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What is petty larceny in VA?

Author

Matthew Alvarez

Updated on April 11, 2026

Petit Larceny

Defined as the theft of property or services valued at less than $200, or the theft of property valued at less than $5 when taken directly from the person of another. Petit larceny is classified as a class 1 misdemeanor under Virginia law (Va.

In respect to this, what is petty larceny in Virginia?

Petit Larceny Statute in Virginia

Under Virginia Code § 18.2-96, any person who: Commits simple larceny not from the person of another of goods and chattels of the value of less than $1000 shall be deemed guilty of petit larceny, which shall be punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Also Know, what type of crime is petty larceny? Petty larceny is the crime of theft of another's property or money under a statutorily defined value, in which the value is below the grand larceny limit. Some states divide larceny into the categories of felony and misdemeanor, rather than grand and petit.

Hereof, how long does petty larceny stay on your record in Virginia?

Table of Penalties for Larceny / Shoplifting Charges in VA

Offense Classification Max Jail
Petit (Petty) Larceny Class 1 Misdemeanor 12 Months
Grand Larceny Class U Felony 20 Years
Larceny w/ Intent to Sell Class U Felony 20 Years

How likely is jail time for petit larceny?

Larceny Sentencing: State Laws

All other grand thefts would result in imprisonment in a county jail of up to a year. Petty thefts, on the other hand, carry a possible sentence of up to six months in a county jail and a potential fine of up to $1,000.

Related Question Answers

How much money is petty larceny?

Theft that is under $5,000 is considered petty, although the crime will be taken very seriously by the Crown. Even if you are a first-time offender and the value of the stolen item is low, you may still end up with a criminal record.

Do you need a lawyer for petit larceny?

If you have been charged with petty theft - shoplifting, you are going to want to hire a defense lawyer as soon as possible. If you are innocent of the crime, you do not need to go through the complicated and confusing court system alone. If you are guilty of the crime, hiring a defense lawyer can also benefit you.

What is the difference between petty theft and petty larceny?

Petty theft refers to a criminal act in which property belonging to another is taken without that person's consent. Larceny generally refers to nonviolent theft and is usually a misdemeanor.

Does larceny stay on your record?

Generally a theft will stay on your record forever, unless the matter and the conviction are expunged from your record. You can usually expunge a case, if there are no violations of probation, after your probation is done and after there are no more convictions.

How much do you have to steal for it to be grand larceny?

In the U.S., grand larceny is defined as being the theft of property of which the value is over a specified figure. This specified figure varies from state to state; however, the minimum value usually ranges from $500-$2000.

Is shoplifting an arrestable offense?

In many states, shoplifting is charged and punished as a theft or larceny offense—usually as petty or misdemeanor theft, if the value of the merchandise stolen falls below a certain threshold (say $200, for example). Penalties might start as infractions (in some states) and increase to misdemeanors or felonies.

Is petty larceny a criminal offense?

Penalties for Petty Theft and Shoplifting

Petty theft and the related crime of shoplifting are misdemeanors. This means that convicted defendants face the possibility of time in jail (not state prison) of up to one year or less, in most states; and a fine of up to one or two thousand dollars.

Can petit larceny be expunged in Virginia?

Petit larceny is a lesser included offense of grand larceny. But if, instead, the prosecution agrees to change the charge to trespassing, those records could be eligible for an expungement. While the conviction itself can't be expunged, the arrest for a much more serious offense is something you can remedy.

Can a larceny charge be dropped?

If you complete the terms outlined by the court during your probation period, the charges will be dropped. Failing to get the SOC you can try to get a Deferment, where again you must comply with the terms of the court and once done, your guilty plea will be dropped and the charge will show deferred.

Is shoplifting a felony in Virginia?

Theft Charges in Virginia

In Virginia, however, theft of property valued at just $200 or more is considered felony theft, or grand larceny. If the value of the stolen merchandise is less than $200, then the shoplifting would be charged as petit larceny, which is a misdemeanor in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Can you get a job with a shoplifting misdemeanor?

Can I Get Hired with a Misdemeanor? A misdemeanor record can make finding a job more difficult because they can show up on your background check. However, employers may choose to overlook a misdemeanor. During your interview, be honest about your past and explain how it has made you a better person.

How long does a store have to press charges for shoplifting?

How long after shoplifting could I be arrested? Rules vary from state to state, but typically, the statute of limitations for misdemeanor petty theft is one year.

What is larceny mean?

Without the consent of the owner

How much can you steal in California without going to jail?

Anything below $950 keeps the crime a misdemeanor — and likely means the thieves face no pursuit and no punishment, say retailers and law enforcement officials.

Do you go to jail for first time theft?

No, you should not go to jail for a 1st offense theft. In fact, shoplifting, 1st offense has a maximum penalty of a fine of I believe $500.

What is an example of petty theft?

Petty Theft: One of the most common types of theft is petty theft. Petty theft involves stealing small amounts of cash or goods, and is usually charged as a misdemeanor. Shoplifting is an example of petty theft. Examples include carjacking and grand theft auto.

Is shoplifting a misdemeanor or a felony?

Shoplifting is one of the most common theft crimes in the United States today. Depending on the value of the property stolen – it can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony offense. Shoplifting is a type of theft crime where people steal from retail establishments.

What can a petty theft charge be reduced to?

A petty theft is reduced to an infraction in a limited number of cases, generally where the value of the money, labor, real or personal property taken is of such a low value and the person that is being charged does not have any other theft or theft-related convictions.

How do you prove someone is stealing?

Stealing can be proved by circumstantial evidence but this must be distinguished from suspicion. There is always the danger in cases depending on proof by circumstantial evidence that suspicion may take the place of legal proof.

Is petty theft a financial crime?

Financial crimes may involve fraud (cheque fraud, credit card fraud, mortgage fraud, medical fraud, corporate fraud, securities fraud (including insider trading), bank fraud, insurance fraud, market manipulation, payment (point of sale) fraud, health care fraud); theft; scams or confidence tricks; tax evasion; bribery;

What happens if you get charged with larceny?

Larceny is generally classified as a misdemeanor charge, meaning that it is punishable by no more than one year of jail time and a capped fine. However, larceny may be elevated to a felony charge in some jurisdictions if the property stolen was valued above a certain amount.

What is the sentence for larceny?

If you are convicted for petty larceny, you face a fine of up to $1,000, a county jail sentence of up to six months, or both the fine and jail time. Grand larceny is a wobbler offense, meaning it could be charged as a misdemeanor or felony. A misdemeanor conviction is punishable by up to one year in county jail.

Is petty theft serious?

Petty theft is charged as a misdemeanor in California (as opposed to a felony or an infraction). The crime is punishable by: imprisonment in county jail for up to six months, and/or. a maximum fine of $1,000.