Source: http://vincenzeslaw.com/virginia-lawyer/virginia-criminal-law/theft/fairfax-criminal-lawyers-larceny-by-fairfax-criminal-defense-attorney/
Timestamp: 2019-04-20 16:57:57+00:00

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Larceny is a serious offense; it does not matter whether the charge is for petit larceny or grand larceny; when it comes to the blemish upon one’s criminal record, both are criminal offenses which remain on an adult’s record forever. There are many Fairfax criminal lawyers who can help you if you have a pending case before the Fairfax County General District Court, or the Circuit Court, as the case may be.
Our Fairfax criminal defense attorney explains on this page various subtleties and nuances, as well as defenses and case examples, pertaining to the crimes of petit larceny and grand larceny. These two forms of larceny are similar but very different at the same time, and the consequences may be relatively mild to quite severe in nature. Embezzlement is another charge similar to larceny, except before the wrongful act, the person obtained possession of the property with permission. Embezzlement is punished as if it were a larceny offense, but the elements of the crime are different.
Before you read about larceny on this page, take a moment to soak in a few basic statistics. First, take a look at theft offenses and trends in the U.S; next, compare the national property crime figures to those reported in Commonwealth of Virginia. Finally, take note of Virginia’s rank among the other states with regard to larceny offenses.
Fairfax criminal lawyers — and our Fairfax criminal defense attorney — enjoy educating members of the public… and we know our website is read by Americans all over the country. So, to keep articles fresh and interesting, we like to use statistics when relevant.
According to recent data released by the Department of Justice, 12,825,510 people reported that they were a victim of a theft offense (property crime) in 2011. In 2002, that number was just above 14 million; in 2010, 11.6 million.
From these figures, we can assume theft offenses in the U.S. have declined since 2002, but have endured a slight uptick from 2010. These figures only account for property theft but not including auto theft or household burglary. Motor vehicle thefts and burglaries increased between 2010 and 2011; both numbers have declined, however, since 2002.
Of all violent crime victims in 2011, the most (49%) were from the 18 to 24 age demographic. The senior citizen population reported the fewest theft incidents, at just above 4%. Larceny is not considered to be a violent crime, because when larceny is accompanied by threats or intimidation, it is charged as robbery (a crime against a person, not solely property). If you have been charged with robbery and you believe you were not using threats, force, or threats of force, then you may wish to contact our Fairfax criminal defense attorney for a free consultation. If you have been charged with any theft offense, we strongly encourage you to schedule a free phone or office consultation.
According to aggregated data from statemaster (source: Bureau of Justice Statistics), the recent data shows Virginia ranking within the top 20 states for instances of larceny. The data, although slightly outdated, is relevant for purposes of comparing states with one another. Virginia reported 142,679 larceny crimes in 2006. Compared to California, the state with the most larceny crimes in that same period at 666,860; and, with the fewest; South Dakota with 9,296. It is fair to say Virginia is about average. After California, Texas, Florida, and New York ranked 2nd, 3rd, and 4th.
At Vincenzes Law, PLLC, we understand how it is possible for a good person to make a bad choice. We also understand how the justice system is flawed in many ways. While no human system can be perfect, our legal team and our Fairfax criminal defense attorney is proud to represent all of our clients in the court of law. We never judge others; not only is it a bad idea to judge another person, “until you have walked a mile in their shoes,” it is simply not what we do. We are our clients’ champion; we are their biggest advocate, and we are their voice. We defend clients accused of committing theft crimes.
There may be other theft related charges which one of the many Fairfax criminal lawyers or our Fairfax criminal defense attorney can assist with…just ask us about your charge and we will quickly reply.
Other areas in which we represent those facing the criminal justice system include: traffic defense, reckless driving, DWI, Cannabis crimes, drug possession, drug distribution, drug manufacturing, assault and battery, juvenile crimes, possession/distribution/manufacturing Schedule I or Schedule II substances (and others).
Our legal team and Fairfax criminal defense attorney can handle most misdemeanors and felonies in Fairfax County, Prince William County, and neighboring jurisdictions (including Arlington, Alexandria, Manassas, and more).
If you have been charged with embezzlement, then you may come across the word, “larceny,” because embezzlement is punished as larceny…however, embezzlement is a separate offense covered on a different page of our site.
