Theft and Larceny

Defending You Against Theft Accusations

Criminal charges for theft and other property crimes can be confusing, leaving you without a clear sense of what you've been charged with doing and what the potential consequences are.

When you speak to our Loudoun and Fairfax County criminal defense lawyers, we will immediately make sure you understand the charges and work with you to come up with the best possible defense strategy. Contact us to discuss how we can help you.

Understanding Property Crime Charges

Depending on the circumstances of the crime for which you have been accused, there are a variety of criminal charges that may be involved, with a range of consequences. These charges include:

• Petit (petty) larceny: Taking money or property worth less than $200, or less than $5 if taken directly from a person
• Grand larceny: Theft that exceeds the limits of petit larceny
• Robbery: Theft achieved through an act of violence, force or intimidation against a person
• Burglary: Breaking and entering someone's property with the intention of committing a crime, usually a property crime such as larceny
• Possession of burglarious tools: Often charged in conjunction with another property crime when the accused is caught with a Slim Jim or other device typically used for burglary

Other crimes such as writing bad checks, illegally using someone else's credit card and altering price tags may be considered forms of fraud or embezzlement.

Conviction for any property crime can have serious long-term consequences. Many employers will not hire people who have been convicted of theft, and you may not be able to get a government security clearance.

If you have been accused of theft or another property crime, contact us to schedule a free initial consultation about how we can defend you against the charges.