Burglary Lawyer Chesterfield County — What Are Your Defense Options?
A burglary charge in Chesterfield County is a serious felony under Va. Code § 18.2-89, carrying 5 years to life in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented results defending burglary charges in Chesterfield County General District Court. A burglary charge defense lawyer Chesterfield County from our firm can challenge the prosecution’s evidence. Contact us 24/7 for a case review.
Virginia Burglary Law and Penalties
Burglary in Virginia is defined by statute as entering a dwelling house at night with intent to commit a felony, larceny, or assault. The specific law is Va. Code § 18.2-89. This is a Class 3 felony. If the breaking and entering occurs in the daytime, it is governed by Va. Code § 18.2-91 and is a Class 6 felony. The prosecution must prove you entered without permission and had the specific intent to commit a crime inside.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
External Legal Resources
For the official Virginia statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-89 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court information, visit the Chesterfield County General District Court website.
Defending a Burglary Case in Chesterfield County
In Chesterfield County, prosecutors must prove every element of burglary beyond a reasonable doubt. A common defense is challenging the “intent” element—arguing you entered for a non-criminal purpose. Another defense is attacking the identification evidence or the legality of the police investigation. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Chesterfield County handles these prosecutions at the Chesterfield County General District Court for preliminary hearings.
- Initial Appearance & Bond: After arrest, a magistrate will set a bond hearing. For burglary, a secured bond is likely.
- Preliminary Hearing: Your case starts in Chesterfield County General District Court. Your attorney can cross-examine the state’s witnesses to challenge probable cause.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If the case is certified, it moves to Chesterfield County Circuit Court for a formal arraignment on the felony charge.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney will review all evidence (police reports, witness statements) and file pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Plea Negotiation or Trial: Most cases are resolved through negotiation. If no agreement is reached, you have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia’s discretionary sentencing guidelines, which consider criminal history and offense details.
Potential Penalties for Burglary in Chesterfield County
In Chesterfield County, burglary (Va. Code § 18.2-89) is a Class 3 felony punishable by 5 to 20 years in prison, and up to life if armed. Statutory fines can reach $100,000.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary (Night) | Class 3 Felony | 5 – 20 years (Life if armed) | Up to $100,000 | Permanent felony record, loss of firearm rights, difficulty finding employment/housing. |
| Breaking & Entering (Day) | Class 6 Felony | 1 – 5 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | Same as above; judge/jury can reduce to misdemeanor punishment. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Criminal Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating deep engagement with state law. We focus on building a strong, evidence-based defense for every client.
Matthew Greene, Senior Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. 30+ years criminal defense. Death penalty certified (formerly). View Matthew Greene’s Profile
Case Results in Chesterfield County
Our attorneys have achieved documented results for clients in Chesterfield County courts. For example, we have secured Not Guilty verdicts on charges like “Profane Language Over Public Airway” and dismissals for charges such as “Purchase/Possess Alcohol.” Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our secondary attorney on complex criminal matters is Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems, which provides an advantage in cases with financial evidence.
Burglary Lawyer Near Chesterfield County
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Chesterfield County courts (9500 Courthouse Road). We are accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, and Route 10. We provide legal representation to residents of Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between burglary and breaking and entering in Virginia?
Yes, there is a key difference. Burglary (Va. Code § 18.2-89) requires entering a dwelling house at night with intent to commit a felony, larceny, or assault. Breaking and entering (Va. Code § 18.2-91) involves entering any building in the daytime with the same intent, or any building at any time with intent to commit misdemeanor larceny. The penalties and classifications differ.
Can you go to jail for a first-time burglary offense in Chesterfield County?
Yes. Burglary is a felony with mandatory prison time upon conviction. For a Class 3 felony burglary, the sentencing range is 5 to 20 years. However, a skilled burglary lawyer Chesterfield County can negotiate for a reduced charge or present mitigating factors that may influence the judge’s sentence within the guidelines.
What should I do if I am arrested for burglary in Chesterfield County?
First, remain silent and ask for an attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone but your lawyer. Contact a burglary charge defense lawyer Chesterfield County as soon as possible. Your attorney will guide you through the bond process, preliminary hearing at Chesterfield County General District Court, and begin building your defense strategy.
What are common defenses to a burglary charge?
Common defenses include lack of intent (you had permission to enter or entered for a lawful purpose), mistaken identity, insufficient evidence, and challenging the legality of a search or seizure that obtained key evidence. An attorney will analyze the specific facts of your case to identify the strongest defense.
How long does a burglary case take in Chesterfield County?
It depends on the case’s complexity. A felony case will have a preliminary hearing in General District Court within weeks. If certified, it moves to Circuit Court, where the process from arraignment to trial can take 3 to 9 months or longer. Your right to a speedy trial requires a felony trial within 9 months if you are incarcerated.
Related Pages: For other legal needs, see our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub. For defense in nearby areas, consider a Henrico County criminal defense lawyer. In Chesterfield County, you may also need a DUI lawyer.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.