Petit larceny is the most serious type of misdemeanor in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As a Class 1 misdemeanor, the judge is authorized to sentence a convicted person to up to a year in jail, a $2,500 fine, or both. All criminal offenses remain on one’s record for life, and while some criminal violations may not be tremendously harmful to an individual’s employment endeavors (for example, driving 81 mph in a 70 mph zone is a criminal offense: reckless driving), however, a crime involving stealing will make matters difficult in many situations.
Grand larceny is a separate statuteb but uses the same definition of larceny as “petit” larceny.
“Asportation” or, “carrying away” is required for larceny: it can be very slight.
If someone commits “larceny” (defined above) by taking property or money from another person, and that property or money is $5 or more in value, then that is grand larceny. If the larceny was not from another person, but the goods were worth $200 or more, then that is likewise grand larceny. If the larceny is not from a person, and that item is a firearm, then value of the firearm makes no difference and that, too, is grand larceny.
Grand larceny is punishable by time in a correctional facility for at least one (1) year. The sentence, however, can be up to twenty (20) years in jail. In the jury or court’s discretion trying the case, it may sentence the defendant to confinement for at least 12 months in jail, or fines up to $2,500, or both. If you face a grand larceny charge (or any larceny), time in jail is a real possibility if you are found guilty. Our local Fairfax criminal defense attorney can explain what “discretionary” confinement is as opposed to the regular sentencing guidelines. Do not waste time, as every day and hour counts.
Just like an attempted misdemeanor is punishable as if it were a completed crime, an attempted grand larceny (not a misdemeanor) is also punishable just as the law provides for the grand larceny if it had been fully completed. For an analysis of your case and whether you likely did perform some action, or did not perform some action to be considered an attempt, contact your local Fairfax criminal defense attorney.
“Value” is an important aspect of the crime of larceny. Remember, petit larceny only requires the item have “some value.” Grand larceny requires a certain value level. Who determines value? In cases involving goods valued around $200, (or $5, if taken from a person), who or what determines the value…and ultimately, the defendants’ potential sentencing guidelines?
The owner of the property can offer testimony, but what about a person who does not own the goods? And what if the non-owner is not even an expert when it comes to valuation of the type of good, or an expert when it comes to the type of good, generally? It may come as a surprise to some non Fairfax criminal lawyers, but the answer is that opinion testimony of a non-expert who does not own the property, can still offer admissible testimony about the property value, but only if the person has adequate knowledge of the value or has had a substantial opportunity for forming an unbiased opinion.vii Ask our Fairfax criminal defense attorney to articulate how one of the cases cited on this page may be similar or not-so-similar to your unique facts.
Missing Items were Found in Private Area, not My Room! Will a Local Fairfax Criminal Defense Attorney Tell me to Plead Not Guilty?
Whenever you consult local Fairfax criminal lawyers, including our own Fairfax criminal defense attorney, he or she will tell you that how you plead is up to you, the client. After all, it is your liberty on the line. But as your local Fairfax criminal defense attorney, Fairfax criminal lawyers should strive to tell you why pleading a specific way is a wise option, or a poor option; it all depends on the facts surrounding your unique case.
If a person is accused of receiving stolen goods, then the proper place for he or she to be tried is in the jurisdiction (or, court system) where he or she received the property or possessed it.iv In other words, if charged in another locality or county, then the case may be out of the jurisdiction of the court. Jurisdictional questions are basic foundations of legal knowledge possessed by the competent Fairfax criminal lawyers. Our Fairfax criminal defense attorney can explain whether or not your charge was properly brought before the court you have been summoned to appear in front of.
In a grand larceny prosecution, the Commonwealth must prove the value to comply with the statutory amount required. If they cannot do so, grand larceny cannot be the charge used to convict. A local Fairfax criminal defense attorney may still need to advocate on your behalf if you have been charged under a different statute, so make sure to tell your attorney everything: no matter which of the many Fairfax criminal lawyers you choose to represent you.
Should I pick one of the professional Fairfax Criminal Lawyers if the Item I took is Old and Used?
