Virginia Beach Theft Defense Lawyer

Skilled Theft Defense Attorney for Clients in Virginia Beach

A theft charge may not seem serious at first, but depending on the outcome of a case, it can have a real effect on your future. A conviction will show up on background checks, and you could be sentenced to significant time in jail or prison. To protect your rights, get in contact with a Virginia Beach theft defense lawyer who has experience handling property crime cases.

At Castellano Law Firm PLLC, we are highly familiar with the laws surrounding larceny in Virginia. Attorney Vincent Castellano can meet with you early in the criminal proceedings and work to build a personalized legal strategy on your behalf.

What Is the Difference Between Petit and Grand Larceny in Virginia?

Larceny in Virginia is divided into two categories based on the value of what was taken. Petit larceny applies when the value of the stolen property is less than $1,000. It is a Class 1 misdemeanor, carrying up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. While a misdemeanor carries less exposure than a felony, a conviction still creates a permanent criminal record that can follow a person into job applications, housing searches, and professional licensing reviews.

Grand larceny applies when the value of the stolen property is $1,000 or more, or when property is taken directly from a person and is valued at $5 or more. Grand larceny is a felony, carrying a potential sentence of one to 20 years in prison, though a court may reduce the sentence to up to 12 months in certain circumstances.

The value of the property is often a central issue in these cases, and how that value is calculated and supported by evidence can affect whether a charge holds up as grand larceny or warrants reduction to a lesser offense.

What Is Organized Retail Theft?

Organized retail theft is a distinct offense that applies when two or more people work together to steal over $5,000 in merchandise from a retail establishment in a specific timeframe, typically with the intent to resell the goods. The charge is not limited to large-scale operations. A coordinated effort between even a small number of people can support the charge if the circumstances reflect a planned rather than impulsive act.

Organized retail theft is treated more seriously than standard shoplifting. The value of the merchandise involved plays a role in how the charge is classified, and convictions can result in significant fines and prison time depending on the scale of the alleged scheme.

Prosecutors in these cases often rely on surveillance footage, transaction records, and communications between the alleged participants to establish that the conduct was coordinated.

Legal Strategies in a Virginia Theft Case

Theft cases are built on evidence, and that evidence is not always as strong as it initially appears. Depending on the facts, there are several approaches an attorney may take when evaluating how to respond to a charge:

• Challenging the valuation of the property, particularly in cases where the difference between petit and grand larceny hinges on an appraisal or estimate
• Examining whether the accused had permission or a reasonable belief that they had permission to take the property
• Reviewing surveillance footage for clarity, continuity, and whether it actually depicts the accused
• Questioning the reliability of witness or employee identifications
• Evaluating whether law enforcement followed proper procedures during the investigation and arrest
• Identifying whether the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property can actually be proven beyond a reasonable doubt

Intent is a required element of larceny in Virginia, and a person who took property under a mistaken belief, with the intent to return it, or under circumstances that undermine the claim of criminal intent may have a meaningful defense available to them.

Contact a Virginia Beach Theft Defense Attorney Today

A theft conviction can close doors that are difficult to reopen. Call 757-724-0073 or contact our Virginia Beach, VA theft defense lawyer today to set up a free consultation with Castellano Law Firm PLLC.