{"id":3766,"date":"2018-08-18T18:45:36","date_gmt":"2018-08-18T18:45:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dualawfirm.com\/?p=3766"},"modified":"2023-04-20T12:54:59","modified_gmt":"2023-04-20T16:54:59","slug":"what-you-need-to-know-about-a-shoplifting-charge-in-virginia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dualawfirm.com\/2018\/08\/18\/what-you-need-to-know-about-a-shoplifting-charge-in-virginia\/","title":{"rendered":"What You Need to Know About a Shoplifting Charge in Virginia"},"content":{"rendered":"

According to the National Retail Federation<\/a>, the most commonly shoplifted items in the United States include electronics such as iPhones and chargers, followed by makeup, razors, and high-priced clothing items like denim jeans and sneakers. \u00a0While it would make sense for this crime to be mostly limited to those in poverty, shoplifting is committed by people from all walks of life — even hollywood celebrities. <\/a>\u00a0No matter what was stolen or the reason behind it, the bottom line is: shoplifting is a crime, and punishable by law.<\/p>\n

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If you find yourself facing a charge for shoplifting<\/a>, it is crucial that you seek legal help as soon as possible. Fortunately, there are experienced lawyers who know exactly how to handle this type of situation. DUA Law Firm has criminal lawyers in Northern Virginia that will fight for your defense in court.<\/p>\n

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Petit VS. Grand Larceny <\/b><\/p>\n

Shoplifting falls under larceny, or the theft of property from a person or business. Depending on the value of what has been stolen, larceny can be categorized as petit or grand. In Virginia, under Virginia Code 18.2-96<\/a> \u00a0shoplifting is considered petit larceny when the merchandise taken is worth less than $500. Anything more than that, and you\u2019re facing a grand larceny charge (Virginia Code 18.2-95).<\/p>\n

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On July 1, 2018, the threshold amount for a felony larceny increased from $200 to $500. \u00a0This was the first increase in the amount in approximately 40 years.<\/p>\n

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Possible Punishment <\/b><\/p>\n

Petit (Petty) Larceny is a class 1 misdemeanor with a potential confinement in jail up to 12 months in jail and a fine of not more than $2,500, either or both.<\/p>\n

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Grand Larceny is punishable by imprisonment in a state correctional facility for not less than one nor more than 20 years or, in the discretion of the jury or court trying the case without a jury, be confined in a jail for a period not exceeding 12 months or fined not more than $2,500, either or both.<\/p>\n

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A person charged with larceny is at risk of jail time. A charge of grand larceny is a felony charge and could result in jail time even for a first-time offender. If you have committed petit larceny, a misdemeanor, jail time is still a possibility. Whether or not jail time is possible depends on the circumstances of your case and your \u00a0criminal history record. To give yourself the best shot at avoiding consequences that could be damaging to your reputation, ability to find jobs or maintain your current job, and band account, it is important that you hire criminal lawyers in Northern Virginia you can trust.<\/p>\n

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Potential Defenses<\/b><\/p>\n

At DUA Law firm, our experienced criminal attorneys in Northern Virginia have strategies for defending individuals who have been charged for shoplifting<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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