What should you know if police charge you with larceny?

Being charged with larceny in Virginia can have serious consequences, depending on the circumstances of the case. Understanding what larceny is and the penalties it carries can help you prepare for what lies ahead.

What is larceny?

Larceny is the unlawful taking of someone else’s property with the intent to deprive them of it permanently. While often grouped with theft, larceny in Virginia has its own legal definitions and penalties. Virginia law differentiates between grand larceny and petit larceny, based on the value of the property involved or the nature of the item stolen.

Grand larceny vs. petit larceny

Grand larceny involves stealing property worth $5 or more from another person, stealing property worth $200 or more that isn’t taken from a person, or taking any firearm regardless of its value.  Petit larceny, which involves stealing property valued under $200 or less than $5 from another person, is considered a Class 1 misdemeanor.

How is larceny proven in court?

To convict someone of larceny, the prosecution must show that the person took someone else’s property without permission and had the intent to permanently keep it. Evidence such as witness testimony, video footage, or physical evidence can be used to establish that they did the crime.

What are the penalties for larceny charges?

Penalties depend on whether the charge is for grand or petit larceny. If charged with grand larceny, penalties can range from 1 to 20 years in prison or up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. 

Petit larceny comes with a penalty of up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.

Understanding the differences between grand and petit larceny, as well as the evidence needed for a conviction, is important if you face these charges. The consequences of a larceny conviction can impact your future, making it important to understand how the law applies.