Manassas Larceny & Fraud Attorney
Virginia is one of a few states across the country that have not raised the threshold for what amount of money distinguishes larceny from grand larceny. Larceny is a misdemeanor, while grand larceny is a felony. According to the Justice Policy Institute, two hundred dollars in 1980 would have an estimated value of $557 today. By not revising the law, more and more Virginia citizens are being convicted of grand larceny and facing severe punishments. Fraud convictions have similarly harsh consequences. The attorneys of Simms Showers LLP have provided legal counsel to thousands of clients who have been charged with larceny and fraud. We are experienced at working for the prosecution and the defense, so we understand both sides of what happens in a courtroom, which gives us better insight into handling the cases we take on. If you have been charged with larceny or fraud, contact Simms Showers LLP in Manassas for more information about how we can help you.
Types of Larceny in Virginia
Larceny is a type of theft where a person steals a person’s property such as goods or money with the intent to deprive them of it for life. Other types of theft include burglary, where a person breaks into property to steal, and robbery, when a person takes property by using force or threats.
There is a difference between petty larceny and grand larceny. If the stolen property is worth less than $200 and is taken from a property or is taken from a person and worth less than $5, it is considered petty larceny. This is a class one misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $2,500 and up to one year in jail. Prior convictions means a guaranteed 30 days in jail. Grand larceny is stealing property over $200 from a building or stealing from an individual in excess of $5. The punishment for grand larceny is between one and 20 years in prison, with a fine of up to $2,500. There are specific Virginia Codes such as 18.2-97 that further define larceny of items such as animals or poultry.
Fraud Charges
Fraud is being dishonest with the intent to gain a financial advantage. Fraud charges can be at a state level or a federal level depending on the type of fraud committed. Examples of fraud include:
- Forgery;
- Mortgage fraud;
- Tax fraud;
- Mail fraud;
- Embezzlement;
- Identify theft;
- Workers’ compensation fraud;
- Healthcare fraud;
- Insurance fraud;
- Laundering money;
- Credit card fraud; and
- Ponzi schemes.
According to Forbes, merchants in the United States lose over $190 billion per year because of fraud. Since fraud has a major impact on the economy, being convicted of it can mean years in jail and astronomical fines. The punishment you face will depend on how much money was involved and under what circumstances a person attempted to gain that financial advantage.
Contact a Manassas Attorney Today For Help with Your Case
If you have been charged with larceny or fraud, you will want to be represented by an experienced attorney. Do not wait to contact a Manassas attorney at Simms Showers LLP for assistance with your case.
