Property Crime Attorney in Annandale, VA

Common Property Crime Charges in Virginia

As an experienced property crime attorney, we defend clients facing a wide range of charges throughout Virginia. Understanding the penalties you're facing is the first step in building your defense.

Larceny (Theft)

Petit Larceny: Theft of property valued at less than $1,000 is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.

Grand Larceny: Theft of property valued at $1,000 or more is an unclassified felony, carrying a potential sentence of 1 to 20 years in prison, or, at the court's discretion, up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.

Shoplifting

If you need an attorney for a shoplifting charge, understand that Virginia treats shoplifting as a form of larceny. Penalties depend on the value of the stolen goods:

• Value under $1,000: Charged as petit larceny (Class 1 misdemeanor)
• Value of $1,000 or more: Charged as grand larceny (felony)

Even a first-time shoplifting charge can result in jail time and a permanent criminal record. A personal property attorney can challenge the evidence, negotiate reduced charges, or fight for dismissal.

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Trespassing

General Trespass: Entering or remaining on another's property without permission is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.

Trespass with Intent to Damage Property: Entering property with intent to damage it or interfere with property rights is also a Class 1 misdemeanor with similar penalties.

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Destruction of Property (Vandalism)

Property Damage under $1,000: Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.

Property Damage of $1,000 or more: Class 6 felony, carrying a sentence of 1 to 5 years in prison, or, at the court's discretion, up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.

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Burglary

Standard Burglary: Breaking and entering a dwelling at night with intent to commit a felony or larceny is a Class 3 felony, punishable by 5 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.

Armed Burglary: If armed with a deadly weapon during the offense, it's a Class 2 felony, punishable by 20 years to life in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.

Burglary charges are extremely serious and require an experienced Virginia property lawyer who understands how to challenge the prosecution's case.

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Receiving Stolen Property

• Value under $1,000: Charged as petit larceny
• Value of $1,000 or more: Charged as grand larceny

Penalties mirror those of larceny offenses. Even if you didn't steal the property yourself, you can still face serious criminal charges if the prosecution believes you knowingly received stolen goods.

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How a Property Crime Lawyer Defends Your Case in Virginia

A property crime accusation doesn't guarantee a conviction. An experienced Virginia property crime attorney can challenge the charges against you using various defense strategies:

• Lack of Intent: Demonstrating that there was no intention to commit a crime—you may have made an honest mistake or misunderstood the situation.
• Mistaken Identity: Challenging the accuracy of witness identifications, surveillance footage, or other evidence that may have led to a wrongful accusation.
• Consent or Permission: Arguing that you had permission to be on the property or to take the item in question.
• Violation of Constitutional Rights: If evidence was obtained through an illegal search or seizure, it may be inadmissible in court. We file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence.
• Lack of Evidence: The prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. We challenge weak evidence and hold the state to its burden of proof.
• Value Disputes: In theft cases, challenging the alleged value of the property can be the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony charge.

As your property crime lawyer, we'll assess every detail of your case—from the initial stop or arrest to the evidence against you—and develop a defense strategy tailored to your specific situation. Whether you're facing shoplifting charges, theft, or burglary, we fight to protect your freedom and your future.

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Why You Need a Dedicated Property Crime Attorney in Virginia

Edwin Palacio was a public defender—he has seen firsthand how overworked and understaffed public defense offices are. While public defenders work hard, the system isn't designed to give your case the time and attention it deserves.

• Public defenders handle dozens of cases at once. They often have only minutes to prepare before going to court, which means they can't investigate every angle of your defense.

• A plea deal isn't always the best deal. Without a personal property attorney fighting specifically for you, you could accept a punishment harsher than necessary—or one that could have been avoided entirely.

• Criminal charges can follow you forever. Even a misdemeanor property crime conviction can make it hard to get a job, secure housing, obtain a loan, or pass a background check.

• You deserve personalized attention. When you're facing theft, shoplifting, or burglary charges, your case shouldn't be just another file in an overloaded system.

At Palacio Law, PLLC, you get a defense strategy built specifically for your case—not just the fastest solution. As your Virginia property lawyer, we fight to protect your record, your rights, and your future. You work directly with your attorney, not a rotating cast of assistants.

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Protect Your Future – Contact a Property Crime Attorney Today

A property crime conviction can have lasting effects on your life. Don't wait to build your defense—the sooner you act, the more options we may have to protect your rights.

Contact Palacio Law, PLLC today for a free consultation. We'll review your case, explain your options, and fight to get the best possible outcome. Whether you need an attorney for a shoplifting charge, theft, trespassing, or burglary, we're here to defend you.

Serving clients facing property crime charges throughout Virginia including Annandale, Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, and surrounding areas.