Analyzing Various Laws Against Larceny in Virginia
Larceny is a type of theft crime that involves personal property. In certain cases, larceny occurs directly from the person or presence of the owner. In other cases, the owner is not present for the criminal act. Furthermore, the value of the stolen goods plays can also impact the type of applicable larceny crime.
Petit Larceny
The laws against and penalties for petit larceny appear under Code of Virginia Section 18.2-96. There are two different types of petit larceny in Virginia. This crime applies when a person steals any:
- Items valued under $5 directly from the owner’s person or presence; or
- Goods valued under $500 outside of the owner’s person or presence.
Under Section 18.2-96, petit larceny is a Class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia. The punishment for this type of offense is normally a maximum of 12 months in jail and $2,500 in criminal fines, either or both.
Grand Larceny
The laws against and penalties for grand larceny appear under Code of Virginia Section 18.2-95. There are three different versions of grand larceny in Virginia. This crime applies when a person steals any:
- Items valued at $5 or more directly from the owner’s person or presence;
- Goods valued at $500 or more outside of the owner’s person or presence; or
- Firearm of any value outside of the owner’s person or presence.
Under Section 18.2-95, grand larceny is a felony crime in Virginia, typically punishable by one to 20 years in prison. Though under certain circumstances, the judge or jury may reduce the punishment to 12 months in jail and $2,500 in criminal fines, either or both.
Animal Larceny
The laws against and penalties for animal larceny appear under Code of Virginia Section 18.2-95. There are two variations of animal larceny in Virginia. This crime applies when a person steals any:
The first variation of animal larceny applies to the theft of a bull, calf, cow, dog, horse, mule, pony, or steer of any value. This version of animal larceny is classified as a Class 5 felony in Virginia. The punishment for this type of offense is normally a maximum of 10 years in prison and $2,500 in criminal fines, either or both.
The second variation of animal larceny applies to the theft of poultry valued between $5 and $500 as well as goat, lamb, sheep, or swine valued under $500. This version of animal larceny is classified as a Class 6 felony in Virginia. The punishment for this type of offense is normally a maximum of five years in prison and $2,500 in criminal fines, either or both.
Do You Need Legal Help?
If you need legal help with charges for a larceny crime in Virginia, it can be especially fruitful to contact an established Leesburg criminal defense attorney. The attorneys at Simms Showers LLP have a wealth of legal experience with criminal charges in Virginia, defending clients in larceny and other criminal cases. If you need legal help with criminal defense, contact us today for a free initial consultation.
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