What's the Difference Between Grand Larceny and Petit Larceny?

In Virginia, various criminal offenses are often referred to by names that most people do not understand. The Commonwealth classifies its theft offenses as either grand larceny or petit larceny. The consequences for each offense vary significantly.

Grand larceny is the more serious offense of the two. It involves the larceny, or taking and carrying away, from another person, something of value $5 or more; stealing $200 or more in goods; or stealing a gun of any value. Anyone found guilty of grand larceny will face a felony conviction, which results in at least 1 year in prison and up to 20 years in prison, and/or a $2,500 fine.

Petit larceny is less serious than grand larceny, but still carries significant penalties. Petit larceny involves the taking and carrying away, from another person, something of value less than $5, or the taking and carrying away goods worth less than $200. A guilty finding of petit larceny is a class 1 misdemeanor. Penalties include imprisonment up to 1 year and/or a $2,500 fine.

Theft offenses always depend on the value of goods taken, and because there is a clear line that sets the difference between each offense, the consequences can often be quite ruthless. For example, someone that steals $199 in goods from a clothing store can face at most 1 year imprisonment and/or a fine, whereas someone that steals $200 in goods from a clothing store can face up to 20 years imprisonment and/or a fine.

If you have been charged with a theft offense in Virginia, call the experienced criminal defense attorneys at Portner & Shure now for a free consultation: (703) 916-1227.

What is the Difference Between a Felony and Misdemeanor in Virginia?

In Virginia, like most states, criminal offenses are broken into two categories: felonies and misdemeanors. However, Virginia is a bit different in how they break down various felonies and misdemeanors. Virginia's criminal code uses a class system to distinguish between the penalties for various crimes.

A criminal offense that results in a felony conviction is more serious than an offense that results in a misdemeanor conviction. Virginia's felony system is broken into six different classes. A class 1 felony is the most serious type of crime and a class 6 felony is the least serious of the felony offenses. A class 1 felony can result in the death penalty or life imprisonment and a fine up to $100,000. A class 6 felony results in imprisonment for at least one year, but no more than five years, and a fine up to $2,500.

Virginia's misdemeanor system is broken into four classes, with a class 1 misdemeanor being the most serious. A class 1 misdemeanor will result in imprisonment up to 1 year and a fine up to $2,500. A class 2 misdemeanor will result in imprisonment up to 6 months and a fine up to $1,000. Class 3 and 4 misdemeanors do not result in jail time, and instead result in $500 and $250 fines, respectively.

If you've been charged with a crime in Virginia, call the experienced criminal defense attorneys at Portner & Shure for a free consultation: (703) 916-1227.

The Importance of Hiring an Attorney for your DWI in Ashburn

Virginia is known as being one of the most strict states for traffic and criminal offenses. Drunk driving charges are no different. A DWI in Virginia is a very serious offense and results in serious penalties. If you are charged with a DWI, you should hire an experienced drunk driving attorney in Virginia to represent you. In some counties, it can make the difference between jail time or just community service.

Ashburn, Virginia, located in Loudoun County is one of those counties in the Commonwealth where it can make a huge difference to have an attorney in your DWI case. Luodoun County judges favor sentencing DWI offenders to jail time, whether it be for a few days, weeks, months, or years. Your attorney can discuss your case with the Commonwealth Attorney and try to work out an agreement where the Court accepts community service in lieu of any jail time. That cannot happen without an experienced attorney on your case.

If you've been charged with a DWI in Ashburn, Virginia, call the experienced drunk driving attorneys at Portner & Shure today for a free consultation and don't risk being sent to jail. Call now: (703) 916-1227.