Burglary Lawyer Near Me
If you are searching for a burglary lawyer near you in Northern Virginia, you are likely facing serious criminal charges that carry the potential for significant prison time and a permanent felony record. Burglary is prosecuted actively in Virginia under Va. Code § 18.2-89 through § 18.2-93, and a conviction can affect your employment, housing, professional licensing, and firearm rights for years to come. The Commonwealth’s Attorney in counties such as Arlington, Fairfax, and Alexandria pursues these cases with substantial resources, and the stakes are high from the moment charges are filed. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys concentrate on criminal defense matters, including burglary charges, and serve clients throughout Northern Virginia. The firm maintains a location in Arlington and appears regularly in Arlington County Circuit Court, Arlington General District Court, and neighboring jurisdictions. To request a consultation about your burglary case, reach the firm at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Burglary Means in Virginia
Burglary in Virginia is defined under Va. Code § 18.2-89 through § 18.2-93 and encompasses several distinct offenses. Common-law burglary under § 18.2-89 involves breaking and entering the dwelling of another at night with the intent to commit a felony or larceny. This is a Class 3 felony, punishable by five to twenty years in prison. Statutory burglary under § 18.2-90 expands the offense to include entering a dwelling house, office, shop, or other structure with intent to commit murder, rape, robbery, or arson, and is a Class 3 felony in most circumstances. Section 18.2-91 covers breaking and entering a dwelling with intent to commit a misdemeanor, classified as a Class 6 felony. The statute also addresses possession of burglarious tools under § 18.2-94.
In Northern Virginia, burglary cases are heard in the Circuit Court for felony charges, while preliminary hearings may take place in General District Court. Arlington County Circuit Court, located at 1425 North Courthouse Road, handles felony jury trials for offenses occurring within Arlington. The Arlington General District Court conducts preliminary hearings and determines whether probable cause exists to certify felony charges to the Circuit Court. Nearby jurisdictions such as Fairfax County Circuit Court and Alexandria Circuit Court operate under similar procedures. Plea bargaining is permitted under Rule 3A:8 of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia; the Commonwealth’s Attorney and defense counsel may negotiate a plea agreement, which the court may accept or reject. Results may vary.
How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Approach Burglary Defense
When a client contacts Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. regarding a burglary charge, the first step is a thorough case evaluation. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys review the charging documents, police reports, and any available evidence to identify procedural and substantive issues. Key questions include whether law enforcement had probable cause for any search or entry, whether witness identifications are reliable, and whether the facts support each element of the charged offense. The firm’s attorneys also examine whether the alleged entry involved a dwelling or another type of structure, which can affect the classification of the charge. Because burglary is a specific-intent crime, the prosecution must prove the defendant intended to commit a felony or larceny at the time of entry—a requirement that may present avenues for defense depending on the circumstances of the case.
The firm’s approach includes evaluating all possible dispositions under Virginia law. In appropriate cases, the firm pursues charge amendments, evidentiary challenges, and negotiation with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to seek a resolution that avoids the most serious consequences of a felony burglary conviction. When trial is the appropriate course, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys prepare the case for presentation before a judge or jury in Circuit Court. The firm serves clients at courthouses across Northern Virginia, including Arlington, Fairfax, Alexandria, and surrounding counties. Every case is different, and the timeline and outcome depend on the specific facts of the case and the court’s docket. For a consultation about your situation, reach the firm at (888) 437-7747.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. A former prosecutor, Mr. Sris founded the firm in 1997 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. His background includes testimony before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Mr. Sris brings decades of criminal defense experience to each case and maintains a personal caseload limited to matters requiring focused attention. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys contribute extensive combined legal experience across multiple practice areas and jurisdictions, and each attorney has well over a decade of practice experience.
The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys include practitioners with backgrounds that inform their criminal defense work. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. maintains a location in Arlington at 1655 Fort Myer Drive, Suite 700, and serves clients throughout Northern Virginia from additional locations in Fairfax, Richmond, and the Shenandoah Valley. The firm answers calls at (888) 437-7747, and consultations are available by appointment. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys have documented case results across all practice areas since the firm’s founding. Results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between burglary and robbery in Virginia?
Burglary involves breaking and entering a structure with intent to commit a crime, while robbery involves taking property directly from a person through violence or intimidation. Burglary under Va. Code § 18.2-89 through § 18.2-93 focuses on unlawful entry into a building or dwelling with criminal intent. The offense does not require that anything was actually taken—only that the defendant entered with the intent to commit a qualifying offense. Robbery under Va. Code § 18.2-58 requires theft from a person by force, threat, or intimidation. A person can be charged with both burglary and robbery if they entered a structure and then used force to take property from someone inside. For guidance on your specific charges, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Can a burglary charge be reduced in Virginia?
Yes, a burglary charge may be reduced through negotiation with the Commonwealth’s Attorney or by demonstrating weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence. Under Rule 3A:8 of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia, the Commonwealth and defense counsel may negotiate a plea agreement that includes amended charges. A felony burglary charge under § 18.2-89 or § 18.2-90 may potentially be amended to a lesser offense depending on the facts of the case, the evidence available, and the defendant’s criminal history. Common amendments may include reduction to trespass or unlawful entry when the evidence of intent to commit a felony is weak. Each case is different, and outcomes depend on the specific circumstances.
Do I need a lawyer if I am under investigation for burglary but not yet charged?
Yes, engaging an attorney early—before charges are filed—can be important in a burglary investigation because counsel may be able to communicate with law enforcement on your behalf and work to prevent charges from being filed. During an investigation, anything you say to police can be used against you. An attorney can advise you on how to handle contact from law enforcement and whether to provide a statement. Early involvement also allows your lawyer to begin preserving evidence and identifying witnesses while memories are fresh. If charges are ultimately filed, the groundwork laid during the investigation phase can affect the direction of the case. To discuss your situation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What should I do if I am arrested for burglary in Arlington, Virginia?
If you are arrested for burglary in Arlington, remain silent beyond providing basic identification, do not discuss the case with anyone except your attorney, and contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. After an arrest, you will be taken before a magistrate who will determine bond conditions. Your case will be scheduled for an initial appearance or arraignment in Arlington General District Court, and for felony charges, a preliminary hearing date will be set. The period immediately following arrest is critical—do not make statements to police, cellmates, or on recorded jail calls. Preserve any documents, messages, or other evidence that may be relevant to your defense. An attorney can advise you on bond and begin evaluating the case immediately.
How does the court process work for a burglary case in Virginia?
A felony burglary case in Virginia begins with an arrest and initial appearance, followed by a preliminary hearing in General District Court, and if probable cause is found, the case is certified to Circuit Court for trial. At the preliminary hearing, the prosecution must present enough evidence to establish probable cause that a felony was committed and that the defendant committed it. If the judge finds probable cause, the case proceeds to Circuit Court, where the defendant may enter a plea or proceed to trial. In Circuit Court, the defendant has the right to a jury trial. The timeline for each stage depends on court scheduling and the complexity of the case. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Virginia criminal defense practice | Felony defense in Arlington | Virginia theft crimes defense
Virginia Code § 18.2-89 — Burglary | Arlington Circuit Court | Virginia Courts
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