Legal Question in Criminal Law in Virginia

There are two answers to your question. The first is that the maximum statutory punishment for petit larceny is 12 months in jail and/or up to a $2500.00 fine. The second answer has to do with what to expect in a practical sense. What sentence the judge imposes depends on the severity of the offense, your demeanor at the time and in court, and your criminal history. Since you have no criminal history, that is in your favor. You can certainly expect to pay restitution for the items. Whether the judge will impose a jail sentence will be determined by how well you are presented by the attorney on several different points.

If the court involved is the Prince William County General District Court,

you can expect to be sentenced to at least two days in jail if convicted (none of which will be suspended) and irrespective of your first time offender status and lack of prior criminal record.