One of the most frequent crimes in our area is larceny and other theft related crimes. These crimes can be as innocuous as a shoplifting at a local mall or as insidious as the grand larceny an automobile. In Virginia the difference between felony and misdemeanor larceny is very low. In many states a theft must be over $1000 in order to be considered a felony. In Virginia this threshold is merely $200.
Additionally if a person is convicted of two misdemeanor larcenies of any kind, a third charge is automatically prosecuted as a felony. Sadly many teenagers and college students thoughtlessly pick up criminal convictions which will stay on their records for the rest of their lives. Fortunately some prosecutors and a few jurisdictions have a forgiving take on these careless offenses. In my experience Chesterfield, Hanover, and Caroline Counties can be difficult jurisdictions to negotiate a deferred disposition.
Fairfax County, Henrico County and the city of Richmond on the other hand occasionally offer a reasonable resolution for first time offenders. This does not at all suggest that these locations are softer or easier on any type of crime. It also does not imply that there are not occasions where a skillful negotiation can keep a larceny charge off of a person's record in other jurisdictions.
Obviously the downside of any conviction is that it would stay on someone's record forever. This is what is referred to as a crime of moral turpitude. It involves an offense of lying cheating or stealing. Many entities will not give a person security clearance or employment with such a record.
In my career I've handled thousands of these cases. I have a great deal of experience discussing creative ways to resolve situations like this with prosecutors. If you are charged with larceny, grand larceny or other theft related offense, please contact me so that I might be able to help you and provide assistance with your case.