Larceny & Theft in Virginia: What the Court Data Shows

According to 40,860 public court records from 2025, Larceny / Theft cases across 108 Virginia jurisdictions have an average dismissal rate of 53.7% and an average conviction rate of 45.1%.

Larceny and theft charges, including petit larceny and general theft offenses, are among the most commonly filed charges in Virginia courts and are usually at the misdemeanor level. This page examines what public court records reveal about how these cases are resolved across the state.

Variation Across Virginia

Larceny and theft outcomes differ depending on which court hears the case. Our data shows variation in:

• Dismissal rates — the percentage of cases ending without a conviction
• Case durations — how long from filing to final resolution
• Conviction patterns — how often cases result in a finding of guilt

These differences may reflect local court practices, the availability of diversion or restitution programs, and how prosecutors handle theft cases in each jurisdiction.

Understanding Larceny & Theft Statistics

When reviewing our data, keep in mind:

• This category covers petit larceny and general theft offenses, typically at the misdemeanor level
• Virginia law uses a monetary threshold to distinguish between petit larceny and grand larceny (which has its own category)
• Dismissal includes judicial dismissals, nolle prosequi, and cases resolved through diversion programs
• These are aggregate statistics — individual outcomes depend on the specific facts of each case

Next Steps

For information about Virginia larceny and theft laws, consult a licensed Virginia attorney or visit the Virginia Legislative Information System.

To explore how larceny and theft cases are resolved in your specific court, view our larceny and theft data by jurisdiction.