Burglary Defense Lawyer in Manassas, Virginia — What Are Your Options?
Burglary in Manassas is a serious felony under Va. Code § 18.2-89, punishable by up to life imprisonment. A burglary defense lawyer Manassas from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides critical defense at Manassas General District Court and Circuit Court. With firm-wide experience in over 4,739 criminal cases, our team builds case-specific strategies to challenge evidence and seek favorable outcomes.
Virginia Burglary Law and Penalties
Burglary in Virginia is defined by statute as entering a dwelling house at night with intent to commit a felony, larceny, or assault. The specific elements are outlined in Va. Code § 18.2-89 (official Virginia General Assembly). This is a Class 3 felony, carrying a potential sentence of 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 escalates to statutory burglary while armed under § 18.2-90, which carries even more severe penalties.
Last verified: April 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
Defending a Burglary Charge in Manassas Courts
In Manassas, burglary cases begin with a preliminary hearing at the Manassas General District Court to determine probable cause before moving to Circuit Court for trial. Prosecutors must prove every element, including the specific intent at the moment of entry. A common defense involves challenging the identification of the accused or arguing a lack of intent to commit a crime inside the dwelling. For a breaking and entering defense lawyer Manassas, scrutinizing police reports and search warrant affidavits for procedural errors is a key early step.
- Secure immediate legal representation after arrest or charge.
- Your attorney will file for discovery to obtain all police reports, witness statements, and evidence.
- Attend the preliminary hearing at Manassas General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue).
- If the case proceeds, your lawyer will file pre-trial motions and negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Prepare for a jury trial in Manassas Circuit Court if a favorable plea cannot be reached.
Potential Penalties for Burglary in Virginia
In Manassas, a burglary conviction 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 | Permanent felony record, loss of firearm rights, difficulty securing employment/housing. |
| Statutory Burglary (Armed) (§ 18.2-90) | Class 2 Felony | 20 years to life | Up to $100,000 | None | Mandatory minimum sentences apply; enhanced penalties. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Burglary Charge Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our team brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. Mr. Sris’s unique background includes personally amending Virginia state law (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating a deep understanding of legal strategy at the highest levels. We approach each burglary charge defense lawyer Manassas case with a focus on the specific facts and evidence, aiming to protect your rights and future.
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 Outcomes
While every case is unique, our firm-wide track record includes over 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. These results span dismissals, reductions, and not-guilty verdicts across various charges. For a burglary charge defense lawyer Manassas, this extensive history means we have the experience to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and advocate effectively for you.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Burglary Defense Lawyer Near Manassas, VA
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Manassas courts (9311 Lee Avenue), accessible via I-66 and Route 28. We provide legal representation for residents throughout Manassas.
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.
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Burglary Defense in Manassas
What is the difference between burglary and breaking and entering in Virginia?
Yes, there is a key difference. Burglary (Va. Code § 18.2-89) requires entering a dwelling 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 or other felony, and can be a misdemeanor or felony. The penalties for burglary are typically more severe.
Can a burglary charge be reduced to a misdemeanor?
It depends. While burglary is a felony, negotiations with the prosecutor may sometimes result in a reduction to a lesser charge like trespassing or unlawful entry, which are misdemeanors. The likelihood depends on the evidence, your criminal history, and the specific facts of the case. A skilled burglary defense lawyer Manassas can evaluate the possibility for your situation.
What should I do if I am arrested for burglary in Manassas?
First, remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your attorney. Contact a defense lawyer as soon as possible. Your attorney will guide you through the process at Manassas General District Court and work to protect your rights from the initial hearing forward.
How long does a burglary case take in Manassas?
A burglary case can take several months to over a year. It starts with a preliminary hearing in Manassas General District Court within a few weeks. If bound over, the case moves to Manassas Circuit Court, where pre-trial motions and negotiations occur. A trial date may be set months later. Complex cases or those involving multiple defendants take longer.
What defenses are common in burglary cases?
Common defenses include mistaken identity, lack of intent to commit a crime inside the dwelling, consent to enter the property, and insufficient evidence. A breaking and entering defense lawyer Manassas may also challenge the legality of searches or seizures that produced key evidence, potentially getting that evidence excluded from trial.
Internal Resources
Last verified: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. For current guidance on burglary defense in Manassas, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.