Unique Aspects of Virginia Beach Theft Cases

In the State of Virginia, theft is synonymous with larceny. Theft or larceny is defined as the wrongful or fraudulent taking of another person’s property, without their permission, and with the intent to deprive the owner of that property permanently. If convicted, individuals face a maximum of 20 years in prison.

Since the penalties for a theft conviction can be severe, it is best to retain the services of an experienced attorney. A knowledgeable theft attorney could help you fight your case and avoid the harsh consequences of a conviction. Reach out to learn about the unique aspects of Virginia Beach theft cases and how it could affect your case.

Other Types of Theft Offenses

One unique aspect of Virginia Beach theft case is the various type of offenses that a person could be charged with. In the State of Virginia, there are many charges that are underneath theft.

Embezzlement

Embezzlement is defined as the wrongful and fraudulent use, disposal, or concealment of any money or other personal property that the accused has received by virtue of their employment, per Virginia Code Annotated Section 18.2-111. Embezzlement can be a misdemeanor or a felony. Embezzlement of less than $500 is a Class One misdemeanor that can carry up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.

Petty Larceny

There is also petty and grand larceny. Those are probably the two most commonly charged theft charges in Virginia Beach. Larceny from the person is defined as theft from another where the value is less that $5. Petit value is based on the value of the property. Petty larceny is any type of theft where the value of a property is under $500. Petty larceny is a Class One misdemeanor which can carry up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.

Grand Larceny

Grand larceny is theft of property which is valued at $500 or more. Grand larceny is an unclassified felony offense that can carry between one and 20 years in prison, or, in the discretion of the judge or the jury, up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.

Robbery is also considered theft. There is also credit card fraud, credit card larceny, ID theft, and obtaining money by false pretenses.

What Are the Possible Consequences of a Theft Conviction?

If a person is convicted of a theft charge, they can be convicted of a felony or misdemeanor. The consequences of a misdemeanor charge are not as harsh as those carried by felonies, but misdemeanor conviction is still a criminal conviction. A misdemeanor conviction for larceny could make it difficult to find a job that requires the handling of other people’s money or property. On top of that, it could appear on their criminal history and a background check. They might always have to answer annoying and potentially career-affecting questions about their past.

Felony Conviction

A felony charge is the most serious charge one can face in the United States. Felony convictions can be devastating for the life and career of an individual, and it carries a stigma that can follow them for the rest of their life.

A felony conviction deprives an individual of the rights to vote, to own a firearm, to hold public office, to serve on a jury, to hold certain professional licenses, and disqualifies them from living in some public housing and from receiving certain loans.

How Can a Prior Criminal Conviction Impact a Case?

When someone is sentenced, the judge or jury considers every single conviction on their criminal history. If there are multiple thefts or multiple criminal convictions, the judge or jury could sentence an individual more harshly.

Furthermore, if a person has three or more larceny convictions, they are guilty of a Class Six felony, which can carry a sentence between one and five years in prison or 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. If they have two petty larceny convictions and are convicted of a third petty larceny offense, then that third petty larceny is automatically a Class Six felony.

How a Theft Attorney Could Help

For a prosecutor to prove that a person committed theft, the prosecutor must prove that an individual took property that belongs to another without permission and with the intent to deprive the owner of that property permanently.

An experienced attorney could help ensure that your rights are protected through each step of the legal process. An attorney will know the unique aspects of Virginia Beach theft cases and how to fight the charges. Call today to learn more about how an attorney could help your case.