If the Commonwealth alleges the value of a specific item to be the value of the “whole,” then that is not considered properly proving value of the item in question. For example, imagine a glass display of a boy and a girl, about 3 feet tall per figure. The two figures are part of a store display. They were sold to the store as a pair, or, a single unit. If a person is accused of stealing one of the two figures, then there is an argument to be made that the correct valuation should not take into account both figures; only the stolen figure.xiv Our Fairfax criminal defense attorney is one of the Fairfax criminal lawyers whom can explain to you and investigate if need-be, any possibility that the item is incorrectly valued by the Commonwealth (prosecution).
An affirmative defense is essentially saying, “yes I committed the crime, but I had a reason and that reason should absolve me of liability.” Typically, an affirmative defense will come in one of two flavors: justifications or excuses. We have covered justifications and excuses on a different page, but in short, a justification is something that one would not be ashamed or embarrassed of. For example, self-defense is a justification to an assault and battery. On the other hand, an “excuse” is something we do not celebrate, but it is something to consider in terms of whether or not the accused ought to be considered criminally liable. Two examples are insanity and involuntary intoxication.
These are examples of Virginia larceny cases, three illustrating when evidence was held sufficient for a finding of guilt, and three to illustrate when evidence was held insufficient. These examples are not examples of defendants we have represented.
Do not rely on anything you find on the internet. This page and entire website is not legal advice. It is for informational purposes only. This page covers the basics of larceny. We have covered other theft-related offenses, such as embezzlement. In the near future, we will soon cover robbery, burglary, and abduction, in addition to fraud and other similar crimes. If you have been charged with any offense that is criminal in nature, or if you are not sure whether your offense is civil, criminal, or a mere infraction or ordinance violation with no criminal repercussions, please call one of your local Fairfax criminal lawyers or our Fairfax criminal defense attorney. Brenton D. Vincenzes helps advocate for those accused of committing crimes and traffic violations in Northern Virginia.
[a] 18.2-95 Grand larceny defined; how punished.
[b] 18.2-96 Petit larceny defined; how punished.
[c] § 18.2-27. Attempts to commit misdemeanors; how punished.
[d] § 19.2-8. Limitation of prosecutions.
[e] § 19.2-289. Conviction of petit larceny.
[f] § 19.2-290. Conviction of petit larceny though thing stolen worth more than $200.
[i] Bright v. Commonwealth, 4 Va. App. 248, 356 S.E.2d 443 (1987).
[ii] Evans v. Commonwealth, 226 Va. 292, 308 S.E.2d 126 (1983).
[iii] Henderson v. Commonwealth, 215 Va. 811, 213 S.E.2d 782 (1975).
[vi] Davis v. Commonwealth, 14 Va. App. 709, 419 S.E.2d 285 (1992).
[v] Humphreys v. Commonwealth, No. 1324-95-4 (Ct. of Appeals Feb. 11, 1997).
[vi] Wright v. Commonwealth, 2 Va. App. 743, 348 S.E.2d 9 (1986).
[vii] Owen v. Commonwealth, No. 1495-95-2 (Ct. of Appeals May 28, 1996).
[viii] Harris v. Commonwealth, 38 Va. App. 680 568, S.E.2d 385, (2002). Rev’d on other grounds.
[ix] Tucker v. Commonwealth, no. 1288-02-2, 2003 Va. App. LEXIS 347 (ct. of Appeals June 17, 2003).
[x] Dance v. Commonwealth, No. 3085-02-2 2003 Va. App. LEXIS 393 (Ct. of Appeals July 8, 2003).
[xi] Duncan v. Commonwealth, 218 Va. 545, 238 S.E.2d 807 (1977).
[xii] Huddleston v. Commonwealth, No. 2335-98-3 (Ct. of Appeals Oct. 19, 1999).
[xiii] Tarpley v. Commonwealth, 261 Va. 251 542 S.E.2d 761, 2001 Va. LEXIS 31 (2001).
[xiv] Camden v. Commonwealth, No. 2951-96-3 (Ct. of Appeals Dec. 16, 1997).
If you are faced with a suspended sentence and worried it will be imposed due to a probation violation, it is all the more reason to talk to an attorney about the pending cases as soon as possible after picking up the charge(s). There are various ways defense attorneys help clients in shoplifting cases. It would be a bad idea to discuss specifics of your case on this public website, so please schedule a private phone or office consultation. Alternatively, send us a message using our “contact” tab at the top of the screen and we will reply by email. You should not discuss the case with anyone other than your attorney.

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