Property crimes in Virginia can be classified as misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the severity of damage caused to a piece of property, the amount of property involved, and whether the individual charged has been previously convicted of a property offense. Having experienced criminal defense attorney representing you can mean the difference between your charge going forward as a felony or as a misdemeanor. It can also mean the difference between serving jail time or doing community service to avoid any significant punishment.

There are several different types of crimes against property. The most common forms of property crimes include:

• Larceny: Larceny is defined as the theft or stealing of another’s property.  Petit larceny is defined as any person  (1) who steals money or other thing of value less than $5 physically from another person, or (2) steals goods or other property, not physically from another person, and the property’s value is less than $200.  Grand larceny is defined as any person who (i) steals money or other thing of value of $5 or more physically from another person, (ii) steals goods or other property, not physically from another person,  and the property’s value is $200 or more, or (iii) steals any firearm, not physically from another person,, regardless of the firearm's value.
• Destruction of Property: A person commits the crime of destruction of property if he or she: (1) unlawfully damages or destroys property or; (2) intentionally destroys property and the damage is less than $1,000 or; (3) intentionally destroys property and the damage is greater than $1,000.  The first two categories are misdemeanor offenses and the third is a felony offense.

If you or a loved one has been charged with either a larceny or destruction of property offense or any other offense involving property, do not hesitate to contact an attorney at The Daugherty Law Firm to discuss how we can assist you. The criminal defense attorneys will meet with you at no cost and discuss how to best avoid the severe consequences that can result from a conviction of a larceny or other property offense crime.

We successfully serve clients in Manassas, Prince William County, Fairfax County, Loudoun County, Fauquier County, Stafford County and other areas throughout Northern Virginia.