What Does it Mean to Be Charged with Larceny as a Juvenile in Fairfax County, Virginia
There’s a reason we don’t let minors drink alcohol, vote or drive cars until they are 16. Children are still developing as people, and they sometimes make impulsive mistakes that an adult would avoid. Some of those mistakes can cast a pall on the rest of the youngster’s childhood and have a devastating impact on the child’s future prospects. One such example is a child’s act of theft. While a child convicted of a petit larceny might be able to keep is record clean, a juvenile convicted of grand larceny will likely be carrying that bag for the rest of his or her life.
What is a Petit Larceny?
If you have to be charged with a theft crime as a minor, petit larceny is what you would want to aim for. Petit larceny is the intentional taking of property valued at less than $200.00 without permission. The offenses are very common in retail stores where cameras make defenses very difficult. However, there can be circumstances where cameras were unable to capture the theft or, rarely, a witness doesn’t appear. It’s critical that you speak with a Fairfax County attorney to help you recognize situations where charges can be beat at trial.
Petit larceny is a class 1 Misdemeanor. As a result, it has the advantage of being sealed at a later date. The record will be destroyed when the defendant turns 19 if the defendanthas been on good behavior for at least 5 years.It might also be possible to get a judge to accept a deferred disposition. In such cases, the judge essentially continues the trial date. If the defendant remains on good behavior, the charges will be dismissed when the defendant returns. Because of the potential long term ramifications of even a petit larceny, it is always best to speak with an experienced criminal lawyer in Fairfax County, Virginia.
What About A Juvenile Charged with a Grand Larceny?
A grand larceny charge is a whole different animal and one to be avoided where possible. A juvenile can be charged with Grand Larceny any time the value is over $200. Grand Larceny is a felony, which carries with it severe consequences even if you are convicted as a juvenile. In the state of Virginia, felony convictions are forever. So even if you are convicted of an offense when you are under the age of 18, it will possibly be a stain on your record your entire life.
This is why it is so important to look into and research the consequences of criminal cases well in advance of the court date. Many times a resolution that only calls for probation and community service will appear to be a great result at first. It is only later when your child is applying for college or employment as an adult will the total consequence of that childhood indiscretion truly matter. For those reasons, it is imperative that great care be taken to minimize the consequences of any felony cases, even those committed by juveniles.
