Burglary Defense Lawyer in Madison County, Virginia
A burglary charge in Madison County is a serious felony under Va. Code § 18.2-90, carrying 5 years to life in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 45 documented case results in Madison County. Our burglary defense lawyer Madison County team builds strong defenses against breaking and entering charges. Call (888) 437-7747 for a 24/7 consultation.
Virginia Burglary Law and Penalties
Burglary in Virginia is defined as entering a dwelling house at night with intent to commit a felony, larceny, or assault, or entering any building with intent to commit a misdemeanor involving theft, assault, or property damage. The specific statute is Va. Code § 18.2-90. The severity of the charge depends on the type of structure entered and the time of day.
Last verified: April 2026 | Madison County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code § 18.2-90 (official Virginia General Assembly)
- Madison County General District Court Website
Defending Burglary Charges in Madison County
In Madison County, prosecutors must prove every element of burglary beyond a reasonable doubt. A common defense is challenging the intent element—proving you did not enter with the intent to commit a crime. Another defense is lack of evidence linking you to the scene. The procedural steps in Madison County General District Court for a felony burglary charge are specific.
- Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea of not guilty at Madison County General District Court.
- Preliminary Hearing: The prosecution must show probable cause that a burglary occurred and you committed it.
- Circuit Court Indictment: If probable cause is found, the case moves to Madison County Circuit Court for a grand jury indictment.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney will review all evidence and file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges if rights were violated.
- Plea Negotiation or Trial: Most cases are resolved through negotiation. If not, your case proceeds to a jury trial in Circuit Court.
Burglary Penalties in Madison County
In Madison County, burglary carries a penalty range of 5 years to life in prison, with fines up to $100,000, depending on the specific circumstances and classification.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary (Dwelling, Night) | Class 3 Felony | 5-20 years | Up to $100,000 | None | Permanent felony record, loss of firearm rights, difficulty finding employment/housing. |
| Burglary (Other Building) | Class 4 Felony | 2-10 years | Up to $100,000 | None | Permanent felony record, loss of firearm rights. |
| Breaking and Entering (with intent to commit misdemeanor) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years (or up to 12 months jail) | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent felony record. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Criminal Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand the high stakes of a burglary charge and the specific dynamics of Madison County courts.
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
Our firm has a documented history of achieving favorable outcomes in criminal cases. In Madison County, we have 45 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. While every case is unique, our approach is consistently thorough and strategic.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Madison County Burglary Defense Lawyer
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Madison County courts (1 Main Street). We are accessible via Route 29 and Route 231. We provide legal representation to clients throughout the Madison community.
Burglary defense lawyer near Madison County Courthouse.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — 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.
Burglary Defense FAQs for Madison County
What is the penalty for burglary in Madison County, Virginia?
It depends on the type of burglary. Burglary of a dwelling at night is a Class 3 felony punishable by 5-20 years in prison and a fine up to $100,000. Breaking and entering into another building is a Class 4 felony (2-10 years). A breaking and entering defense lawyer Madison County can explain the specific penalties for your charge.
What’s the difference between burglary and breaking and entering in Virginia?
Burglary under Va. Code § 18.2-90 requires entering a dwelling at night with intent to commit a felony, larceny, or assault. Breaking and entering under § 18.2-91 involves entering any building to commit a misdemeanor involving theft, assault, or property damage. The charges and penalties differ significantly.
Can a burglary charge be reduced in Madison County?
Yes. A skilled burglary charge defense lawyer Madison County can often negotiate to reduce a felony burglary charge to a lesser offense like trespassing or unlawful entry, which carry lower penalties and may avoid a permanent felony record. Success depends on the evidence and your specific circumstances.
Do I need a lawyer for a burglary charge in Madison County?
Yes. Burglary is a serious felony with life-altering consequences. The prosecution will be aggressive. An experienced burglary defense lawyer Madison County is essential to protect your rights, challenge the evidence, and work toward the best possible outcome, whether through dismissal, reduction, or defense at trial.
What should I do if I’m arrested for burglary in Madison County?
Remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your attorney. Contact a burglary defense lawyer as soon as possible to begin building your defense. The first steps after arrest are critical for the entire case.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing criminal charges in Madison County, you may also need information on Virginia criminal defense. For charges in nearby areas, see our pages for Fairfax County criminal defense and Prince William County criminal defense. For other legal needs in Madison County, consider DUI defense or family law.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws change frequently. For the most current advice regarding your burglary charge, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.