Burglary Lawyer Henrico County — Defending Against Breaking and Entering Charges
A burglary charge in Henrico County is a serious felony under Va. Code § 18.2-89, carrying a potential sentence of 5 to 20 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for those accused of breaking and entering. Our burglary lawyer Henrico County team has documented results in Henrico County courts. We offer 24/7 phone consultations.
Virginia Burglary Law and Penalties
In Virginia, burglary is defined by statute as entering a dwelling house in the nighttime with intent to commit a felony, larceny, or assault, or while armed with a deadly weapon. The offense is prosecuted as a Class 3 felony. The related charge of statutory burglary (Va. Code § 18.2-91) involves breaking and entering a dwelling with intent to commit larceny, assault, or other felony, and is a Class 3 felony if committed at night or a Class 4 felony if committed during the day.
Last verified: April 2026 | Henrico County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the Virginia burglary statute, refer to the official Va. Code § 18.2-89 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures and filings for Henrico County are handled through the Henrico County General District Court website.
Defending a Burglary Charge in Henrico County
Building a defense against a burglary charge requires a detailed examination of the evidence and intent. In Henrico County, prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you entered a structure unlawfully and had the specific intent to commit a crime inside. A common defense challenges the element of intent, arguing the accused had permission to enter or lacked the criminal purpose required by law. The procedural steps in Henrico County General District Court are critical.
- Secure immediate legal representation following an arrest or summons.
- Your attorney will file for discovery to obtain all police reports, witness statements, and evidence from the prosecution.
- A motion to suppress evidence may be filed if the entry or search violated your constitutional rights.
- Your defense will negotiate with the prosecutor, potentially seeking a reduction to a lesser offense like trespassing.
- If no favorable plea agreement is reached, your case will proceed to a preliminary hearing in General District Court, followed by a potential jury trial in Henrico County Circuit Court.
Potential Penalties for Burglary in Virginia
In Henrico County, burglary is a Class 3 felony carrying 5 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary (Nighttime, Dwelling) | Class 3 Felony | 5 – 20 years | Up to $100,000 | None directly | Permanent felony record, loss of firearm rights, difficulty finding employment/housing. |
| Statutory Burglary (Daytime) | Class 4 Felony | 2 – 10 years | Up to $100,000 | None directly | Permanent felony record, loss of firearm rights. |
| Breaking and Entering (Non-dwelling) | Class 6 Felony | 1 – 5 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Permanent felony record. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Henrico County Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our team brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. We have a documented record of favorable outcomes for clients facing serious charges in Central Virginia. Our approach is direct and focused on the specific details of your case.
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 Henrico County
Our firm has achieved documented results for clients in Henrico County. In one instance, a charge of selling alcohol to an unauthorized person was dismissed in Henrico County GDC. In another, a reckless driving charge for speeding in excess of 80 mph was dismissed.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our secondary attorney on complex criminal matters is Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with multi-state bar admissions who has personally amended Virginia law.
Burglary Defense Lawyer Near Henrico County
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Henrico County courts (4301 East Parham Road). We are accessible via I-64, I-95, and I-295. If you need a burglary charge defense lawyer Henrico County, contact us for a consultation.
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. 24/7 phone consultations.
We serve communities including Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, and Mechanicsville.
Frequently Asked Questions: Burglary Charges in Henrico County
What is the difference between burglary and breaking and entering in Virginia?
It depends on the specific intent and type of structure. Burglary (Va. Code § 18.2-89) typically involves entering a dwelling at night with intent to commit a felony. Breaking and entering (Va. Code § 18.2-91) can involve any building with intent to commit larceny or other felony, with penalties varying based on the time and type of property.
Can a burglary charge be reduced to a misdemeanor?
Yes, in some cases. A skilled burglary lawyer Henrico County may negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to reduce a felony burglary charge to a misdemeanor trespassing charge, especially if the evidence of intent is weak or there are mitigating circumstances.
What should I do if I am arrested for burglary in Henrico County?
Remain silent and request an attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Contact a burglary charge defense lawyer Henrico County as soon as possible to begin building your defense and protecting your rights during the initial court appearances at Henrico County General District Court.
What are the long-term consequences of a burglary conviction?
A felony burglary conviction results in a permanent criminal record, loss of voting rights (until restored), ineligibility for certain professional licenses, severe difficulty securing employment or housing, and the loss of the right to possess firearms. This underscores the critical need for an aggressive defense.
How can a former prosecutor help my burglary case?
Mr. Sris, our firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, understands how the Commonwealth builds its cases. This insight allows our team to anticipate prosecution strategies, identify weaknesses in the state’s evidence, and develop effective counter-arguments, which is crucial for a complex charge like burglary.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing criminal charges in Virginia, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. For defense in nearby areas, see our pages for Chesterfield County criminal lawyer and Hanover County criminal lawyer. For other legal needs in Henrico County, we also assist with DUI defense and family law matters.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.