Burglary Lawyer Prince William County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Burglary in Prince William County is a serious felony under Va. Code § 18.2-89, punishable by up to life imprisonment. A burglary lawyer Prince William County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense. We have 141 documented results in Prince William County courts. Call (888) 437-7747 for a 24/7 consultation.
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. If the entry occurs in the daytime, it is classified as statutory burglary under § 18.2-91. The severity of the charge depends on factors like the time of entry, whether the dwelling was occupied, and if a deadly weapon was used.
Last verified: April 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience handling complex criminal cases like burglary.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the burglary statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-89 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information for Prince William County is available at the Prince William County General District Court website.
Prince William County Court Process for Burglary Charges
Burglary charges in Prince William County begin with an arrest and bond hearing before a magistrate. The case proceeds to the Prince William County General District Court for a preliminary hearing to determine probable cause. For felony burglary charges, the case is then certified to the Prince William County Circuit Court for a jury trial. Prosecutors from the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office must prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Secure representation immediately after arrest or upon receiving a warrant.
- Your attorney will request discovery from the Commonwealth’s Attorney to review all evidence.
- A defense strategy is developed, which may involve filing motions to suppress evidence or challenging the probable cause for the charge.
- If the case proceeds to Circuit Court, your lawyer will prepare for trial, including jury selection and witness examination.
- Throughout the process, your attorney will negotiate with prosecutors for a potential reduction or dismissal of charges when possible.
Potential Penalties for Burglary in Virginia
In Prince William County, burglary is a felony carrying a potential sentence of 5 years to life in prison, along with fines and a permanent criminal record.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary (Nighttime, Dwelling) | Class 3 Felony | 5 to 20 years, or up to life* | Up to $100,000 | None directly | Permanent felony record, loss of firearm rights, difficulty obtaining employment/housing. |
| Statutory Burglary (Daytime) | Class 3 Felony | 5 to 20 years | Up to $100,000 | None directly | Permanent felony record, loss of firearm rights. |
| Burglary with Deadly Weapon | Class 2 Felony | 20 years to life | Up to $100,000 | None directly | Enhanced penalties, mandatory minimum sentences may apply. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
*A jury can recommend a sentence of up to life imprisonment for nighttime burglary of an occupied dwelling.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Burglary Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to your case. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to vigorous defense. We have a documented record of 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
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
Our lead attorney for this matter, Kristen Fisher, is supported by the firm’s founder, Mr. Sris. Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems, which is particularly valuable for cases involving complex evidence. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, DC, New Jersey, and New York.
Documented Case Results in Prince William County
In Prince William County, our attorneys have achieved 141 documented criminal case results, including 118 dismissals or not-guilty verdicts and 19 charge reductions or amendments. This represents a 98% favorable outcome rate for our local clients.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
These results demonstrate our ability to handle the Prince William County General District and Circuit Courts effectively.
Burglary Lawyer Near Prince William County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Prince William County courts in Manassas. We represent individuals in Manassas, Woodbridge, Dale City, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Lake Ridge, and Occoquan.
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.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Burglary Defense in Prince William County
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 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 statute that can apply to entering any building in the daytime with the same intent. A breaking and entering defense lawyer Prince William County can explain which specific statute applies to your case.
Can a burglary charge be reduced to a misdemeanor?
It depends. While burglary is always a felony, negotiations with the Commonwealth’s Attorney may sometimes lead to an amendment of the charge to a lesser offense, such as trespass or petit larceny, depending on the evidence and circumstances. An experienced burglary charge defense lawyer Prince William County is essential for this type of negotiation.
What are common defenses to a burglary charge?
Common defenses include lack of intent to commit a crime inside the dwelling, mistaken identity, an alibi, unlawful search and seizure of evidence, or consent to enter the property. Challenging the prosecution’s proof of intent is often a central strategy.
Do I need a lawyer for a burglary charge in Prince William County?
Yes. Burglary is a serious felony with life-altering penalties. The Commonwealth’s Attorney vigorously prosecutes these cases. A burglary lawyer Prince William County from our firm can protect your rights, challenge the evidence, and work toward the best possible outcome.
What happens at a preliminary hearing for burglary?
The preliminary hearing is held in Prince William County General District Court. The prosecutor must show probable cause that a burglary occurred and that you committed it. Your attorney can cross-examine witnesses and may argue to have the charge dismissed if probable cause is lacking.