Burglary Lawyer Henrico County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Burglary in Henrico County is a serious felony under Va. Code § 18.2-89, punishable by 5 to 20 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented results in Henrico County courts. A burglary charge defense lawyer Henrico County can challenge evidence of intent and unlawful entry. Contact our burglary lawyer Henrico County team 24/7 for a consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Henrico County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Burglary Law and Penalties
Burglary in Virginia is defined by Va. Code § 18.2-89 as breaking and entering a dwelling house at night with intent to commit a felony, larceny, or assault. The statute is part of Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. The law requires proof of both the breaking and entering and the specific criminal intent. A breaking and entering defense lawyer Henrico County examines whether the prosecution can prove each element beyond a reasonable doubt.
Burglary is a Class 3 felony, carrying a prison sentence of 5 to 20 years and a fine of up to $100,000. If the accused was armed with a deadly weapon, the charge escalates to statutory burglary while armed under § 18.2-90, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence.
In Henrico County, a burglary conviction carries 5 to 20 years in prison and creates a permanent felony record.
| 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 | Permanent felony record, loss of firearm rights, difficulty finding employment/housing |
| Statutory Burglary (Armed) | Class 2 Felony | Mandatory minimum, 20 years to life | Up to $100,000 | None | Same as above, more severe sentencing guidelines |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Court Process for Burglary Charges in Henrico
Henrico County General District Court handles all felony preliminary hearings for burglary. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Henrico County prosecutes these cases. A key local procedural fact is that defendants have an absolute right to a jury trial in Henrico County Circuit Court for any felony offense. The initial hearing in GDC determines probable cause and bond.
- Arrest & Initial Appearance: You will be taken before a magistrate who sets bond. For burglary, secured bond is typical.
- Preliminary Hearing: In Henrico County General District Court, a judge reviews probable cause. Your attorney can cross-examine witnesses.
- Grand Jury Indictment: If probable cause is found, the case goes to a grand jury in Circuit Court for an indictment.
- Arraignment in Circuit Court: You formally enter a plea of not guilty.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence and reviews all prosecution evidence.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: The case proceeds to a jury trial or a negotiated plea agreement is reached.
Why Choose Our Henrico County Burglary Defense Team
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience and has achieved 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Our approach is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
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
Our team includes former prosecutor Mr. Sris, whose background in accounting and information systems provides a unique advantage in cases involving financial evidence or digital footprints.
Case Results in Henrico County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented results in Henrico County: 7 cases dismissed or found not guilty, and 1 charge reduced or amended, representing a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters.
- Dismissed: Reckless Driving – Speed in Excess of 80 MPH (Va. Code § 46.2-862) in Henrico General District Court.
- Dismissed: Passing a School Bus (Va. Code § 46.2-859) in Henrico General District Court.
- Dismissed: Sell Alcohol to Unauthorized Person in Henrico County GDC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Burglary Lawyer Near Henrico County, VA
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Henrico County courts (4301 East Parham Road). We are accessible via I-64, I-95, I-295, Route 250 (Broad Street), Route 1, and Route 33. We serve the communities of Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, and Mechanicsville (partial).
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Henrico County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Henrico 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 Henrico County General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Henrico County, Virginia?
Yes, 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 Henrico County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Henrico County, Virginia?
It depends. A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Henrico County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Henrico County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Henrico County, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges in Henrico County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Henrico County General District Court.
Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. Contact a burglary lawyer Henrico County for a case review.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Henrico County?
Henrico County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Henrico 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.
Internal Links: For more information, see our Virginia Criminal Defense hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Chesterfield County. If you are facing other charges, consider our Henrico County DUI lawyer services.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.