Grand Theft

Grand Larceny Lawyer in Newport News

Former Prosecutors Defending Felony Theft Charges Since 1998

A grand larceny charge in Virginia is a felony, and the stakes are serious. At Ehrenworth Law, PLLC, we’ve defended Newport News clients against theft charges since 1998, bringing prosecutorial insight that most defense attorneys don’t have. Our criminal defense lawyer served as a prosecutor in both the Newport News Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office and the Portsmouth Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office. That experience means we understand exactly how the state builds a grand larceny case and where it can be challenged.

Because the line between a misdemeanor and a felony often comes down to a dollar figure, knowing how the prosecution proves property value is critical. We can give you a clear picture of what you’re facing and fight to protect your freedom and future at every stage.

If you’re facing a grand larceny or grand theft charge in Newport News, don’t wait. Call Ehrenworth Law, PLLC at (757) 663-4477 for a free consultation.

Why Choose Ehrenworth Law, PLLC for Your Defense

We don’t use a one-size-fits-all approach. We take the time to understand the full context of each client’s situation before building a strategy. Whether the charge stems from a retail incident, a financial dispute, or something more complex, the defense we build reflects your specific facts and goals.

Availability matters when you’re facing criminal charges. We’re reachable any hour of the day or night to take your call, answer your questions, and start working on your case. Personalized representation and around-the-clock access aren’t extras here; they’re how we work.

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Grand Larceny Under Virginia Law

Virginia defines grand larceny under Va. Code § 18.2-95. The statute establishes three distinct paths to a grand larceny charge: taking money or property valued at $5 or more directly from another person; committing simple larceny of goods valued at $1,000 or more when not taken directly from a person; or stealing any firearm regardless of its value. That third category matters: a firearm theft is a felony no matter what the weapon is worth.

When property is taken from somewhere other than directly from a person and its value is under $1,000, the charge is petit larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor. That dollar threshold is exactly why the prosecution’s valuation evidence matters so much in these cases.

Penalties for Grand Larceny in Virginia

Grand larceny is a felony carrying one to 20 years in a state correctional facility. The jury or judge does have discretion to reduce the punishment to up to 12 months in jail, a fine of up to $2,500, or both. That range reflects how seriously Virginia treats these offenses and why an experienced defense attorney matters from the start.

Related Theft Offenses That Can Reach Felony Level

Grand larceny doesn’t apply only to traditional theft. Several related offenses can be charged at the felony level once the value threshold is met.

Shoplifting
Shoplifting is charged as grand larceny when the value of the merchandise is $1,000 or more. Below that threshold, it’s treated as petit larceny. Retail theft cases often involve disputed valuations, which makes the store’s pricing evidence a legitimate target for challenge.

Receiving Stolen Property
Virginia treats receiving stolen property as larceny. If the value of the goods received is $1,000 or more, the charge rises to the grand larceny level. A person doesn’t have to be the one who took the property to face felony exposure.

Embezzlement
Embezzlement involves property or funds legally entrusted to someone who then uses them for personal gain rather than the intended purpose. It arises in employment and financial contexts and is prosecuted as a distinct entrustment-based offense.

Defending Against a Grand Larceny Charge

Defense strategies vary by the facts, but several approaches apply broadly to grand larceny charges in Virginia.

Challenging intent: Grand larceny requires proof of intent to permanently deprive the owner of their property. If that intent can’t be established, the charge may not hold.
Disputing value: Because the felony threshold depends on the property’s value, the prosecution must prove that value meets or exceeds the statutory minimum. Challenging how that figure was determined is a legitimate and sometimes effective strategy.
Asserting consent or ownership: If the property owner consented to the taking, or if the accused had a legitimate claim to the property, those facts directly undercut the larceny charge.
Suppressing unlawfully obtained evidence: Evidence gathered through an unconstitutional search or seizure can be challenged under Fourth Amendment protections. If suppressed, the prosecution’s case can be significantly weakened.

