seek a ruling in their favor after charges have been filed against them. If you are faced with larceny charges, it is wise to meet with an attorney to discuss your rights. The experienced Fairfax lawyers of Crowley Peritz Law are dedicated to helping people charged with crimes fight to protect their liberties, and if we represent you, we will work diligently to help you seek a good outcome. We have an office in Fairfax, and we regularly defend people in larceny cases in cities throughout Northern Virginia and Fairfax, Loudoun, Frederick, Prince William, and Stafford Counties, including McLean, Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Annandale, Centreville, Burke, Herndon, Reston, Vienna, Falls Church, Stephens City, Ashburn, Dulles, Leesburg, Manassas, Dale City, Lake Ridge, Linton Hall, Woodbridge, Stafford, and Winchester. You can contact us to set up a confidential conference by using our online form or calling us at (703) 337-3773.