Grand Theft Attorney In Fredericksburg

Serious Theft Charges Call For Calm, Skilled Guidance

Being arrested for a serious theft offense can turn your life upside down in a matter of hours. If you are facing a larceny, grand larceny, or felony grand theft charge in Fredericksburg, VA, you may be worried about jail, your job, and how this will affect your family. At Cornick Ndlovu, PLC, we focus our criminal defense practice on helping people in your position understand what is happening and what can be done to protect their future.

We know you did not plan to deal with the criminal justice system, and you may feel confused, embarrassed, or overwhelmed. Our role is to steady things, explain the process in plain language, and start building a defense strategy that fits your situation. With more than 19 years in criminal law and extensive work in Virginia courts, we are prepared to guide you through each step. Our firm is led by attorneys who have served as prosecutors and a public defender, so we have seen how grand theft cases are investigated, charged, and resolved from all sides. We bring that insight to every case, and we work to make sure our clients are informed, involved, and treated with respect from the first meeting onward.

Our firm is dedicated to ensuring that you face an arrest or criminal accusation not only with a strong defense, but also with knowledgeable counsel on your side. Call (540) 386-0204 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation today.

Facing Grand Theft Charges in the Fredericksburg Area

When you are accused of taking property that does not belong to you, it can feel like people rush to judge you before hearing your side of the story. Larceny, grand larceny, and related grand theft charges can arise from many situations, such as shoplifting allegations, disputes with employers, vehicle accusations, or misunderstandings involving friends or family. However your charge arose, you deserve a careful look at the facts and someone who will listen before concluding.

After an arrest, your case will usually begin with a magistrate hearing and an initial appearance in a local trial court, often the Fredericksburg General District Court. You might be released on bond or held, and you will receive paperwork with court dates and conditions you must follow. These events tend to move quickly, which often adds to the stress and makes it hard to keep track of what each hearing means.

We regularly meet with people who are anxious about losing their freedom, their driver’s license, or their employment, and who are unsure whether they should talk to the police or anyone else about what happened. We take the time to explain what each piece of paper means, what the next court date is for, and what you should and should not do while your case is pending. Our goal is to bring clarity to a process that can otherwise feel chaotic.

Why Our Firm Is a Strong Choice for Grand Theft Defense

Choosing a lawyer for a theft case is not just about finding someone who knows the law. It is about working with a team that understands how these cases unfold in real courtrooms and how much is at stake for you personally. At Cornick Ndlovu, PLC, our attorneys draw on different but complementary backgrounds in criminal practice that directly benefit clients facing grand larceny and grand theft charges.

Attorney Andrew J. Cornick previously served as a prosecutor, which gives us insight into how the Commonwealth’s Attorney often evaluates evidence, decides what to charge, and approaches plea negotiations. We understand how prosecutors think about issues like intent, property value, prior record, and restitution, and we use that knowledge when analyzing the strength of the case against you and when discussing options with the other side.

Attorney Natey K. Ndlovu has served as a public defender, representing people who could not afford to hire a lawyer and who often felt the system was stacked against them. That experience instilled a deep commitment to standing with clients who are facing some of the hardest moments in their lives, and to making sure their voices are heard. Her personal history as a refugee also shapes a strong sense of justice and empathy for people from many different walks of life.

Together, our attorneys bring more than 25 years of criminal law experience to the table. We are familiar with the judges, prosecutors, and courtroom staff who handle theft and property crime cases in this part of Virginia, including the Fredericksburg courts. We use that local knowledge to set realistic expectations, to anticipate how certain arguments may be received, and to tailor our strategies to the legal personalities involved. We also place a high value on communication. Clients receive clear explanations about what is happening and why, and we provide our cell phone numbers so they can reach us more easily when important questions come up. When you work with us, you can expect personal attention from the attorneys handling your case, not just quick updates from a distant office.

Understanding Grand Larceny & Theft Penalties in Virginia

Part of reducing your anxiety is understanding what you are truly facing. In Virginia, theft offenses are generally grouped into petit larceny, grand larceny, and felony grand theft, sometimes described in everyday language as misdemeanor theft and felony theft. The difference often comes down to the value and type of property involved, and in some situations, the way the property was taken.

Grand larceny typically involves property that meets or exceeds certain monetary thresholds, or specific items such as motor vehicles or firearms. Allegations can arise from retail settings, alleged embezzlement from employers, vehicle use disputes, or accusations of taking property from a person. Even when the facts are complicated, law enforcement may move quickly to classify a case as grand larceny or grand theft, which can feel overwhelming when you are still trying to sort out what happened.

