Penalties for Grand Larceny in Alexandria

Grand Larceny is a serious offense in the state of Virginia. It can carry with it a multiple-year jail sentence, as well as hefty fines. If you happen to have been charged with grand larceny, it is of the utmost importance you seek out an experienced Alexandria theft attorney, so you can be certain that you have the assistance of someone that has your best interests in mind. A felony is something that can burden the accused for life – destroying job prospects, future loans, and interpersonal relationships. To minimize any or all of these misfortunes, one must seek out an attorney.

Penalties

Grand larceny is a felony and is punishable by time in prison. The sentence can range from one to twenty years in jail, with a fine of at least $2,500. It depends on the case, but if convicted, there will most certainly be prison time and a very large fine. A charge in this area of crime can incur detrimental penalties in Alexandria, and should be treated with incredible attention.

Long-term Consequences

There are many long-term consequences after being convicted of grand larceny. First, a felony conviction stays on an individual’s record forever. As a convicted felon, the individual will find that there are many things they are not able to do, such as the right to carry a gun in Virginia, or the right to vote. It will also be difficult to get employment in the future and could prevent the individual from getting financial aid for school. There may also be issues and/or refusals from subsidized housing or other government-assisted programs one might rely on.

Additionally, the stigma attached to a larceny conviction has a devastating effect on the life of the individual. Friends and family may grow distant, and future employers may be much less inclined to hire them. The personal life of the accused can sometimes have the same, if not more of an effect on the individual than the government penalties.

Probation & Alternative Sentencing

Sometimes, there are programs available for first-time grand larceny offenses. It will depend on the case and criminal history of the accused. Sometimes, prosecutors are willing to offer some type of plea deal, where the individual pleads to a charge of grand or petty larceny in exchange for limited jail time or community service. This is all dependent on the facts of the case. Penalties for grand larceny in Alexandria can vary greatly between first and second-time offenders.

Importance of an Attorney

It is important to have an experienced attorney in grand larceny cases because the stakes are incredibly high. It is important to have a seasoned criminal defense attorney fighting for the rights and justice of the accused individual. There is no better way to fight a case than to have an attorney with many years of experience. An individual will want somebody with experience in attacking the value of items or using pertinent defenses. One will need an attorney who is well-versed with the law, and also has creative approaches. This can only be accomplished with the experience of an attorney.