Woodbridge Shoplifting Lawyer

Our Team Will Work Hard to Protect Your Rights

Being accused of shoplifting in Virginia is more serious than most people realize. Taking an item without paying, switching price tags, or even being caught at the store exit with an unpaid item can result in criminal charges that will leave a permanent mark on your record, reputation, and future. Whether it’s a misdemeanor petit larceny or a felony grand larceny, you need an experienced Woodbridge shoplifting attorney on your side.

At Stevens Caruso, we are familiar with the intricacies of shoplifting charges in Virginia. We offer a strong and aggressive defense for individuals charged with theft in Prince William County and throughout Northern Virginia.

What Is Shoplifting in Virginia?

The term “shoplifting” is often misunderstood and generally refers to “stealing.” However, Virginia’s shoplifting laws encompass a wide range of behaviors that show intent to steal from a retail establishment. More importantly, the law doesn’t require you to leave the store to be charged. Your intent alone is enough, meaning you can be arrested for shoplifting simply by concealing an item in your clothes or a bag while inside the store, without ever making it to the exit.

Shoplifting is a type of larceny, which is the theft of another person’s property with the intent to permanently deprive them of the item. But Virginia’s shoplifting laws also encompass actions that encourage or enable theft. For example, if you alter, remove, or modify a price tag with the intent to pay less, or transfer the contents of one package to another to deceive the merchant, you can be charged with shoplifting—even if you paid for the item.

Stores in Virginia have a vested interest in deterring shoplifting. Most stores have employees trained in loss prevention and employ various methods to catch suspected shoplifters in the act. Many stores use surveillance footage, undercover employees, and electronic security devices to spot shoplifters. If they suspect you are trying to steal, they can detain you and call the police.

Petit Larceny vs. Grand Larceny in Virginia

Shoplifting charges in Virginia are divided into petit larceny (misdemeanor) and grand larceny (felony). The difference between the two is based on the amount of money involved in the theft.

Petit Larceny (Misdemeanor) – Virginia Code § 18.2-96

You may be charged with petit larceny if:

• The value of the stolen item is less than $1,000, or
• If you take the item directly from a person (like a wallet or purse) and it’s worth less than $5

Penalties for Petit Larceny:

• Class 1 Misdemeanor
• Up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500
• Permanent criminal record
• Possible civil penalties from the retailer

Grand Larceny (Felony) – Virginia Code § 18.2-95

You may be charged with grand larceny if:

• The value of the stolen items is $1,000 or more, or
• If the item is taken directly from a person and is worth $5 or more

Penalties for Grand Larceny:

• Felony charge
• 1 to 20 years in prison or up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500
• Permanent felony record
• Loss of civil rights (like voting and gun ownership)

Grand larceny charges are serious, regardless of whether it’s your first offense. The long-term consequences can be devastating without an experienced Woodbridge shoplifting lawyer on your side.

Civil Penalties and Consequences of a Shoplifting Conviction

People accused of shoplifting in Virginia can also face civil liability under Virginia Code § 8.01-44.4. Retailers can seek:

• The value of the item (if not returned in sellable condition)
• A civil penalty of $50 to $350
• Court costs and attorney’s fees

A shoplifting conviction can also result in:

• A criminal record that is visible to employers, landlords, and licensing boards
• Immigration consequences for non-citizens
• Professional licensing issues
• Loss of scholarships or school enrollment for students

Why You Need a Woodbridge Shoplifting Lawyer

Many people minimize the consequences of a shoplifting charge, especially when it’s their first offense or the item seems insignificant. Unfortunately, Virginia law doesn’t treat shoplifting as a simple mistake. Even a misdemeanor conviction for petit larceny creates a permanent criminal record that will follow you for the rest of your life. That’s why it’s critical to have an experienced Woodbridge shoplifting attorney on your side from the start.

At Stevens Caruso, we know that no two shoplifting cases are alike. We carefully review the details of your situation and develop a tailored defense strategy that aligns with your specific needs and goals. Whether you’re a student who made a mistake, a parent who got distracted, or you were falsely accused, you deserve an aggressive legal advocate.