Felony theft convictions can carry the possibility of significant jail or prison time, substantial fines, probation, and restitution orders that require you to pay back alleged losses. Beyond court-imposed penalties, a felony record can affect your ability to find or keep employment, to hold certain professional licenses, to secure housing, or to address immigration concerns if you are not a citizen. These consequences are often what worry clients the most.

It is important to remember that the range of possible outcomes is broad and highly dependent on the details of your case, including your prior record, the value and type of property, the evidence available, and how the local courts in the Fredericksburg area have tended to treat similar cases. When we talk with you, we will discuss these factors and how they might interact in your specific situation, so you are not basing decisions on guesswork or rumors.

How Our Attorneys Defend Grand Theft Cases Here

Every theft allegation has its own story. Our first step is to sit down with you and listen to how the situation developed from your perspective. We review the charging documents, police reports when available, and any information you bring us, such as messages, receipts, or names of potential witnesses. This early review helps us identify issues that can shape the defense from the beginning.

In many larceny and grand theft cases, key questions include whether the Commonwealth can prove you intended to steal, whether the property is correctly valued at a felony level, and whether the right person has been accused. There may be concerns about mistaken identity, unreliable witnesses, or how store security or law enforcement handled the investigation. We look at whether your rights were respected during any searches, seizures, or questioning, and we consider whether any statements or evidence can be challenged.

Your personal background and circumstances also matter. Lack of prior record, work history, mental health issues, substance use, or unique family responsibilities can all be relevant when we present your story to a judge or in discussions with the prosecutor. We often work with clients to gather letters, records, or counseling information that can help the court see them as more than just a case number.

Our knowledge of how grand larceny, grand theft, and other property crimes are commonly charged and resolved in the Fredericksburg courts informs our recommendations about when to negotiate and when to contest issues more aggressively. We use our former prosecutor experience to anticipate how the Commonwealth might approach plea offers or sentencing arguments, and we draw on our public defender work when building mitigation and advocating for second chances. Our goal is to protect your future as much as possible, whether that involves seeking reductions, alternative resolutions, or preparing for contested hearings or trial when appropriate.

What To Do After a Grand Theft Arrest in the Fredericksburg Area

Once you are accused of grand larceny or grand theft, your choices in the early days can have a lasting effect on your case. It is natural to want to explain yourself to police, store staff, or others involved, but doing so without legal guidance can make things harder later. Statements made in the heat of the moment are often used in ways people did not anticipate.

If officers, store security, or anyone else wants to discuss the details of the incident with you, it is usually safer to politely decline and say that you would like to speak with a lawyer first. You have the right not to answer questions about the events, and exercising that right does not make you look guilty. Many people feel pressure to talk in the hope of clearing things up, yet those statements are often used against them later. We regularly talk with clients about how to handle further contact with law enforcement once we are involved.

After your release, carefully read any paperwork you receive from the magistrate or the Fredericksburg General District Court. Make note of your next court date, location, and any bond conditions, such as no contact with certain people or places. Keeping these documents in a folder and bringing them to our first meeting helps us quickly understand where things stand procedurally. It can also be helpful to write down your memory of what happened while details are still fresh, including the names of anyone present, camera locations you noticed, and any conversations you had. Do not share this information on social media or with people who do not need to know about the case. Instead, bring it to our office so we can evaluate what may be useful for your defense.

Reaching out to a criminal defense firm early gives us more time to address bond concerns, to track down helpful information, and to prepare for your first meaningful court appearances. When you contact us, we will talk through your current situation, explain what the next dates on your calendar are for, and discuss how we can help you move forward.

Working With Cornick Ndlovu, PLC on a Grand Theft Case

When you meet with us about a grand larceny or felony grand theft charge, our priority is to understand you and your concerns. We begin by listening as you describe what led to the accusation, how the arrest unfolded, and what worries you most. We then review your paperwork, outline where your case is in the court process, and answer your initial questions in straightforward language.

We believe that regular, honest communication is essential in criminal defense. Our attorneys strive to return calls and messages promptly, and we provide our cell phone numbers so that clients can reach us more directly when important issues arise. At key points in the case, such as before a preliminary hearing in the Fredericksburg General District Court or a proceeding in the Circuit Court, we take the time to explain what will happen and what outcomes are possible, so you do not walk into the courtroom unprepared.

Clients who come to us have many different backgrounds, including people who have never been in trouble and those who have prior involvement with the courts. We approach every client with respect and without judgment, regardless of their past or the allegations they face. Attorney Ndlovu’s experience as a refugee and as a public defender informs our firm’s commitment to treating each client as a whole person, not just a case file.

