Burglary Lawyer Arlington County — Defending Against Breaking and Entering Charges
A burglary charge in Arlington 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 those accused of breaking and entering. Our burglary lawyer Arlington County team has documented results in Arlington County courts. We offer 24/7 phone consultations.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
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 entering with intent to commit a misdemeanor involving assault, battery, or property damage. The primary statute is Va. Code § 18.2-89. This is a Class 3 felony, punishable by 5 to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $100,000. If the offender is armed with a deadly weapon, the penalty increases to a mandatory minimum of 20 years. A burglary charge defense lawyer Arlington County can explain how these statutes apply to your specific case.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Virginia’s burglary laws, refer to the Virginia General Assembly website. Court procedures and filing information for Arlington County can be found on the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Court Process for Burglary Charges
Burglary cases in Arlington County begin with an arrest and an initial appearance before a magistrate. Because burglary is a felony, the case starts in Arlington County General District Court for a preliminary hearing. At this hearing, the Commonwealth must show probable cause that a felony was committed and that you committed it. If the judge finds probable cause, your case is certified to the Arlington County Circuit Court for a jury trial. A breaking and entering defense lawyer Arlington County is critical at the preliminary hearing to challenge evidence and potentially avoid certification.
- Arrest and Initial Appearance: You will be taken before a magistrate who sets bond and schedules your court date.
- Preliminary Hearing (General District Court): This hearing at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd determines if there is enough evidence to send the felony charge to Circuit Court.
- Arraignment (Circuit Court): If certified, you will be formally charged and enter a plea in Arlington County Circuit Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions and Discovery: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence and negotiates with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial or Plea Agreement: The case proceeds to a jury trial or is resolved through a negotiated plea.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the Circuit Court judge imposes a sentence based on Virginia’s sentencing guidelines.
Potential Penalties for Burglary in Arlington County
In Arlington County, a burglary conviction under Va. Code § 18.2-89 is a Class 3 felony with a prison sentence of 5 to 20 years 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 | N/A | Permanent felony record, loss of firearm rights, difficulty finding employment/housing. |
| Burglary while Armed (Va. Code § 18.2-90) | Class 2 Felony | 20 years to life (mandatory min.) | Up to $100,000 | N/A | Same as above, with significantly longer mandatory prison time. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Arlington County Criminal Defense
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. We have a documented record of results in Arlington County courts, focusing on building strong defenses against serious felony charges like burglary. Our approach is based on a detailed review of the evidence, knowledge of local procedures, and aggressive advocacy.
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 in Arlington County
Our firm has achieved documented results for clients in Arlington County. In one case, a charge of Destruction of Property with Intent under $1000 (Va. Code § 18.2-137) was nolle prossed. In another, a Fare Evasion charge (Va. Code § 14.2-81) resulted in a nolle prosequi. A Littering charge (Va. Code § 33.1-346) was dismissed. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our lead criminal defense attorney, Mr. Sris, brings decades of experience as a former prosecutor and firm founder. He maintains a focused caseload to provide strategic oversight on complex felony matters.
Contact Our Arlington County Burglary Defense Lawyers
Our Arlington location serves clients facing charges at the Arlington County Courthouse. We represent individuals in Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
Need a burglary lawyer near Arlington County? We offer 24/7 phone consultations.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719
Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Burglary Charges in Arlington 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 intent to commit a felony, larceny, or assault. Breaking and entering (Va. Code § 18.2-91) involves entering a building (not necessarily a dwelling) with intent to commit larceny, assault, or other felony, or entering with intent to commit a misdemeanor involving assault or property damage. The penalties and elements differ, making the specific charge crucial.
Can a burglary charge be reduced in Arlington County?
It depends on the evidence and circumstances. A skilled burglary charge defense lawyer Arlington County may negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to reduce a felony burglary charge to a misdemeanor like trespassing or unlawful entry, or to a lesser felony. Factors include your criminal history, the strength of the prosecution’s case, and whether any property was damaged or stolen.
What should I do if I am arrested for burglary in Arlington County?
First, remain silent and ask for an attorney. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Contact a breaking and entering defense lawyer Arlington County immediately. Your attorney can advise you on bond, guide you through the initial hearing at Arlington County General District Court, and begin investigating the charges against you.
Is burglary a felony in Virginia?
Yes. Burglary under § 18.2-89 is a Class 3 felony, punishable by 5 to 20 years in prison. Burglary while armed is a Class 2 felony with a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years. These are among the most serious property crimes in the Virginia code.
How long does a burglary case take in Arlington County?
A burglary case can take several months to over a year. The preliminary hearing in General District Court is typically within a few months of arrest. If certified to Circuit Court, the process includes arraignment, discovery, pre-trial motions, and potentially a jury trial. Virginia’s speedy trial rules require a felony trial within nine months if you are incarcerated.
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 Alexandria. Other related services in Arlington County include DUI defense and family law.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your burglary charge.