Burglary Lawyer in Loudoun County, Virginia — What Are Your Defense Options?
Burglary in Loudoun County is a serious felony under Va. Code § 18.2-89, carrying up to life imprisonment; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 42 documented results in Loudoun County. A burglary charge defense lawyer Loudoun County can challenge the prosecution’s evidence of intent and unlawful entry. Our Ashburn location serves clients at the Loudoun County courts. Call (888) 437-7747 for a 24/7 consultation.
Virginia Burglary Law and Penalties
Burglary is defined in Virginia as entering a dwelling house in the nighttime with intent to commit a felony, larceny, or assault. The core statute is Va. Code § 18.2-89. This is a Class 3 felony, punishable by 5 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. If the perpetrator is armed with a deadly weapon, the charge becomes statutory burglary while armed under § 18.2-90, also a felony with severe penalties. The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the entry was at night, into a dwelling, and with the specific intent to commit a crime inside.
Last verified: April 2026 | Loudoun County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s burglary statutes, refer to the official Virginia General Assembly website. Court procedures and forms for Loudoun County can be found at the Loudoun County General District Court website.
Loudoun County Court Process for Burglary Charges
Burglary cases in Loudoun County begin with an arrest and an initial appearance at the Loudoun County General District Court for a bond hearing and to set a date for a preliminary hearing. Because burglary is a felony, the case will ultimately be certified to the Loudoun County Circuit Court for a potential jury trial. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Loudoun County prosecutes these cases aggressively. A breaking and entering defense lawyer Loudoun County must immediately begin investigating the scene, witness statements, and police reports to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, such as lack of intent, mistaken identity, or an unlawful search.
- Arrest & Initial Appearance: You will be taken before a magistrate for a bond hearing. An attorney can argue for personal recognizance or a reasonable secured bond.
- Preliminary Hearing: In Loudoun County General District Court, the prosecution must show probable cause that a burglary occurred. Your attorney can cross-examine arresting officers.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If certified, you will be formally arraigned in Loudoun County Circuit Court and enter a plea of not guilty.
- Discovery & Motions: Your defense lawyer will file motions to suppress evidence and challenge the prosecution’s case, based on a detailed review of all discovery.
- Plea Negotiation or Trial: Most cases are resolved through negotiation. If no fair offer is made, your attorney will prepare for a jury trial in Circuit Court.
Potential Penalties for Burglary in Virginia
In Loudoun County, burglary under Va. Code § 18.2-89 is a Class 3 felony carrying 5 to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $100,000.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary (Va. Code § 18.2-89) | Class 3 Felony | 5 – 20 years | Up to $100,000 | None directly | Permanent felony record, loss of firearm rights, difficulty finding employment/housing. |
| Statutory Burglary (Armed) (§ 18.2-90) | Felony | 5 years to life* | Discretionary | None directly | Mandatory minimum sentences often apply, severely limiting judicial discretion. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Loudoun County Burglary Cases
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. In Loudoun County, we have a documented record of 42 criminal case results. Our approach is grounded in a deep understanding of how local prosecutors build burglary cases and how to counter them effectively.
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
Documented Case Results in Loudoun County
Our firm has achieved 42 documented results in Loudoun County courts, including 35 cases dismissed or found not guilty and 5 charges reduced or amended. These results include favorable outcomes on various charges heard at the Loudoun County General District Court. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
For example, our attorneys have secured dismissals (nolle prosequi) for clients facing charges such as Fail to Dim Headlights and Operating with a Radar Detection Device in Loudoun County GDC.
Burglary Lawyer Near Loudoun County Courts
Our Ashburn location is accessible to clients at the Loudoun County courts in Leesburg. We serve neighborhoods throughout the county including Ashburn, Leesburg, Sterling, Purcellville, South Riding, and Brambleton. We offer 24/7 phone consultations — meetings are by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Ashburn/Loudoun
20130 Lakeview Center Plaza Suite 400 Room No 403, Ashburn, VA 20147
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 571-279-0110
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Loudoun County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Loudoun County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor: up to 6 months/$1,000.
Common charges include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57), petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96), and driving on suspended (§ 46.2-301). Cases are heard at Loudoun County General District Court (18 East Market Street, Leesburg).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Loudoun County, Virginia?
It depends. Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
Most convictions cannot be expunged. The petition is filed in Loudoun County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Loudoun County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Loudoun County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Loudoun County General District Court.
Do I need a burglary charge defense lawyer in Loudoun County, Virginia?
Yes. Burglary is a felony with severe penalties. Charges are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Loudoun County Circuit Court.
Even a charge can create a permanent record. A burglary lawyer Loudoun County can protect your rights from the initial arrest through trial. Contact SRIS 24/7 at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Loudoun County?
Loudoun County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Loudoun County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC.
You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying jail time, such as burglary.
Internal Links: For more information, see our Virginia Criminal Defense hub page, our page on DUI defense in Loudoun County, and the profile of Kristen Fisher, a former Maryland prosecutor with our firm.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. For current guidance on burglary charges, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.