The Criminal Code of Virginia organizes theft offenses into four separate categories based on the specific type of property alleged to have been stolen. These types are larceny, embezzlement, false pretenses, and obtaining money by false pretense. Larceny and embezzlement are both punishable as misdemeanors, while false pretenses are punishable as a felony. Larceny is the theft of property. In Virginia, larceny law differs based on the type of property stolen and whether or not it is a “valuable” item. Theft of personal property, such as clothing and jewelry, is called larceny. The theft of a vehicle or other personal property with a value greater than $200 is charged as grand larceny in Virginia. Grand larceny or larceny of a “valuable” item is also a felony. Embezzlement differs from larceny and false pretenses in that it involves an individual taking property that he or she was entrusted to manage on behalf of someone else. A bank teller who takes money from the vault is an example of embezzlement.
The lawyers defending against theft charges in Virginia, the crime of false pretenses occurs when a person obtains property by using false statements or trickery. In order to be convicted of false pretenses, the individual must have obtained the property by misrepresenting the truth and causing a loss to the owner. For example, if a car salesman sells a car by stating that it is sound when it is not, he may be convicted of false pretenses. The crime of embezzlement differs from false pretenses in that an embezzler involves an individual taking money that he or she was entrusted with managing by another person.
Grand Larceny
The theft of property with a value greater than $200 is charged as grand larceny. Grand larceny is also referred to as “larceny of a valuable thing.” Grand larceny is a felony in Virginia. If the value of the stolen item exceeds $1,000, the charge carries a punishment of between one and ten years in prison and/or up to 12 months in jail plus up to a $2,500 fine. If the value of the stolen property is less than $1,000, the charge is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and/or up to a $2,500 fine. A theft offense occurs when any property that has a value greater than $200 is stolen. If a theft is committed under circumstances where it cannot be determined whether or not it was an isolated incident, such as when the property takes place in a large quantity or in many different transactions over an extended period of time, each individual transaction constitutes a separate offense.
Petit Larceny
The theft of property with a value less than $200 is charged as petit larceny. Petit larceny is also referred to as “larceny of any article.” Petit larceny is a misdemeanor in Virginia. If the value of the stolen property is less than $200, the charge carries a punishment of up to 12 months in jail or up to a $2,500 fine. If the value of the stolen property is less than $200 but more than $100, the charge is punishable by a fine of up to $250 and up to 12 months in jail. If the value of the stolen property is less than $100 but more than $20, it is punishable by a fine of up to $500 and a maximum sentence of 12 months in jail.
Shoplifting
Shoplifting is the theft of property, without the consent of the owner, by a person who takes possession of other persons’ property and immediately leaves the store with it. The charge can be brought against anyone who takes possession of the property within a retail establishment, including employees. Theft is often charged as shoplifting when an employee steals something from the workplace or stores like baby formula, cigarettes and beer while on duty or while acting as an employee. Shoplifting is considered a misdemeanor in Virginia.
Larceny of Bank Notes and Checks
Larceny of banknotes and checks is the theft of money. The charge can be brought against anyone who takes money from a bank. In order to be convicted of larceny of banknotes and checks, the individual must first attempt to pass false bank notes or checks as genuine. The charge is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and/or up to a $100,000 fine.
Stealing Animals And Poultry
Stealing animals or poultry carries a felony charge in Virginia. If a person steals cattle, horses, sheep, swine, fowls, or any other domestic animals valued over $200 from another individual without his consent, the individual can be charged with grand larceny. The charge will carry a punishment of one to 10 years in prison and up to a $2,500 fine. If the value of the stolen animal or poultry is less than $200, the charge is punishable by a fine of up to $2,500 and up to 5 years in prison.
Conclusion
Theft offenses can carry a significant criminal sentence depending on the specific offense. Before you enter a plea to any charge, it is important to consult with and hire an attorney who is familiar with the local courts and prosecutors. A lawyer can evaluate your case and help ensure that your rights are protected throughout the duration of your case. It is important to consider imprisonment when dealing with charges of shoplifting and theft from retail stores. Law enforcement officers often use aggressive tactics when dealing with shoplifters and stealing property from retail stores. If you are convicted of shoplifting, it is important to have an attorney present during your court appearances and to take the first steps necessary in order to prevent the possibility of jail time.
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