Hampton, VA Theft Lawyer

In simplest terms, theft means stealing. When a person is arrested for theft, they can face either misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the nature of the case. In a legal context, theft is sometimes referred to as larceny.  Dealing with a theft charge on your own can be confusing. You will not want to go to court without the help of an experienced Hampton, VA theft lawyer.

A criminal defense attorney in Hampton can advocate on your behalf and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the legal process.

Hire the Right Hampton, VA Theft Lawyer for You

Theft crimes should be taken seriously if you intend to fight a conviction, and an experienced Hampton, VA theft lawyer can help you. No matter how serious or minor the offense, our experienced VA theft defense attorneys can defend you. Our theft lawyers represent people facing both misdemeanor and felony charges.

When you hire a Hampton, VA theft lawyer, you will receive legal representation from an attorney who has the trial experience needed to successfully handle your case. If you want to avoid going to jail, speaking with a knowledgeable lawyer is an excellent place to begin. We believe active advocacy is important for our clients. Our Hampton, VA theft lawyers can evaluate your case and speak with you clearly on how to build a strong defense. Contact one of our Hampton, VA defense attorneys today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.

About Theft Charges in Virginia

In Virginia, some theft crimes are automatically classified as felonies.  Any larceny that involves the use of a firearm, such as armed robbery, is an automatic felony.  In addition, the value of the item stolen is a major factor when determining whether the offense is classified as a felony or a misdemeanor. Many misdemeanor thefts are often referred to as “petit larceny”, while theft crimes charged as felonies are often referred to as “grand larceny.” Depending on the particular facts of your case, sometimes it is possible in Hampton to have a felony reduced to a misdemeanor. This is more likely in cases where the value of the items stolen is close to being $500, and where the defendant does not have any related prior convictions.

Common Theft Charges and Penalties

The Virginia Criminal Code Title 18.2 Chapter 5 Articles 2-4 describe theft related crimes. Whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony will depend on a number of factors. If a weapon was involved in the commission of the crime, the charge will be a felony. Penalties for theft crimes, even first time misdemeanors, could include financial restitution to the victim, fines, and incarceration.

Petit larceny is classified as a misdemeanor, and is punishable by up to 90 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $500. If someone does not have a prior criminal history, then oftentimes their case will be referred to a diversion program through the Commonwealth Attorney’s office, called Bracket. This is a type of First Offender program, but it is not always offered. The penalties associated with felony thefts are more severe and punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Additionally, if the person charged with theft has a previous conviction on their record, even if it is not theft-related, a misdemeanor charge could be escalated to a felony. Theft crimes include:

  • Burglary
  • Larceny of bank notes or checks
  • Embezzlement
  • Identification fraud
  • Failure to return rental equipment
  • Selling stolen goods
  • Armed robbery
  • Unarmed robbery
  • Shoplifting

A Hampton, VA theft lawyer can talk to you about the theft charges you are facing and help you understand your options. You should make an investment in your future by consulting a defense attorney.

Contact Our Firm

If you want to learn more about the defenses available to you, call in and speak with a Hampton, VA theft lawyer at our firm. A member of our friendly legal team will conduct your free initial consultation.