Burglary Lawyer Alexandria — What Are Your Defense Options?
Burglary in Alexandria is a serious felony under Va. Code § 18.2-89, carrying up to life imprisonment. A burglary lawyer Alexandria from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can challenge the prosecution’s evidence of unlawful entry and intent. Our firm has documented case results in Alexandria courts. We provide 24/7 phone consultations.
Last verified: April 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Burglary Law and Penalties
Burglary in Virginia is defined by Va. Code § 18.2-89 as entering a dwelling house at night with intent to commit a felony, larceny, or assault. The statute is strict, and the Commonwealth’s Attorney for Alexandria prosecutes these charges aggressively. A breaking and entering defense lawyer Alexandria must scrutinize the evidence of entry and the alleged intent, as both are required for a conviction. The penalties are severe, reflecting the serious nature of the offense against a person’s home.
For official reference, you can review the Va. Code § 18.2-89 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures for Alexandria are handled at the Alexandria General District Court for preliminary hearings and the Alexandria Circuit Court for felony trials.
- Secure immediate legal representation after arrest or charge.
- Your attorney will file for a bond hearing at the Alexandria magistrate’s office.
- Attend the preliminary hearing at Alexandria General District Court (520 King Street).
- If the case proceeds, prepare for arraignment and trial in Alexandria Circuit Court.
- Explore all defense strategies, including challenging evidence and negotiating for reduced charges.
In Alexandria, burglary is a Class 3 felony punishable by 5 to 20 years in prison, and up to life if armed. Fines are discretionary with the court.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary (Va. Code § 18.2-89) | Class 3 Felony | 5 – 20 years | Court Discretion | Permanent felony record, loss of firearm rights, difficulty securing employment/housing. |
| Burglary while Armed | Class 2 Felony | 20 years to life | Court Discretion | Mandatory minimum sentences apply. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Alexandria Burglary Defense Team
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to your defense. Our approach is grounded in a deep understanding of Virginia’s criminal statutes and the local court procedures in Alexandria. We know how the Commonwealth’s Attorney builds these cases and where to find weaknesses. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a high rate of favorable outcomes.
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 Advocacy
Our firm actively practices in Alexandria courts. While specific case details are confidential, our strategic approach has led to positive resolutions in complex criminal matters. For instance, our team has successfully negotiated for reduced charges and favorable plea agreements in cases where the evidence of intent was weak. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, provides oversight on complex cases, ensuring every defense is thorough.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Burglary Defense Lawyer Near Alexandria, VA
Our Arlington location serves clients facing charges at the Alexandria courts. We are accessible to residents of Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719
Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions for a Burglary Charge Defense Lawyer Alexandria
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 to commit a misdemeanor. The penalties for burglary are more severe. A burglary charge defense lawyer Alexandria can analyze which charge applies.
Can you get probation for a burglary charge in Alexandria?
It depends. For a first-time offender on a standard burglary charge, a judge may consider probation, especially with a strong mitigation case. However, burglary while armed carries mandatory minimum prison sentences. An experienced breaking and entering defense lawyer Alexandria can advocate for alternatives to incarceration based on the specific facts of your 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 proving unlawful entry, and challenging the legality of a search that yielded evidence. An attorney will examine police reports, witness statements, and physical evidence to identify the best defense strategy for your situation.
How long does a burglary case take in Alexandria?
A burglary case can take several months to over a year. The timeline includes a preliminary hearing in Alexandria General District Court, followed by indictment, arraignment, motions, and potentially a trial in Alexandria Circuit Court. Complex cases or those involving multiple defendants often take longer to resolve.
Should I talk to the police if I’m suspected of burglary?
No. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Politely decline to answer questions and request to speak with a burglary lawyer Alexandria immediately. Anything you say can be used against you, and investigators are trained to obtain statements that can harm your defense.
If you are facing burglary charges in Alexandria, contact a burglary lawyer Alexandria from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for a confidential case evaluation. We are available 24/7 to discuss your legal options and defense strategy.
Internal Resources: For more information on related charges, see our pages on criminal defense in Arlington and federal criminal defense in Alexandria. Learn more about our firm on our Virginia criminal defense hub page.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.