Dissecting 4 Types Of Larceny Under Virginia Law

Larceny is often referred to generally as theft. Larceny occurs when a perpetrator takes property from a victim without authority and with the intent to deprive the victim of said property. Larceny typically turns on whether the offense occurred “from the person” or “not from the person.”

When larceny occurs “from the person,” it means the perpetrator steals directly from the victim without force, such as pickpocketing. When larceny occurs “not from the person,” the victim is not necessarily present at the scene of the offense.

Armed with the background information above, it is time to review four versions of larceny under Virginia law.

1. Petit Larceny

Code of Virginia Section 18.2-96 establishes the laws against petit larceny. Under this section, it is unlawful to commit larceny or steal:

• From the person of the victim involving money or other things of value that are worth less than $5; or
• Not from the person of the victim involving goods or other things of value that are worth less than $1,000.

Under Section 18.2-96, petit larceny is a Class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia. If convicted, the punishment can include a maximum of 12 months in county jail and criminal fines up to $2,500.

2. Grand Larceny

Code of Virginia Section 18.2-95 details the laws against grand larceny. Under this section, it is unlawful to commit larceny or steal:

• From the person of the victim involving money or other things of value that are worth $5 or more;
• Not from the person of the victim involving goods or other things of value that are worth $1,000 or more; or
• Not from the person of the victim any firearm, regardless of the value of the firearm.

Under Section 18.2-96, grand larceny is a felony in Virginia. If convicted, the punishment can include one to 20 years in prison and criminal fines up to $2,500.

3. Larceny of Animals or Poultry

Code of Virginia Section 18.2-97 describes the laws against larceny of animals or poultry. Under this section, it is unlawful to commit larceny of any:

• Bull;
• Calf;
• Cow;
• Dog;
• Horse;
• Mule;
• Pony; or
• Steer.

Under Section 18.2-97, larceny involving the animals above is a Class 5 felony in Virginia. If convicted, the punishment can include one to 10 years in prison and criminal fines up to $2,500.

Section 18.2-97 also makes it illegal to commit larceny involving any:

• Poultry worth at least $5 but less than $1,000; or
• Goat, lamb, sheep, or swine worth less than $1,000.

Under Section 18.2-97, larceny involving the animals above is a Class 6 felony in Virginia. If convicted, the punishment can include one to five years in prison and criminal fines up to $2,500.

4. Larceny with Intent to Sell or Distribute

Code of Virginia Section 18.2-108.01 furnishes the laws against larceny with intent to sell or distribute. Under this section, it is unlawful to:

• Commit larceny of property worth at least $1,000; and
• Demonstrate an intent to sell or distribute said property.

Under Section 18.2-108.01, larceny with intent to sell or distribute is a felony in Virginia. If convicted, the punishment can include two to 20 years in prison and criminal fines.

Do You Need Legal Help?

If you need legal assistance with larceny charges in Virginia, it can be highly valuable to consult with a skilled Leesburg larceny lawyer. The lawyers at Simms Showers LLP can assist with the criminal defense of many charges, including larceny. If you need legal help with criminal defense, contact us today for a free initial consultation.

SOURCES:

law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title18.2/chapter5/section18.2-95/

law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title18.2/chapter5/section18.2-96/

law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title18.2/chapter5/section18.2-97/

law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title18.2/chapter5/section18.2-108.01/