Burglary Lawyer Greene County — What Are Your Defense Options?
A burglary charge in Greene County is a serious felony under Va. Code § 18.2-89, carrying 5 years to life in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for breaking and entering charges in Greene County General District and Circuit Courts. Our burglary lawyer Greene County team has documented results defending clients in Stanardsville and Ruckersville.
Virginia Burglary Law and Penalties
In Virginia, burglary is defined as entering a dwelling house at night with intent to commit a felony, larceny, or assault, or while armed with a deadly weapon. The specific statute is Va. Code § 18.2-89. This is distinct from statutory burglary (entering a building with similar intent) under § 18.2-91. A conviction for burglary is a Class 3 felony, punishable by 5 to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $100,000. Aggravating factors can increase the penalty to life imprisonment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Greene County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We understand the severe consequences a burglary conviction carries, including a permanent felony record and significant prison time.
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code § 18.2-89 (official Virginia General Assembly) – Defines the crime of burglary.
- Greene County Courts Website – Information for the Greene County General District and Circuit Courts.
Defending a Burglary Charge in Greene County
Prosecutors in Greene County take burglary charges very seriously. A key local procedural fact is that all felony charges, including burglary, begin with a preliminary hearing in Greene County General District Court to determine probable cause. The case then moves to Greene County Circuit Court for a potential jury trial. The Commonwealth’s Attorney must prove you entered a dwelling at night with the specific intent to commit a crime inside. Our defense strategy often focuses on challenging the evidence of intent or the legality of the entry.
- Initial Consultation & Case Review: Contact our firm immediately after arrest or charge. We will review the police report and evidence to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Preliminary Hearing Strategy: We represent you at the General District Court hearing, challenging probable cause to potentially get the felony charge reduced or dismissed early.
- Investigation & Discovery: We conduct a full investigation, file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, and review all discovery from the prosecution.
- Circuit Court Defense: If the case proceeds, we build a strong defense for Circuit Court, which may include negotiating for a reduction to a lesser offense or preparing for trial.
- Trial or Resolution: We will aggressively defend you at a jury trial or work to secure the best possible plea agreement if it is in your interest.
Potential Penalties for Burglary in Greene County
In Greene County, a burglary conviction under Va. Code § 18.2-89 is a Class 3 felony carrying a prison sentence of 5 to 20 years and a fine of up to $100,000.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary (Va. Code § 18.2-89) | Class 3 Felony | 5 – 20 years | Up to $100,000 | Permanent felony record, loss of firearm rights, difficulty finding employment/housing. |
| Statutory Burglary (Va. Code § 18.2-91) | Class 3 Felony | 5 – 20 years | Up to $100,000 | Same as above; applies to entering any building (not just a dwelling) with criminal intent. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Burglary Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and has a documented record of handling complex criminal cases. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper, providing unique insight into how the other side builds its cases. We have secured favorable outcomes for clients across Virginia by meticulously preparing each case and leveraging our deep courtroom experience.
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 and Client Advocacy
Our firm has a documented record of defending clients against serious charges. For example, we have successfully defended clients in cases involving theft and property crimes, achieving outcomes such as charges being amended to lesser offenses or dismissed. In Greene County, we apply this focused approach to burglary defense. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a background in accounting, provides strategic oversight on complex cases involving forensic or financial evidence.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Burglary Defense Lawyer Near Greene County, VA
Our Fairfax location serves clients facing charges at the Greene County General District Court (85 Stanard Street, Stanardsville). We are accessible via Route 29 and Route 33, serving the communities of Stanardsville and Ruckersville. If you need a burglary lawyer near Greene County, contact us for a 24/7 phone consultation. Meetings are by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Burglary Charges in Greene County
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 criminal intent. Breaking and entering (often called statutory burglary under § 18.2-91) involves entering any building at any time with the same intent. Both are Class 3 felonies, but the elements of proof differ. A breaking and entering defense lawyer Greene County can explain which charge applies to your case.
Can a burglary charge be reduced to a misdemeanor?
It depends on the facts and the strength of the defense. While burglary is a felony, an experienced attorney may negotiate a reduction to a lesser offense like trespassing (a misdemeanor) or larceny, depending on the evidence of intent and the circumstances of entry. This is a common goal in building a 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 non-criminal purpose), mistaken identity, insufficient evidence, and challenging the legality of the police investigation (e.g., an illegal search). An attorney will examine all evidence to identify the strongest defense for your situation.
Do I need a lawyer for a burglary charge in Greene County?
Yes. A burglary charge is a serious felony with mandatory prison time upon conviction. The Greene County Commonwealth’s Attorney will aggressively prosecute. A skilled burglary lawyer Greene County is essential to protect your rights, challenge the evidence, and work toward the best possible outcome, which could mean dismissal, reduction, or acquittal.
What happens at a preliminary hearing for burglary?
The preliminary hearing is held in Greene County General District Court. The prosecutor must show probable cause that a burglary occurred and that you committed it. Your attorney can cross-examine witnesses and argue to have the charge dismissed for lack of evidence. If probable cause is found, the case is sent to Circuit Court for trial.
Internal Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia Criminal Defense hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Fairfax County. If you are facing other charges, consider our Greene County DUI defense services.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. For the most current advice regarding your burglary charge, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.