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Areas We Serve

Carrollton
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Chesapeake
Hampton
Jamestown
Newport News
Norfolk
Poquoson
Portsmouth
Smithfield
Suffolk
Virginia Beach
Williamsburg
Windsor
Yorktown

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“I want to give a huge thanks to Scott for helping me! He's a great attorney, very professional and answered any questions I had along the way. I would highly recommend Scott Ehrenworth!”

- Former Client
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Scott Ehrenworth is an attorney who will definitely fight for you. His years of experience as a prosecutor provide him with many of the tools needed to successfully defend clients charged with crimes. Let him put his knowledge to work for you.

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HIGHLY RECOMMEND SCOTT EHRENWORTH!!!! Scott Ehrenworth got my DUI 2nd offense, reduced to a DUI 1st offense, and my Reckless 108 in a 65, and Defective Exhaust completely dropped! That is pretty much unheard of nowadays, but he made it happen and saved my career! Please, let Scott Ehrenworth handle your case he will go above and beyond for you! Thanks again Scott for everything!

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“I strongly recommend his services without reservation.”

Mr. Ehrenworth provided outstanding legal representation from the beginning consultation to a better than expected result in court. Upon hiring him for a reckless driving ticket (83/55), Mr. Ehrenworth reviewed my driving history, explained probable outcomes, and mapped out a plan of preparation for court. Upon consultation with the State Trooper before court, he was able to negotiate a dismissal of all charges and court costs based on a technicality. Mr. Ehrenworth clearly knows the law, the mechanics of the legal system, and how to represent his clients' best interests in a professional manner. I strongly recommend his services without reservation. Thank you, again, Mr. Ehrenworth.

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I hired Scott after I saw him handle a case that was heard before mine. What a fantastic decision. Tenacious and dedicated toward achieving my desired result. Other defendants in the courtroom referred to him as a PIT BULL and great attorney. They were correct!

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After posting bond, I contacted Attorney Ehrenworth per recommendation to help me fight my case. After reviewing my case and all the facts, he claimed he could get my charges dismissed at preliminary. I must admit that I was a bit skeptical at first, but after a few long months filled with stress and anticipation, on the date of preliminary, he managed to do just that. I couldn't have asked for a better outcome, and wouldn't recommend any other attorney based on my results!

- Wes

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How a Grand Larceny Case Moves Through Newport News Courts

Felony grand larceny cases in Newport News begin in the Newport News General District Court, where the initial trial date is set and preliminary proceedings are held. From there, the case moves to docket call in the Newport News Circuit Court, which handles all felony criminal cases originating from a grand jury indictment. Understanding what happens at each stage is part of what we provide from the very first conversation.

Having worked inside the Newport News Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, we know this local system directly. We’ve seen how these cases are built and how they can be contested.

Talk to a Newport News Grand Larceny Attorney Today

A grand larceny conviction carries consequences that extend well beyond sentencing. A felony record creates lasting barriers to employment and housing, and can affect civil rights including the right to vote and the right to possess a firearm. Those rights aren’t automatically restored after a conviction; recovering them requires a separate legal process. The time to build a defense is now.

Ehrenworth Law, PLLC holds a Superb rating on Avvo and offers free consultations. Call us at (757) 663-4477 to speak with our Newport News grand larceny attorney.

What a Felony Conviction Can Cost You Beyond Sentencing

The formal sentence is only part of what a grand larceny conviction can mean. A felony record creates real obstacles long after any jail time or fine is behind you. Background checks for jobs and housing regularly surface felony convictions, and many employers and landlords treat them as disqualifying.

A felony conviction in Virginia can also strip civil rights directly. The right to vote and the right to possess a firearm may be lost and aren’t automatically restored. Pursuing restoration requires a separate legal process. Knowing the full picture of what’s at stake is part of why acting quickly after a charge matters.

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