Virginia charges shoplifting as larceny. Goods worth less than $1,000 make it petit larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail, a fine of up to $2,500, or both. At $1,000 or more it is grand larceny, a felony.
This guide reflects the Code of Virginia as of October 2026. Laws change, so check the current statute or ask a Virginia criminal defense attorney or public defender about your case.
Virginia shoplifting laws
Virginia's shoplifting statute, §18.2-103, covers concealing or taking possession of merchandise, altering price tags, and moving goods from one container to another. It is punished as petit larceny when the goods are worth less than $1,000 and as grand larceny at $1,000 or more.
Under the statute, concealing goods while still on the store's premises is prima facie evidence of intent to convert and defraud the owner.
Penalties: petit larceny and grand larceny
- Petit larceny (under $1,000): a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail, a fine of up to $2,500, or both (§18.2-96 and §18.2-11).
- Grand larceny ($1,000 or more): a felony punishable by 1 to 20 years in prison or, at the discretion of the jury or the court, up to 12 months in jail, a fine of up to $2,500, or both (§18.2-95).
The felony line was $200 until 2018, then $500, and has been $1,000 since a 2020 change. Virginia repealed its separate repeat-larceny enhancement, §18.2-104, in 2021. Our guide to when shoplifting is a felony compares other states.
First-time shoplifting charges in Virginia
- First offender probation (§19.2-303.2): for a first misdemeanor property crime, including petit larceny and shoplifting under §18.2-103. The person must have no felony conviction and no earlier dismissal under this section, and must consent; the court may order restitution. On successful completion, the court discharges the person and dismisses the case.
- Deferred disposition (§19.2-298.02): when the defendant and the prosecutor agree, the court can defer the case. The final result can be conviction of the original charge, conviction of a different charge, or dismissal. An amended version takes effect December 1, 2026.
Courts may set conditions, such as completing a theft or shoplifting class. Your court order or probation officer sets the class and the hours.
Store civil claims for shoplifting
Separately from the criminal case, §8.01-44.4 lets a store recover:
- Twice the unpaid retail value of the merchandise, and at least $50.
- If the goods were recovered in sellable condition, liquidated damages of no more than $350 instead.
- Reasonable attorney's fees and costs of up to $150.
A store may send a written demand before suing, and cannot sue while a criminal prosecution on the same facts is pending. See our guide to shoplifting civil demand letters, and talk to an attorney before paying or responding.
Taking a shoplifting class online in Virginia
If you have been ordered to complete a theft or shoplifting class, confirm before you enroll that a self-paced online class meets the requirement. Our Virginia shoplifting class page lists the options, and our page on court ordered shoplifting classes online explains how the class works.