Throughout your case, we work with you to make decisions, rather than making them for you. We will talk through the pros and cons of options, whether that involves seeking a negotiated resolution, filing certain motions, or preparing for contested proceedings. Our aim is that you always understand why a step is being taken and how it fits into the broader strategy to protect your rights and your future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Could I go to jail for grand larceny in Virginia?

Yes, jail or prison is a possibility in Virginia grand larceny cases, but the actual risk depends on several factors. The value and type of property, your prior record, the specific circumstances of the alleged offense, and the prosecutor’s position all influence what penalties a judge might consider. Some clients face a realistic chance of active time, while others may be better candidates for alternative outcomes, suspended time, or probation. When we review your case, we discuss the statutory ranges and how local courts have typically treated similar situations, so you can make decisions based on more than just the charge name.

Will a grand theft conviction stay on my record forever?

A felony theft conviction can leave a long-lasting mark on your criminal record, which can affect employment, housing, and other opportunities. In Virginia, options for removing or limiting the impact of certain convictions are limited, so preventing a felony conviction in the first place is often the most important goal. In some situations, cases may be reduced, amended, or resolved in ways that carry different record consequences. We talk with our clients about how different types of outcomes tend to appear on background checks and what that may mean for their future, then we structure our strategy with those concerns in mind.

How can your background as a former prosecutor help in my theft case?

Our former prosecutor experience helps us understand how the Commonwealth often builds and evaluates grand larceny cases. We are familiar with how prosecutors look at evidence such as surveillance video, witness statements, and alleged admissions, and how they assess issues like intent and valuation. This insight allows us to better anticipate which arguments they may rely on and which weaknesses they may try to avoid. It also informs how we approach negotiations, because we have a realistic sense of what may persuade a prosecutor to consider reductions or alternative resolutions in the Fredericksburg courts.

What should I do if the police or store security want to talk to me?

If police officers or store security are asking you questions about a suspected theft, the safest choice is usually to remain polite but decline to discuss the facts without a lawyer present. You can give basic identifying information when required, but you are not required to explain your side of the story on the spot. Many people feel pressure to talk in the hope of clearing things up, yet those statements are often used against them later. We encourage you to contact us before agreeing to any detailed interview so that we can advise you about whether to speak at all and, if so, how to do so with your rights protected.

How will I stay updated about my grand theft case?

Staying informed is a central part of how we work with clients facing serious theft charges. When you hire our firm, we review upcoming court dates with you and explain what each one involves. We keep you updated as we receive discovery, file motions, or engage in discussions with the prosecutor, and we talk with you before important decisions so you understand your options. Because we share our cell phone numbers with clients, you can reach out when questions arise between scheduled meetings, and we strive to respond promptly and clearly.

Do you handle grand theft cases in the Fredericksburg courts?

Yes, our criminal defense practice includes representing clients charged with grand larceny and other theft offenses in the Fredericksburg trial courts. We are familiar with how cases typically move from the General District Court to the Circuit Court when they proceed as felonies, and with the preferences of many of the judges and prosecutors who handle these matters. That local knowledge helps us give you more accurate information about what to expect and to design strategies that are grounded in how cases are actually handled here, not just how the law reads on paper.

When should I contact a lawyer after a grand theft arrest?

It is usually best to contact a lawyer as soon as you can after a grand larceny arrest or even if you believe charges may be coming. Early involvement gives us more opportunity to advise you about talking with law enforcement, to address bond issues, to preserve helpful information, and to prepare for initial court dates. Waiting until just before a hearing can limit the time available to explore defense options or to gather mitigation. If you are uncertain whether you need representation yet, we encourage you to reach out so we can discuss where things stand and whether retaining counsel at this stage would benefit you.

Talk With Our Team About Your Grand Theft Charge

A larceny, grand larceny, or felony grand theft accusation can threaten your freedom, your record, and your plans, but you do not have to navigate it on your own. Working with a grand theft lawyer in Fredericksburg who understands both Virginia law and how cases move through the local courts can make a meaningful difference in how you experience the process and what options you have.

At Cornick Ndlovu, PLC, we bring over 19 years of criminal law experience, former prosecutor and public defender perspectives, and a commitment to clear, respectful communication to every theft case we handle. We take the time to learn your story, explain your choices, and build a defense strategy that reflects your goals as well as the realities of the courtroom. If you are ready to talk about your situation and learn how we may be able to help, we invite you to contact us.

To speak with our team about your grand larceny or grand theft charge, call (540) 386-0204.