Burglary Lawyer Manassas — What Are Your Defense Options?
A burglary charge in Manassas is a serious felony under Va. Code § 18.2-90, carrying up to life imprisonment. Your case will be heard at Manassas General District Court for preliminary hearings and Manassas Circuit Court for trial. As a burglary lawyer in Manassas, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense against breaking and entering allegations.
Virginia Burglary Law and Penalties
In Virginia, burglary is defined by statute as entering a dwelling house at night with intent to commit a felony, larceny, or assault. The severity of the charge and its penalties depend on the specific circumstances alleged.
Last verified: April 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
The primary statute is Va. Code § 18.2-90 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures, refer to the Manassas General District Court website. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm has deep experience with Virginia’s criminal statutes.
Defending Burglary Charges in Manassas Courts
Manassas General District Court handles all felony preliminary hearings for burglary. A key local procedural fact is that the Commonwealth’s Attorney must prove specific intent at the time of entry. Defenses often challenge the evidence of intent or the identification of the accused. The court at 9311 Lee Avenue serves Manassas.
- Initial Appearance & Bond Hearing: After arrest, you will appear before a magistrate. An attorney can argue for personal recognizance or reasonable bond.
- Preliminary Hearing: In Manassas General District Court, the prosecution must show probable cause that a burglary occurred and you committed it.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If the case proceeds, you will be formally charged in Manassas Circuit Court and enter a plea.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney will file motions to suppress evidence and obtain all police reports and witness statements.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: The case will either go to a jury trial in Circuit Court or be resolved through a negotiated plea agreement.
Potential Penalties for Burglary in Virginia
In Manassas, burglary under Va. Code § 18.2-90 is a Class 3 felony, punishable by 5 to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $100,000. If armed or causing bodily injury, penalties increase significantly.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary (Va. Code § 18.2-90) | Class 3 Felony | 5 – 20 years | Up to $100,000 | None directly | Permanent felony record, loss of firearm rights, difficulty finding employment/housing. |
| Burglary while Armed (Va. Code § 18.2-91) | Class 2 Felony | 20 years to life | Up to $100,000 | None directly | Mandatory minimum sentences apply. |
| Breaking and Entering (Va. Code § 18.2-92) | Class 6 Felony | 1 – 5 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Can be reduced to misdemeanor at jury discretion. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Criminal Defense in Manassas
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper, providing over 120 years of combined legal experience. We understand how burglary cases are built by the Commonwealth’s Attorney in Manassas. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results. Our approach is direct and focused on the specific details of your case.
Bryan Block, Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. Former Virginia State Trooper (15 years). View Bryan Block’s Profile
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 Representation
While specific case results are confidential, our firm’s approach in Manassas involves a thorough review of the evidence. We examine police reports, witness statements, and forensic evidence to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. For a burglary charge defense lawyer in Manassas, this detailed analysis is the first step. We also explore all procedural options, including motions to suppress evidence obtained improperly.
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 aids in cases involving financial evidence.
Local Service for Manassas Residents
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Manassas courts (9311 Lee Avenue), accessible via I-66 and Route 28. As a burglary lawyer near Manassas, we provide 24/7 phone consultations. We serve the Manassas community. Meetings are by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Burglary Charges in Manassas
What is the difference between burglary and breaking and entering in Virginia?
Yes, there is a key difference. Burglary (Va. Code § 18.2-90) requires entering a dwelling at night with intent to commit a felony, larceny, or assault. Breaking and entering (Va. Code § 18.2-91/92) involves entering a building to commit a misdemeanor, or any entry (day or night) with felonious intent, but not necessarily a dwelling.
Can a burglary charge be reduced to a misdemeanor?
It depends. Burglary is a felony. However, through plea negotiations, a charge may sometimes be amended to a lesser offense like unlawful entry or trespass, which are misdemeanors. The outcome depends on the evidence, your history, and the prosecution’s case.
What are common defenses to a burglary charge?
Common defenses include lack of intent (you entered for a non-criminal purpose), mistaken identity, lack of evidence you were the person who entered, consent to enter the property, or challenging the legality of the police investigation and evidence collection.
Do I need a lawyer for a burglary charge in Manassas?
Yes. Burglary is a serious felony with potential life-altering penalties. The Commonwealth’s Attorney vigorously prosecutes these cases at Manassas General District and Circuit Courts. A lawyer protects your rights, challenges evidence, and works toward the best possible outcome.
What court will my burglary case be in?
Your case will start with a preliminary hearing at Manassas General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue). If the judge finds probable cause, the case will be sent to Manassas Circuit Court for a potential jury trial. All felony trials are held in Circuit Court.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing a burglary charge, you may also want to learn about Virginia criminal defense. For charges in nearby areas, see our page for a criminal defense lawyer in Fairfax. For other legal needs in Manassas, consider a DUI lawyer in Manassas.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.