Are There Different Versions of Larceny in Virginia?

Larceny is a type of theft crime under the Virginia Criminal Code. Unlike robbery, which involves force or the threat of force, larceny generally centers on the value of stolen money or goods in question. There are other types of larceny that revolve around the type of goods or chattels in question, such as animal larceny.

In this context, there is an important distinction to note for larceny crimes. Larceny  can occur “from the person” or “not from the person.” “From the person” refers to theft directly from the owner or possessor; a pickpocket commits larceny “from the person.” “Not from the person” refers to all other types of larceny crimes in Virginia.

What are the Virginia Laws Against Petit Larceny?

Code of Virginia Section 18.2-96 defines what qualifies as petit larceny. A person commits petit larceny if they steal:

• Less than $5 worth of money or other things of value from the person; or
• Less than $1,000 worth of goods or other things of value not from the person.

What are the Virginia Penalties for Petit Larceny?

Section 18.2-96 also establishes the Virginia penalties for petit larceny. Under this section, petit larceny is ordinarily charged as a Class 1 misdemeanor. If convicted, the petit larceny offender can face a maximum of 12 months in county jail and $2,500 in criminal fines.

What are the Virginia Laws Against Grand Larceny?

Code of Virginia Section 18.2-95 defines what qualifies as grand larceny. A person commits grand larceny if they steal:

• At least $5 worth of money or other things of value from the person; or
• At least $1,000 worth of goods or other things of value not from the person; or
• A firearm of any value, regardless of how the firearm was stolen.

What are the Virginia Penalties for Grand Larceny?

Section 18.2-95 also provides the Virginia penalties for grand larceny. Under this section, grand larceny is ordinarily charged as a felony crime. If convicted, the grand larceny offender can face between one and 20 years in prison as well as up to $2,500 in criminal fines.

What are the Virginia Laws Against Animal Larceny?

Code of Virginia Section 18.2-97 defines what qualifies as animal larceny. A person commits animal larceny if they steal various animals, including, but not limited to, poultry, sheep, cows, horses, and dogs.

What are the Virginia Penalties for Animal Larceny?

Section 18.2-97 also provides the Virginia penalties for animal larceny. Under this section, animal larceny is ordinarily charged as a Class 6 felony, assuming the value of the animals in question is less than $1,000. If convicted, the animal larceny offender can face between one and five years in prison as well as up to $2,500 in criminal fines.

Do You Need Legal Help?

If you have legal questions about petit, grand, or animal larceny under the Virginia Criminal Code, it can be tremendously valuable to consult with a skilled Leesburg larceny, theft & fraud lawyer. The lawyers at Simms Showers LLP feature more than 140 years of combined legal experience with a specific focus on criminal defense, including different versions of larceny crimes. If you need legal help with criminal defense, contact us today for a free initial consultation.

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