Grand Larceny in Petersburg

Grand larceny cases in Petersburg are dismissed at a significantly higher rate than across Virginia. With a 73.5 percent dismissal rate compared to the statewide average of 45 percent, Petersburg cases are nearly 29 percentage points more likely to be dropped. Of the 66 cases handled, only 26.5 percent result in conviction, and notably, no defendants were acquitted at trial. This pattern suggests that cases reaching Petersburg courts may face evidentiary challenges or that prosecutors exercise discretion to dismiss rather than proceed to trial.

When grand larceny charges do result in conviction in Petersburg, sentences are substantial. The median sentence is 3,650 days—roughly 10 years—while the average reaches 3,124 days. Cases take a median of 149 days from filing to resolution, with the middle half of cases resolving between 85 and 280 days. Charge reductions occur in only 4.5 percent of cases, splitting evenly among three lesser charges: possession of stolen vehicle, petit larceny, and failure to return property under $1,000. This suggests most cases either dismiss entirely or proceed to the original grand larceny charge without negotiated reductions.