Our attorneys review the prosecution’s evidence—surveillance footage, witness testimony, and store security reports—and determine if your rights were violated at any point. We also analyze whether the store followed proper legal procedures in detaining you or calling the police. In some cases, procedural mistakes or lack of intent can result in the charges being reduced or even dismissed.

Not only do we represent you in court, but we also negotiate for first-offender programs, community service, or deferred dispositions that may help keep your record clean. If you’re eligible, we can also assist you in pursuing expungement to clear the charge from your public record after the case is dismissed.

The bottom line is this: having a seasoned shoplifting lawyer on your side can make all the difference between walking away with a clean record or carrying a conviction that will limit your career, housing, and educational opportunities. Don’t gamble with your future. Let Stevens Caruso fight for the best possible outcome in your case.

First Offender Program and Expungement Options

If this is your first criminal charge, you may be eligible for Virginia’s First Offender Program (depending on the jurisdiction and the facts of your case). This may include:

• Probation
• Restitution to the store
• Community service
• Anti-theft education

Upon successful completion, your charges may be dismissed, which could open the door to expungement. Our Woodbridge shoplifting lawyer can determine if this program is available to you and help pursue the most favorable resolution possible.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shoplifting in Virginia

Do I need a lawyer for misdemeanor shoplifting in VA?

Yes. A misdemeanor charge for shoplifting may seem minor, but it carries the potential for jail time, fines, and a criminal record that can impact your job, housing, and future. An experienced lawyer maybe able to reduce, dismiss, or resolve charges through a diversion program.

What’s the difference between shoplifting, grand larceny and petty theft?

In Virginia, there is no significant difference in the charge for shoplifting—of an item having a value of less than $1000 is defined as Petit Larceny and shoplifting an item having a value equal to or greater than $1000 is defined as Grand Larceny.

Can I get a job with a shoplifting charge?

It depends. Many employers conduct background checks, and a conviction for theft-related offenses can raise questions about your trustworthiness. This is especially true for jobs that involve money, retail, security, or handling sensitive information. A good lawyer can help minimize the damage and potentially prevent a conviction from showing up on your record.

Does shoplifting show up on a background check?

Yes. If you are convicted or plead guilty, the charge will appear on a criminal background check. Even if the charge is dismissed, it may still appear on your record unless you pursue expungement. That’s why it’s so important to have a lawyer who understands the record-sealing and expungement process.

Should I plead guilty to a shoplifting charge?

Never plead guilty without talking to a Woodbridge shoplifting lawyer. In many cases, your lawyer may be able to find legal defenses, flaws in the prosecution’s case, or alternatives like diversion programs that result in dismissal.

Defending Against Shoplifting Charges in Woodbridge and Beyond

At Stevens Caruso, we develop a defense strategy that fits the unique facts of your case. Depending on your circumstances, your defense may include the following:

• Challenging intent (e.g., you forgot to pay, or it was a misunderstanding)
• Demonstrating a lack of sufficient evidence (e.g., no security footage or reliable witnesses)
• Proving mistaken identity (someone else committed the crime)
• Arguing illegal search or seizure by store security or police
• Showing a violation of your Miranda rights

Our team stands ready to represent people charged with shoplifting in Prince William County, Stafford County, Fauquier County, Fairfax County, and throughout Northern Virginia.

Contact Stevens Caruso – Your Woodbridge Shoplifting Lawyer

If you or a loved one is charged with shoplifting in Virginia, don’t face the system alone. Call Stevens Caruso for experienced, compassionate, and aggressive defense. Our team understands the consequences involved, and we’ve helped countless clients fight shoplifting charges and protect their futures. Whether you were falsely accused or made a mistake, we’re here to fight for your rights and your record.

Casey and Lisa offer free in office initial consultations and can be reached through by contacting Casey on his cell phone 703-967-5750 or Lisa on her Cell 804-731-4262 or the firm’s online contact form.