How a $20 Theft Became a Felony Grand Larceny Charge in Virginia
Small Theft, Big Trouble: Understanding Grand Larceny Charges in Virginia
Most people think a quick $20 shoplifting incident might result in a slap on the wrist. But what if we told you that small thefts can add up to a felony? That’s exactly what happened in a recent case involving Target, and it’s not as rare as you might think.
This topic was featured in one of our “Hey Nicole” videos, a short-form series by Criminal Defense Attorney Nicole Naum on TikTok and YouTube. These videos are designed to educate Virginians on criminal defense and DUI law, breaking down real cases and legal trends in a way that’s accessible and informative.
Watch the full clip here:
They Said It Was Just $20… But Target Charged Them With GRAND LARCENY
When Shoplifting Turns Serious
In Virginia, Grand Larceny is defined as the theft of goods valued at $1,000 or more. Most people know that. But what they don’t realize is how prosecutors and major retailers like Target can track and combine multiple smaller thefts over time to push the total value over the felony threshold.
This is often referred to as a “common scheme or plan.” If they can show a pattern, say, repeated thefts from the same store or chain, they can lump those values together, and suddenly you’re not facing a misdemeanor anymore. You’re facing felony charges that carry up to 20 years in prison.
Big Box Stores Are Watching
Stores like Target invest heavily in surveillance and loss prevention technology. They may not confront a shoplifter after one small incident, but they’re often tracking behavior, logging patterns, and coordinating with law enforcement.
By the time someone is arrested, the store may already have detailed evidence across several visits—receipts, video, timestamps, making it much harder to argue the thefts were isolated or accidental.
What Should You Do If You're Facing Theft Charges?
Whether you're accused of shoplifting once or facing a potential felony Grand Larceny charge, you need a criminal defense team that understands both the law and how these cases are built. Know your rights and do not speak to the police without an attorney.
At Battlefield Law Group, our criminal defense attorneys in Manassas, Virginia serve clients throughout Prince William, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Fauquier Counties. We bring deep experience in theft and larceny cases and a commitment to treating each client like family, with honesty, respect, and real legal firepower.
Facing Grand Larceny or Theft Charges? Get Help Now.
Even if you believe the charges are exaggerated, or just a misunderstanding, don’t go it alone. Prosecutors are building complex cases, and you need a defense that can challenge every piece of evidence.
📞 Call Battlefield Law Group today for a confidential consultation.
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