Legal Question in Criminal Law in Virginia

Re: Petit Larceny - minor

When facing a criminal charge where there is the possibility of jail time hiring a lawyer is the safe thing to do. Petit larceny is a class 1 misdemeanor for which the maximum penalties are 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. For a first offense it is quite possible that he will not receive jail time if convicted. However if he is convicted the charge will stay on his record and depending on the questions asked by colleges and employers he may have to disclose it. Records can be sealed or made not available to the public, but that is typically done for court files and is not a normal part of criminal cases, however misdemeanors committed by juveniles are typically not available to the public. I have had experience dealing with clients with immigration issues, but I can't speak to the specific question you asked.

Re: Petit Larceny - minor

Petty larceny is what U.S. immigration auhorities considers a crime involving moral turpitude (CIMT)and a conviction for such a crime could present problems for your son should he attempt to adjust his immigration status at some future time to lawful permanent resident(green card)or apply for naturalization as a U.S. citizen, either of which process could bring such a conviction to the attention of the USCIS and possibly even result in his being placed in removal proceedings.