Understanding Theft Laws In Virginia

Theft charges in the Old Dominion state are usually classified into three categories: larceny, burglary, and robbery. While most people associate these categories as each involves the unlawful taking of property, you must know that these offenses still have distinct descriptions.

Larceny
Larceny happens when someone takes another person’s property without permission and plans to keep it for themselves. It can involve stealing things from people, homes, stores, or anywhere else property is kept, and can vary from small things to more valuable items. Moreover, this offense doesn’t always involve breaking in; it can happen through deception, fraud, or simply taking property without permission.

Virginia has two main types of larceny: the grand and the petit.

Grand Larceny: It is a serious crime in which someone steals under certain conditions. These conditions may include taking items worth $1,000 or more, stealing from a person, or taking a firearm. A jury or court can decide the punishment for grand larceny, which can be up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $2,500.
Petit Larceny: This crime involves stealing smaller amounts or less valuable items. It can happen when a person takes something worth less than $5 from another. Meanwhile, when a thing worth less than $1,000 is stolen from other sources aside from an individual, it also falls under this offense. As a Class 1 misdemeanor, petty larceny is punished through twelve months or less imprisonment. It may or may not come with a fine of less than $2,500.
Other types of theft are committed in Virginia. These include stealing animals, important documents, or property attached to land.

Burglary
Burglary happens when a person enters a building or place without permission to commit a crime, such as stealing or causing damage. It’s important to know that burglary isn’t just about taking things; it’s about entering a place unlawfully with bad intentions.

Different levels of punishment depend on factors like when it happens, whether anyone is inside, and if weapons are involved. Breaking into a home at night to commit a serious crime is considered a felony. If someone is armed during the break-in, the punishment is even harsher.

Entering any building with plans to commit crimes like murder or robbery is another serious felony. Even planning to commit small crimes inside buildings can lead to such charges, especially if weapons are part of the plan.

The law also considers having tools for burglary a serious offense, particularly if someone isn’t supposed to have them. Some tools covered include crowbars, explosives, any burning device, and hammers.

Robbery
Robbery is the taking of another individual’s property unlawfully. This act is done by force or the threat of harm. Specific examples could include stealing goods through a street mugging or store hold-up. There are four degrees of robbery in Virginia, each with its own punishment:

If someone gets serious bodily injury or dies during the robbery, it’s the most serious kind. This type of robbery is a Class 2 felony that can lead to a sentence of 20 years to life.
If the robber uses a gun or firearm to threaten, it’s a Class 3 felony. Offenders may face confinement in jail for up to 20 years and/or a fine of up to $100,000.
If using force but not causing serious injuries or threatening to use a weapon other than a firearm, it is classified as a Class 5 felony. This includes imprisonment for up to 10 years and a maximum fine of $2,500.
Robbery through threats, intimidation, or other means without a weapon is the least severe, called a Class 6 felony. You can be subject to imprisonment ranging from one to five years and monetary penalties of up to $2,500.
Understanding these various categories of theft can help you successfully navigate the accusations against you. You can employ several strategies to defend yourself.

 

The Irving Law Firm
9253 Mosby St., 2nd Floor
Manassas, VA 20110
(703) 844-4118
https://www.TheIrvingLawFirm.com/

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