Burglary Defense Lawyer in Manassas, Virginia — What Are Your Options?
Burglary in Manassas is a serious felony under Va. Code § 18.2-89, punishable by up to life in prison. A burglary defense lawyer Manassas from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. is critical to challenge the prosecution’s evidence of unlawful entry and intent. Our firm has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Contact us 24/7 for a consultation by appointment.
Virginia Burglary Law and Penalties
Burglary in Virginia is defined by Va. Code § 18.2-89 as breaking and entering a dwelling house at night with intent to commit a felony, larceny, or assault. The statute is strict, and the Commonwealth’s Attorney in Manassas prosecutes these charges aggressively. A conviction is a Class 3 felony, carrying a potential sentence of 5 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. If the accused was armed with a deadly weapon, the charge escalates to statutory burglary while armed under § 18.2-90, which carries even more severe penalties.
Last verified: April 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the burglary statute, refer to Va. Code § 18.2-89 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures and filings for Manassas cases are handled at the Manassas General District Court for preliminary hearings, with trials occurring in Manassas Circuit Court.
Manassas Court Process for Burglary Charges
Burglary cases in Manassas begin with an arrest and an initial appearance at the Manassas General District Court. The court at 9311 Lee Avenue handles the critical preliminary hearing, where the prosecution must show probable cause. Our team’s insight is that prosecutors often rely heavily on circumstantial evidence to prove intent, which can be a key point for a burglary charge defense lawyer Manassas to challenge.
- Initial Appearance & Bond Hearing: You will appear before a magistrate or judge. We argue for personal recognizance or a reasonable secured bond.
- Preliminary Hearing: At Manassas GDC, we challenge the prosecution’s evidence of “breaking” and criminal intent.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If the case is certified, you will be formally charged and enter a plea in Manassas Circuit Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: We file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence and compel full discovery from the Commonwealth.
- Plea Negotiation or Trial: We negotiate for reduction to a lesser offense like trespassing or pursue an acquittal at trial.
- Sentencing (if applicable): We advocate for mitigated sentencing, highlighting mitigating factors and rehabilitation plans.
Potential Penalties for Burglary in Manassas
In Manassas, burglary is a Class 3 felony carrying 5 to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $100,000, with enhanced penalties if a weapon was 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 | N/A | Permanent felony record, loss of firearm rights, difficulty securing employment/housing |
| Statutory Burglary (Armed) (§ 18.2-90) | Class 2 Felony | 20 years to life | Up to $100,000 | N/A | Mandatory minimum sentences apply |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Manassas 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 tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to vigorous defense. We have a deep understanding of the Manassas General District Court and the strategies employed by the local Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office. Our approach is to meticulously dissect the prosecution’s case, focusing on the specific elements of breaking and entering and the requisite intent.
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 & Client Advocacy
While specific case results are confidential, our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. In burglary and related theft cases, favorable outcomes often involve negotiations to reduce charges to misdemeanors like trespassing or petit larceny, or winning motions to suppress key evidence, skilled to dismissals. For instance, our team, including Mr. Sris with his background in accounting and information systems, is particularly adept at challenging forensic or digital evidence often presented in property crime cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Burglary Defense Lawyer Near Manassas, VA
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Manassas courts (9311 Lee Avenue), accessible via I-66 and Route 28. We are a trusted burglary defense lawyer Manassas residents rely on, also serving surrounding neighborhoods in the greater Manassas area.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032, United States
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Burglary Defense in Manassas
What is the difference between burglary and breaking and entering in Virginia?
Yes, there is a key difference. Burglary under Va. Code § 18.2-89 requires breaking and entering a dwelling house at night with intent to commit a felony, larceny, or assault. “Breaking and entering” under § 18.2-91 is a broader, lesser-included offense that can apply to any building, day or night, and may not require the same specific criminal intent, making it a common target for plea negotiations by a breaking and entering defense lawyer Manassas.
Can a burglary charge be reduced in Manassas?
It depends. A skilled burglary charge defense lawyer Manassas can often negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to reduce a felony burglary charge to a misdemeanor like trespassing (§ 18.2-119) or unlawful entry (§ 18.2-128) if the evidence of intent or “breaking” is weak. Factors like the defendant’s background, the circumstances of the incident, and the strength of the defense’s challenges are critical.
What are the defenses to a burglary charge?
Common defenses include lack of intent (you entered for another reason), mistaken identity, lack of unlawful “breaking” (e.g., the door was open), consent to enter, and challenging the legality of the police investigation (illegal search and seizure). An attorney will scrutinize the evidence for weaknesses in the prosecution’s proof of every element.
Do I need a lawyer for a burglary charge in Manassas?
Yes. Burglary is a life-altering felony with decades of prison time at stake. The Manassas Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases vigorously. A burglary defense lawyer Manassas from our firm can protect your rights, challenge evidence, negotiate for reduced charges, and provide a defense at trial that a person without legal training cannot.
What happens at a preliminary hearing for burglary in Manassas?
The preliminary hearing is held at Manassas General District Court. The prosecution must show probable cause that a crime was committed and you likely committed it. It is a key early stage where your attorney can cross-examine witnesses, lock in their testimony, and potentially get the charge dismissed or reduced before it goes to Circuit Court.
Internal Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby jurisdictions like Fairfax County and Prince William County. If you are facing other charges in Manassas, our Manassas DUI lawyer and Manassas family law attorney teams can help. Learn more about Attorney Kristen Fisher. Visit our Fairfax office location page for details.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.