Larceny & Theft in Virginia: What the Court Data Shows

According to 108,789 public court records from 2023–2024, Larceny / Theft cases across 123 Virginia jurisdictions have an average dismissal rate of 54.5% and an average conviction rate of 44.4%.

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.

What Our Data Shows About Larceny & Theft Outcomes

Our analysis of 108,789 larceny and theft cases across 123 Virginia jurisdictions (2023-2024) — the most commonly charged offense in our data — reveals:

• 48.6% average dismissal rate — nearly half of all larceny cases are dismissed
• 50.1% average conviction rate
• 144 days average median case duration
• Dismissal rates range from 20.0% (Madison County) to 85.1% (Rappahannock County)

View larceny and theft statistics across all Virginia jurisdictions for detailed data on each court.

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.