Winchester Larceny & Fraud Attorney
Larceny and fraud are serious crimes in the state of Virginia. Depending on what you are being charged with, you could end up spending years of your life behind bars if you do not seek the proper counsel. The legal team of Simms Showers, LLP has been effective in coming to beneficial outcomes for thousands of our clients’ cases and trials. We have experience on both sides of the court; having knowledge of prosecution as well as defense creates a truly well-rounded strategy for serving our clients. Contact us today if you have been charged with larceny or fraud of any degree.
Defining Larceny in Virginia
Larceny is the legal term for theft. Larceny is different than other types of stealing, such as burglary or robbery. However, theft is still a considerable crime, and one that is punished based on the value of items taken from a person or business. The following is a guide to show what penalties go along with specific larceny crimes, according to Virginia state statutes 18.2-96 and statutes 18.2-95.
Petit Larceny is the theft of property valued at less than $200 if taken from a property, and under $5 if taken from an individual. The punishment for petit larceny is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of $2,500. However, if the petit theft defendant has a prior conviction they will also be sentenced to a minimum of 30 days in jail.
Felony Larceny is the theft of property valued at $200 or more if taken from a property, and $5 or more if taken from an individual. The punishment for a felony larceny, or grand larceny, is between one and 20 years in prison, with a possible fine of $2,500 in addition. Theft of any type of firearm also constitutes a felony larceny, no matter the actual value of the firearm. Intent to resell the item taken in felony or grand larceny can also result in a minimum of two years in prisons.
Fraud Charges Within Virginia and at the Federal Level
Deceptive means to accomplish theft are generally charged as fraud. There are many various types of fraud, some of which are federal offenses:
- Embezzlement;
- Wire fraud;
- Mail fraud;
- Tax fraud;
- Forgery;
- Obtaining money by false pretenses;
- Writing bad checks with the intent of theft;
- Mortgage fraud;
- Property or credit fraud;
- Identity theft;
- Workers’ compensation fraud;
- Credit card fraud;
- Misrepresentation;
- Healthcare fraud;
- Insurance fraud;
- Pyramid schemes;
- Ponzi schemes; and
- Money laundering.
The value of the goods taken, just as with larceny, will likely determine the punishment with which you face. Fraud can be an even more serious offense than larceny, as the federal government loses billions of dollars annually to fraudulent schemes, and makes a very concerted effort to punish those who commit federal fraud.
Contact a Winchester Larceny & Fraud Attorney Today
If you are being charged with fraud or larceny, do not wait any longer to contact the Winchester larceny and fraud defense attorneys of Simms Showers LLP. We can help you fight the charges that you currently face.
