If you're looking for a Virginia online theft class, it's important to know your Virginia theft laws. This can help you understand more about your offense.

Please note that the Virginia theft and shoplifting laws shown on this page are to help you to understand your local Virginia theft, shoplifting and stealing laws. While we have made every attempt to show the most up-to-date version of Virginia theft laws, we do not guarantee its accuracy. This page is not a replacement for legal advice from an attorney. It is in your best interest that you find an appropriate attorney for more information about Virginia theft laws.

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Virginia Theft and Shoplifting Laws Explained

Understanding the laws related to theft and shoplifting can help you stay informed and avoid legal troubles. Below is a simplified explanation of various Virginia statutes concerning these offenses.

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§ 18.2-95. Grand Larceny Defined and Penalties

Grand larceny is a serious theft crime in Virginia. You can be charged with grand larceny if:

1. You steal $5 or more in money or something valuable from someone.
2. You steal items worth $200 or more that are not taken directly from a person.
3. You steal any firearm, regardless of its value.

Penalties for Grand Larceny: - Imprisonment in a state correctional facility for 1 to 20 years. - Alternatively, the court or jury may decide to: - Confine you in jail for up to 12 months. - Fine you up to $2,500. - Or both a fine and jail time.

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§ 18.2-96. Petit Larceny Defined and Penalties

Petit larceny is a less severe theft crime. You can be charged with petit larceny if:

1. You steal less than $5 in money or something valuable from someone.
2. You steal items worth less than $200 that are not taken directly from a person.

Penalties for Petit Larceny: - Classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor, which may include fines and/or jail time, but is less severe than grand larceny.

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§ 18.2-98. Theft Involving Bank Notes, Checks, and Accounts

Stealing financial documents like bank notes, checks, or account books is also considered larceny. This includes:

• Any bank note, check, or paper that represents money or can be used as currency.
• Books of accounts related to money or goods.

Penalties: - Depending on the value of what was stolen, you can be charged under either grand larceny (§ 18.2-95) or petit larceny (§ 18.2-96). - The punishment aligns with the value of the stolen items.

Important Notes: - This law applies to all types of currency and financial documents, regardless of their origin. - The value considered is based on the money or property related to the stolen document.

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§ 18.2-103. Shoplifting and Related Actions

You can be charged with larceny if you engage in certain actions related to stealing merchandise from a store, including:

1. Concealing or taking possession of goods without paying.
2. Altering price tags or transferring items to different containers.
3. Helping or encouraging someone else to commit these acts.

Value of Stolen Goods: - If the stolen goods are less than $200, it's considered petit larceny. - If the stolen goods are $200 or more, it's considered grand larceny.

Evidence of Intent: - Hiding merchandise in a store is seen as proof that you intended to steal and defraud the store owner.

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§ 18.2-104. Repeat Offenses and Enhanced Penalties

If you're convicted of larceny or a similar offense in Virginia, the penalties increase with each offense:

• First and Second Offenses:

  • If you've been previously convicted for larceny or a similar crime, you face jail time between 30 days and 12 months.

• Third or Subsequent Offenses:

  • You can be charged with a Class 6 felony, which carries more severe penalties, including longer prison sentences.

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§ 18.2-105.1. Detaining a Suspected Shoplifter

Store employees have the authority to act if they suspect someone is shoplifting:

• If you believe someone has stolen merchandise, you can detain them on the store premises.
• The detention can last for up to one hour while waiting for the police to arrive.

Conditions: - You must have probable cause, meaning a reasonable belief that shoplifting occurred. - This applies to offenses under §§ 18.2-95, 18.2-96, or 18.2-103.

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§ 18.2-105.2. Banning Devices That Conceal Shoplifting

Creating or selling devices that help hide stolen merchandise is illegal. This includes:

• Specially coated or laminated bags designed to block anti-theft sensors.
• Any device intended to help someone steal merchandise without being detected.

Penalties: - Violating this law is treated as a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by fines and/or jail time.

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§ 18.2-152.6. Theft of Computer Services

Stealing computer services, such as unauthorized access to the internet or software, is also a crime:

• Unauthorized Use: Using computer services without permission is considered theft.

Penalties: - Class 1 misdemeanor for general theft of computer services. - If the value of the stolen services is $2,500 or more, it escalates to a Class 6 felony, which carries harsher penalties.

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Understanding these laws can help you recognize the seriousness of theft and shoplifting offenses in Virginia. If you or someone you know is facing such charges, it's important to seek legal advice.

You might also be interested in Virginia Theft and Shoplifting Classes.