Burglary Lawyer Greene County — What Are Your Defense Options?
A burglary charge in Greene 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 documented results defending clients in Greene County courts. A burglary lawyer Greene County from our firm can challenge the prosecution’s evidence on intent and unlawful entry. Contact us 24/7 for a consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Greene County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Burglary Law and Penalties
In Virginia, burglary is defined by Va. Code § 18.2-90 as entering a dwelling house in the nighttime with intent to commit a felony, larceny, or assault. The statute is specific about the elements the Commonwealth must prove: an unlawful entry, of an occupied dwelling, at night, with the requisite criminal intent. A breaking and entering defense lawyer Greene County focuses on dismantling one or more of these elements. For instance, if you had permission to enter or if the alleged entry occurred during daylight hours, the charge may be reduced or dismissed. The penalties are severe; burglary is a Class 3 felony punishable by 5 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. Aggravated burglary (involving a deadly weapon or assault) carries even harsher penalties.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the burglary statute, refer to Va. Code § 18.2-90 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures and filings for Greene County are handled through the Greene County General District Court and Circuit Court websites.
Defending a Burglary Charge in Greene County
The key local procedural fact in Greene County is that all felony charges, including burglary, begin with a preliminary hearing in the Greene County General District Court. At this hearing, the Commonwealth must show probable cause that a crime was committed and that you are the person who committed it. This is a critical early opportunity for a burglary charge defense lawyer Greene County to challenge the evidence before the case proceeds to a jury trial in Greene County Circuit Court. Prosecutors must prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Arraignment & Bond Hearing: Your first court appearance where the charge is formally read, and bond conditions are set.
- Preliminary Hearing: Your attorney challenges the prosecution’s evidence at the Greene County GDC to try to get the felony charge dismissed or reduced.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If the case proceeds, it is indicted by a grand jury and arraigned in Greene County Circuit Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your lawyer files motions to suppress evidence and compels the full disclosure of the prosecution’s case.
- Plea Negotiation or Trial: Based on the strength of the evidence and motions, your attorney will either negotiate a favorable plea or prepare for a jury trial.
Potential Penalties for Burglary in Greene County
In Greene County, burglary is a Class 3 felony carrying 5 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000, with a mandatory minimum sentence in certain aggravated circumstances.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary (Va. Code § 18.2-90) | Class 3 Felony | 5 – 20 years | Up to $100,000 | None | Permanent felony record, loss of firearm rights, difficulty finding employment/housing. |
| Burglary with Deadly Weapon (Aggravated) | Class 2 Felony | 20 years to life | Up to $100,000 | None | Mandatory minimum sentences apply; severely enhanced penalties. |
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 attorney experience to complex criminal cases. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand that a burglary charge can alter your life, and we provide a focused, case-specific defense strategy. Our “Advocacy Without Borders” approach means we are committed to defending your rights aggressively in Greene County and throughout Virginia.
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 result in Greene County: 1 dismissed/not guilty (100% favorable outcome rate for that locality). Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. In other Virginia jurisdictions, our team, including secondary attorney Mr. Sris—a former prosecutor and firm founder with a multi-state practice—has achieved outcomes such as charges being nolle prossed or amended to lesser offenses.
Burglary Defense Lawyer Near Greene County, VA
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Greene County courts (85 Stanard Street, Stanardsville). We are accessible via Route 29 and Route 33. If you are searching for a “burglary lawyer near Greene County,” contact us for a consultation. We serve the communities of Stanardsville and Ruckersville.
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
What is the difference between burglary and breaking and entering in Virginia?
Yes, there is a major difference. Burglary (Va. Code § 18.2-90) requires entering a dwelling at night with intent to commit a felony, larceny, or assault, and is a felony. Breaking and entering (Va. Code § 18.2-91) involves entering a building to commit a misdemeanor (or any crime if at night) and can be a misdemeanor or felony. A breaking and entering defense lawyer Greene County can explain which charge you face.
Can you go to jail for a first-time burglary charge in Greene County?
Yes. Burglary is a Class 3 felony with a prison range of 5 to 20 years. Even for a first offense, the court can impose a active prison sentence. The specific outcome depends on the facts, your history, and the strength of your defense presented by a burglary charge defense lawyer Greene County.
What are common defenses to a burglary charge?
Common defenses include lack of intent (you entered for another reason), mistaken identity, lack of unlawful entry (you had permission), or that the structure was not a dwelling. An attorney may also challenge the legality of evidence collection. The best defense depends entirely on the details of your case.
How long does a burglary case take in Greene County?
It depends. A case can resolve at the preliminary hearing stage in a few months. If it proceeds to Greene County Circuit Court for a jury trial, the process typically takes 6 to 12 months or longer, depending on case complexity, motions, and court scheduling.
Should I talk to the police if I’m suspected of burglary?
No. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Politely decline to answer questions and immediately request to speak with a burglary lawyer Greene County. Anything you say can be used against you.
Related Legal Information
For more information on criminal defense in Virginia, visit our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. If you are facing related charges in a nearby area, consider reading about our services for Criminal Defense in Fairfax County. For other legal needs in Greene County, we also assist with DUI/DWI charges and Family Law matters.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.