Petit Larceny Defense Lawyer in Bedford County, Virginia
Petit larceny under Va. Code § 18.2-96 is a Class 1 misdemeanor in Bedford County, carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented results defending theft charges in Bedford County General District Court. A strong defense is critical to protect your record and future. Contact a petit larceny defense lawyer Bedford County today.
Last verified: April 2026 | Bedford County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Petit Larceny Law
Petit larceny, defined under Va. Code § 18.2-96, is the theft of goods valued under $1,000. It is a Class 1 misdemeanor, the most serious misdemeanor category in Virginia. The charge is prosecuted by the Bedford County Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at the Bedford County General District Court located at 123 East Main Street, Suite 202, Bedford, VA 24523. Even as a misdemeanor, a conviction creates a permanent criminal record that can affect employment, housing, and professional licenses.
- Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss the charge if procedural errors exist.
- Negotiation: Your lawyer will negotiate with the prosecutor, seeking a reduction, alternative disposition, or dismissal.
- Trial: If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a bench trial before a judge in General District Court.
- Appeal: You have an absolute right to appeal a guilty verdict to Bedford County Circuit Court for a new jury trial.
Penalties for Petit Larceny in Bedford County
In Bedford County, a petit larceny conviction carries a maximum penalty of 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, plus court costs and possible restitution to the victim.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petit Larceny (Value < $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Permanent criminal record, restitution, difficulty finding employment. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Defense Approach for Theft Charges
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys use a detailed approach to petit larceny defense. We examine the evidence for weaknesses, such as lack of intent, mistaken identity, or improper police procedure. We explore all options, from pre-trial dismissal to favorable plea agreements. Our goal is to avoid a conviction on your record whenever possible.
Bryan Block, Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. Former Virginia State Trooper (15 years). View Bryan Block’s Profile
Matthew Greene, Senior Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. 30+ years criminal defense. Death penalty certified (formerly). View Matthew Greene’s Profile
Case Results
Our firm has a documented record of favorable outcomes in theft cases. For example, we secured a dismissal for a client charged with petit larceny under $200 in Fairfax County General District Court. In Bedford County, our team works to achieve similar results through diligent case preparation and negotiation.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our secondary attorney on complex criminal matters is Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with multi-state bar admissions who provides strategic oversight.
Contact Our Bedford County Petit Larceny Defense Lawyer
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients in Bedford County. We are accessible via Route 460, Route 122, and other major highways.
Petit larceny defense lawyer near Bedford County serving Bedford, Forest, Smith Mountain Lake, and Moneta.
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
505 N Main St, Suite 103
Woodstock, VA 22664
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Bedford County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Bedford County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Petit larceny is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-96.
Can petit larceny charges be dropped in Bedford County?
It depends. A prosecutor may drop charges (nolle prosequi) if evidence is weak. Successful completion of a first-offender program under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 can also lead to dismissal. An experienced misdemeanor theft defense lawyer Bedford County can advocate for these outcomes.
Do I need a lawyer for a shoplifting charge in Bedford County?
Yes. A shoplifting charge lawyer Bedford County can protect your rights, challenge evidence, and work to avoid a permanent conviction that affects your future employment and housing opportunities.
What is the difference between petit larceny and grand larceny in Virginia?
The key difference is the value of the stolen property. Theft of goods valued under $1,000 is petit larceny, a misdemeanor. Theft of $1,000 or more is grand larceny, a felony under Va. Code § 18.2-95, carrying 1 to 20 years in prison.
Can a petit larceny conviction be expunged in Virginia?
No. Virginia law generally does not allow expungement of convictions. Only charges that result in an acquittal, dismissal, or nolle prosequi are eligible for expungement under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. This makes avoiding a conviction crucial.
For more information, visit the Bedford County General District Court website.
See our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Shenandoah County. For other legal needs in Bedford County, consider our services for DUI defense.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.