Burglary Lawyer Fairfax County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Burglary in Fairfax County is a serious felony under Va. Code § 18.2-89, punishable by up to life imprisonment. A burglary lawyer Fairfax County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. is essential to challenge the prosecution’s evidence. Our firm has 501 documented results in Fairfax County. Call (888) 437-7747 for a 24/7 consultation.
Virginia Burglary Law and Penalties
Burglary, defined in Virginia as breaking and entering a dwelling at night with intent to commit a felony, is a Class 3 felony. The statute, Va. Code § 18.2-89, carries a potential penalty of 5 to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $100,000. If the perpetrator is armed with a deadly weapon, the charge escalates to statutory burglary while armed, a more severe offense.
Last verified: April 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court & Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly.
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. We understand that a burglary charge can stem from a misunderstanding, mistaken identity, or lack of intent—key points a skilled breaking and entering defense lawyer Fairfax County will exploit.
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code § 18.2-89 (official Virginia General Assembly) – Defines the crime of burglary.
- Fairfax County Circuit Court – Where felony burglary trials are held.
Fairfax County Burglary Defense Strategy
The key local procedural fact is that burglary cases often begin in Fairfax County General District Court for a preliminary hearing before moving to Circuit Court for trial. Prosecutors must prove every element: breaking, entering, of a dwelling, at night, with felonious intent. A burglary charge defense lawyer Fairfax County from our team scrutinizes police reports, search warrants, and witness statements for constitutional violations or lack of evidence.
- Case Assessment: We review all charges, police narratives, and evidence with you immediately.
- Investigation: Our team independently investigates the scene, potential witnesses, and police conduct.
- Preliminary Hearing: We challenge the prosecution’s probable cause in General District Court to try to get charges reduced or dropped.
- Circuit Court Motions: We file pre-trial motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence or dismiss flawed charges.
- Trial or Negotiation: We prepare a vigorous defense for trial while seeking favorable plea negotiations if in your best interest.
- Sentencing Advocacy: If convicted, we advocate for alternative sentencing like probation or programs to avoid maximum prison time.
Potential Penalties for Burglary in Fairfax County
In Fairfax County, burglary as a Class 3 felony carries 5 to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $100,000. Enhanced penalties apply if a weapon is involved.
| 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 | 20 years to life | Up to $100,000 | None | Mandatory minimum sentences apply; severe long-term consequences. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Fairfax County Burglary Defense Team
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our “Advocacy Without Borders” philosophy means we pursue every available legal avenue. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and more than 4,739 firm-wide case results, we have the depth to handle complex felony defenses. Mr. Sris, our managing attorney and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on serious charges.
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
Documented Case Results in Fairfax County
Our firm has a record of 501 documented case results in Fairfax County, including 336 dismissals or not-guilty verdicts and 143 charges reduced or amended. For instance, our team has successfully negotiated reductions from felony burglary to misdemeanor trespassing in cases where intent was unclear.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Secondary attorney Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a background in accounting, provides critical strategic analysis on cases involving complex evidence or financial aspects.
Burglary Defense Lawyer Near Fairfax County
Our Fairfax location represents clients at the Fairfax County courts. As a burglary lawyer near Fairfax, we serve communities including Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and the Falls Church area.
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
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.
Fairfax County Burglary Lawyer FAQ
What is the difference between burglary and breaking and entering in Virginia?
Yes, there is a major difference. Burglary (Va. Code § 18.2-89) requires breaking and entering a dwelling at night with intent to commit a felony. Breaking and entering (Va. Code § 18.2-91) involves entering a building to commit a misdemeanor. Burglary is a more serious felony.
Can a burglary charge be reduced to a misdemeanor?
It depends on the evidence and your history. A skilled burglary charge defense lawyer Fairfax County can negotiate with prosecutors to reduce a felony burglary charge to a misdemeanor like trespassing if the evidence for intent is weak or you have no prior record. Successful outcomes require strong legal advocacy.
What should I do if I am arrested for burglary in Fairfax County?
First, remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone. Contact a burglary lawyer Fairfax County from our firm at (888) 437-7747. We will guide you through the arrest and bond process at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center and begin building your defense.
What defenses are available against a burglary charge?
Common defenses include lack of intent to commit a felony, mistaken identity, unlawful search and seizure, consent to enter the property, or that the structure was not a dwelling. A breaking and entering defense lawyer Fairfax County will investigate all angles to find the strongest defense for your situation.
How long does a burglary case take in Fairfax County?
A felony burglary case can take 3 to 9 months or longer from arrest to trial in Fairfax County Circuit Court. The timeline includes a preliminary hearing in General District Court, extensive discovery, pre-trial motions, and potential plea negotiations. Virginia’s speedy trial rules require a felony trial within 9 months if you are incarcerated.
Related Pages: Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer | Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Fairfax County DUI Lawyer
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for the most current legal guidance regarding your burglary charge.