Fairfax Theft Lawyer

Theft charges in Fairfax can range from minor shoplifting accusations to serious robbery allegations. Regardless of the scope or nature of the charges you may be facing, it is useful to contact a Fairfax theft lawyer to learn about your options for mounting an effective defense. En Español.

What are the Benefits of Aggressive Representation?

The attorneys at our firm have experience litigating in the Fairfax court system and can bring that local knowledge to bear on your case. When you sign on with a Fairfax theft attorney, he or she can investigate the details pertaining to your charges, searching for any way that certain claims may be disputed or evidence made inadmissible. Other services our experienced lawyers provide include:

• Skilled negotiation with prosecutors, should a plea deal be your desired course of action
• Constant case updates and communication during the legal process
• Oversight of any motions or other paperwork that must be filed
• Aggressive defense in front of a judge or jury

There are many more specific advantages of working with a Fairfax theft lawyer that can only be determined on an individual basis. To learn how we can uniquely assist you, call and conduct your initial consultation, completely free of charge.

Virginia Theft Charges, Generally

Theft in Virginia is a property-related crime and it can be charged as a felony or misdemeanor. It has two classifications (and several variations within each of those classifications) that are determined based upon the value of a property or the amount of the money alleged to have been stolen.

Petit Larceny in Fairfax

In Fairfax, petit larceny charges may apply when one steals goods or money with a value of less than $500, or takes $5 or less directly from an individual. It is a Class 1 misdemeanor and punishable by up to a year in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500. Most petit larceny charges result from shoplifting [See Section 18.2-103]. A second offense can be as long as a year in jail; but carries a mandatory minimum term of 30 days, and/or the same maximum fine of up to $2,500.

Many people facing misdemeanor charges treat them less seriously because they are not felonies. Unfortunately, conviction of even a misdemeanor offense can result in a permanent criminal record that can influence a person for the rest of his or her life. That’s why a Fairfax theft lawyer is essential when facing charges even for petit larceny.

What is Grand Larceny in Fairfax?

Depending on the circumstances of the case and what is stolen, you can be charged with a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison. The minimum penalty for grand larceny is the same as the maximum penalty for petit larceny (e.g., up to a $2,500 fine and up to one year in jail).

Grand larceny occurs when the value of goods, money, or services stolen exceeds $500 or if you take more than $5 from a person directly. See Section 18.2-95. Because these are felony charges, they may be more vigorously prosecuted than so-called lesser, misdemeanor theft crimes. Grand larceny cases may also factor into other, more complicated, legal charges, depending on the circumstances surrounding the alleged crime.

To effectively fight your grand larceny charges, you’ll want to contact a Fairfax theft lawyer who has experience in the local court system and has successfully defended theft cases in the past.

Other Fairfax Theft Offenses

Many theft charges involve outside or situationally-dependent factors that can transform a basic larceny charge into something more specific. Below, you’ll find a breakdown of some of the more common theft or theft-related crimes that our Fairfax theft attorneys have helped clients manage.

Burglary

According to Virginia Code Section 18.2-90, when an individual enters a dwelling house or other similar structure in order to commit a crime, he or she may be found guilty of burglary, regardless of whether any crime was actually committed. In addition, the possession of certain “burglarious tools” may also be used as evidence of the intent to commit the crime and possession of those tools alone can be a felony.

Robbery

Robbery, although not formally defined by Virginia code, is the use of force or violence in the commission of a theft crime—generally involving goods taken directly off another person. Because physical contact, overt violence, and possibly even the use of a weapon are often associated with this crime, it is taken extremely seriously and charged as a felony offense.

Carjacking

In Virginia, carjacking is a crime against the person, wherein an individual uses force or the threat of force to deprive another person of his or her vehicle. In any carjacking charge, as in robbery, the use of a weapon during the commission of the crime can elevate the penalties that accompany a conviction.

Embezzlement

The term theft is often used to describe a number of criminal offenses, including both state and federal offenses. That includes the crime of embezzlement: Virginia Code Section 18.2-111 which can be charged (and sentenced) as either a petit larceny or grand larceny. The severity of the charge depends upon the value of the property or the amount of money that was taken.

Identity Theft and Other Computer–Related Thefts

Generally, using a computer to gather a person’s unique identifying information is a Class 1 misdemeanor, which means the penalty may range up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500. Ultimately, the manner in which identity theft is charged and penalized is governed by three basic standards, as defined in Code Section 18.2-186.3. The standards are as follows:

• What was the suspect’s intent?
• Who was the target of the theft (both directly and by association; this can also include the government or law enforcement being the target)?
• Who benefited from the theft, was it the suspect or another party to whom the suspect sold the information?

Work with a Fairfax Theft Attorney

A quality defense is crucial when facing misdemeanor or felony theft charges. That’s where a Fairfax theft lawyer comes in—ensuring that your rights are upheld and that you receive a quality defense in court. Call our legal team today to take part in your free initial consultation.