Burglary Lawyer in Henrico County, Virginia — What Are Your Defense Options?
A burglary charge in Henrico County is a serious felony under Va. Code § 18.2-89, carrying 5 years to life in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented results in Henrico County: 7 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended. A strong defense requires immediate action. Contact a burglary lawyer Henrico County today.
Virginia Burglary Law and Penalties
Burglary in Virginia is defined by Va. Code § 18.2-89 as entering a dwelling house at night with intent to commit a felony, larceny, or assault. It is a Class 3 felony, punishable by 5 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. If the perpetrator is armed with a deadly weapon, the charge becomes statutory burglary while armed under § 18.2-90, also a Class 2 felony with a mandatory minimum sentence.
Last verified: April 2026 | Henrico County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-89 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information and procedures can be found at the Henrico County General District Court website.
Local Court Process for a Burglary Charge
In Henrico County, a burglary charge begins with an arrest and an initial appearance at the Henrico County General District Court for a bond hearing. The case will proceed to a preliminary hearing in the same court to determine if there is probable cause to certify the felony to the Circuit Court. Prosecutors from the Henrico Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office handle these cases and often seek severe penalties given the nature of the charge.
- Arrest & Initial Appearance: You will be taken before a magistrate for a bond hearing at the Henrico County Jail or the General District Court.
- Secure Legal Representation: Contact a burglary lawyer Henrico County immediately. Your attorney will file for discovery and begin investigating the prosecution’s evidence.
- Preliminary Hearing: Your attorney will represent you at the probable cause hearing in Henrico County General District Court to challenge the evidence.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If the case is certified, you will be arraigned in Henrico County Circuit Court and enter a plea.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiations: Your lawyer will file motions to suppress evidence and negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduction or dismissal.
- Trial or Resolution: The case will proceed to a jury trial in Circuit Court or be resolved through a plea agreement.
Potential Penalties for Burglary in Henrico County
In Henrico County, 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 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 | N/A | Permanent felony record, loss of firearm rights, difficulty finding employment/housing. |
| Statutory Burglary (Armed) (§ 18.2-90) | Class 2 Felony | 20 years to life (mandatory min.) | Up to $100,000 | N/A | Same as above, with significantly longer mandatory prison time. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Burglary 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. Mr. Sris’s unique background in accounting and information systems provides a critical advantage in cases involving financial evidence or digital forensics, which are common in burglary investigations.
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 Henrico County
Our firm has a documented track record in Henrico County courts. We have achieved 8 results for clients facing serious charges: 7 cases were dismissed or found not guilty, and 1 charge was reduced or amended.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
For example, our team has successfully defended clients against charges like reckless driving in excess of 80 mph and passing a school bus, achieving dismissals in Henrico General District Court. This local experience is directly applicable to building defenses against burglary allegations.
Burglary 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, serving the communities of Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, and Mechanicsville.
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359
Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for burglary in Henrico County, Virginia?
Burglary is a Class 3 felony punishable by 5 to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $100,000. If armed, it becomes a Class 2 felony with a 20-year mandatory minimum. These charges are prosecuted in Henrico County Circuit Court after a preliminary hearing in General District Court.
Can a burglary charge be reduced in Henrico County?
It depends. A skilled breaking and entering defense lawyer Henrico County can negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to reduce a felony burglary charge to a lesser offense like unlawful entry (a misdemeanor) or trespassing. Success depends on the evidence, your criminal history, and the strength of the defense presented.
What is the difference between burglary and breaking and entering in Virginia?
Burglary (Va. Code § 18.2-89) requires entering a dwelling at night with intent to commit a crime. Breaking and entering (Va. Code § 18.2-91) involves entering a building (not necessarily a dwelling) with intent to commit larceny or other felony. Burglary is generally a more severe felony with higher penalties.
Do I need a lawyer for a burglary charge in Henrico County?
Yes. A burglary charge is a serious felony with life-altering consequences. The Commonwealth’s Attorney will aggressively prosecute. An experienced burglary charge defense lawyer Henrico County is essential to protect your rights, challenge evidence, and seek the best possible outcome from the start.
What are common defenses to a burglary charge?
Common defenses include lack of intent to commit a crime, mistaken identity, unlawful search and seizure, insufficient evidence, or consent to enter the property. An attorney will investigate the facts, police reports, and witness statements to identify the strongest defense strategy for your case.
Internal Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia Criminal Defense hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Chesterfield County. If you are facing other charges, learn about our services for DUI defense in Henrico County.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.