Petit Larceny in Virginia

What is Petit Larceny?

Petit larceny in Virginia is a Class 1 misdemeanor, which means that it is punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Petit larceny is defined as the unlawful taking of property from another person with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it.

What are the elements of Petit Larceny?

The elements of petit larceny are as follows:

• The taking of property from another person;
• The intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property;
• The taking of the property without the consent of the owner; and
• The taking of the property by force or intimidation.

What are the defenses to Petit Larceny?

There are a number of defenses that can be asserted to a charge of petit larceny, including:

• The defendant did not take the property;
• The defendant had the consent of the owner to take the property;
• The defendant took the property in good faith;
• The defendant took the property under duress; and
• The defendant took the property as a result of a mistake of fact.

What are the penalties for Petit Larceny?

The penalties for petit larceny in Virginia are as follows:

• Up to 12 months in jail;
• A fine of up to $2,500; and
• Probation.

What should I do if I am charged with Petit Larceny?

If you are charged with petit larceny, you should immediately contact an experienced criminal defense attorney. An attorney can help you understand your rights and options, and can represent you in court.

The content of this Blog/Web Site does not constitute legal advice. Because legal advice must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case and laws are constantly changing, you should seek the assistance of licensed and competent legal counsel for specific legal advice.