Burglary Lawyer Arlington County — Defending Against Breaking and Entering Charges
A burglary charge in Arlington County is a serious felony under Va. Code § 18.2-89, carrying severe penalties. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for those accused of breaking and entering. Our burglary lawyer Arlington County team has documented results in Arlington County courts. We offer 24/7 phone consultations to discuss your case.
Virginia Burglary Law and Penalties
In Virginia, burglary is defined as entering a dwelling house at night with the intent to commit a felony, larceny, or assault. The statute, Va. Code § 18.2-89, classifies this as a Class 3 felony. If the perpetrator is armed with a deadly weapon, the charge escalates to statutory burglary while armed, a more severe offense. The distinction between day and night, and the presence of intent, are critical elements the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
For more details, review the official Va. Code § 18.2-89 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures are handled at the Arlington County General District Court.
Defense Strategy for a Burglary Charge in Arlington County
Building a defense against a burglary charge requires a detailed examination of the evidence. A common strategy is to challenge the element of intent. The prosecution must prove you entered the property with the specific intent to commit a crime inside. If the entry was mistaken, without criminal purpose, or if you had permission to be there, this can form the basis of a strong defense. Another approach is to question the identification evidence or the legality of how evidence was obtained.
- Initial Consultation: Contact our firm immediately after an arrest or charge. We will gather the initial facts of your case.
- Evidence Review: We obtain and scrutinize all police reports, witness statements, and any video or forensic evidence.
- Motion Filing: If evidence was obtained improperly, we file motions to suppress it, which can weaken the prosecution’s case.
- Negotiation or Trial: We engage with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to seek a reduction or dismissal. If a fair plea cannot be reached, we prepare for a vigorous trial.
Potential Penalties for Burglary in Arlington County
In Arlington County, burglary is a Class 3 felony punishable by 5 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. Aggravating factors increase the penalties.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary (Va. Code § 18.2-89) | Class 3 Felony | 5 – 20 years | Up to $100,000 | 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 | Mandatory minimum sentences apply. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Firm’s 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 over 4,739 case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We understand the high stakes of a felony burglary charge and the significant impact it can have on your future. Our approach is built on thorough preparation and aggressive advocacy.
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
Our team has achieved documented results in Arlington County courts. For example, we have secured dismissals (nolle prosequi) for charges including property destruction and fare evasion in Arlington County General District Court. While every case is unique, our attorneys, including secondary counsel Mr. Sris—a former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems—work diligently to pursue the best possible outcome.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Burglary Lawyer Near Arlington County
Our Arlington location serves clients at the Arlington County courts. We represent individuals from neighborhoods including Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
1655 Fort Myer Dr Suite 700, Arlington, VA 22209, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between burglary and breaking and entering in Virginia?
It depends. Burglary under Va. Code § 18.2-89 requires entering a dwelling at night with intent to commit a crime inside. “Breaking and entering” can be a broader term but is often charged as burglary or under related statutes like § 18.2-91 (entering to commit misdemeanor). The specific facts of the case determine the exact charge.
Can a burglary charge be reduced in Arlington County?
Yes. An experienced breaking and entering defense lawyer Arlington County can often negotiate with prosecutors. A charge may be reduced to a lesser offense like trespassing or unlawful entry, which carry significantly lower penalties, especially for first-time offenders or cases with weak evidence of intent.
What should I do if I am arrested for burglary?
Remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your attorney. Contact a burglary charge defense lawyer Arlington County as soon as possible. The early stages of a case are critical for preserving evidence and building a defense strategy before your first court date.
Is burglary a felony in Virginia?
Yes. Burglary as defined in Va. Code § 18.2-89 is always a felony—specifically a Class 3 felony. A conviction results in a permanent felony record, prison time, and the long-term consequences that come with being a convicted felon.
How can a burglary lawyer help my case?
A burglary lawyer Arlington County protects your rights, investigates the evidence, challenges the prosecution’s case, and advocates for you in court. They work to get charges dismissed, reduced, or to secure an acquittal at trial. Their knowledge of local court procedures and negotiation tactics is invaluable.
Internal Links: For more information, see our Virginia Criminal Defense hub page, or learn about related services like DUI defense in Arlington. We also serve clients in Alexandria.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.