Burglary Lawyer Prince William County — What Are Your Defense Options?
A burglary charge in Prince William 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 141 documented criminal case results in Prince William County. A skilled burglary lawyer Prince William County can challenge the prosecution’s evidence on intent and unlawful entry. Contact us 24/7 for a case review.
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. Breaking and entering a dwelling house in the daytime with the same intent is also burglary under § 18.2-90. The severity hinges on proving the specific criminal intent at the moment of entry, which is a key point a burglary charge defense lawyer Prince William County will attack.
Last verified: April 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, see Va. Code § 18.2-89 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information and procedures are available at the Prince William County General District Court website.
Local Court Process for Burglary Charges
In Prince William County, a burglary case begins with an arrest and a bond hearing before a magistrate at the Adult Detention Center. The case is first heard in Prince William County General District Court for a preliminary hearing, where the Commonwealth must show probable cause. If bound over, the felony trial occurs in Prince William County Circuit Court. Prosecutors must prove every element, including the specific intent to commit a crime inside, beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Arrest & Initial Appearance: You will be taken before a magistrate for a bond hearing. Secured bond is common for felonies.
- Preliminary Hearing: Your case is heard in General District Court. The prosecutor presents evidence to establish probable cause for the felony charge.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If the case is certified, you will be formally charged and enter a plea in Prince William County Circuit Court.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney will review all evidence, file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, and challenge the prosecution’s case.
- Trial or Negotiation: The case proceeds to a jury trial in Circuit Court or may be resolved through plea negotiations to a lesser offense.
Potential Penalties for Burglary in Prince William County
In Prince William County, burglary is a Class 3 felony punishable by 5 to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $100,000. If armed with a deadly weapon, it becomes a Class 2 felony (20 years to life).
| 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. |
| Burglary while Armed | Class 2 Felony | 20 years – Life | Up to $100,000 | Same as above, with mandatory minimum sentences likely. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Prince William County Criminal Cases
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. In Prince William County, we have a documented record of 141 criminal case results, with 118 cases dismissed or found not guilty and 19 charges reduced or amended. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. This depth of experience is critical when building a defense against complex felony charges like burglary.
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 in Prince William County
Our firm has documented 141 criminal case results specifically in Prince William County courts, achieving dismissals, not-guilty verdicts, and charge reductions. For instance, our team, including Of Counsel attorney Bryan Block, a former Virginia State Trooper with 15 years of law enforcement experience, has successfully challenged evidence in property crime cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Burglary Lawyer Near Prince William County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Prince William County courts in Manassas. We are a local burglary lawyer near Prince William County, accessible to residents of Manassas, Woodbridge, Dale City, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Lake Ridge, and Occoquan.
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
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 § 18.2-89) requires entering a dwelling at night with intent to commit a crime inside. Breaking and entering (Va. Code § 18.2-91) can involve any building, day or night, with the same intent, and is generally a Class 6 felony (1-5 years). A breaking and entering defense lawyer Prince William County can explain which charge applies to your case.
Can you go to jail for a first-time burglary offense in Virginia?
Yes. Burglary is a felony with mandatory prison time. A first-time Class 3 felony conviction carries a statutory range of 5 to 20 years. The judge has discretion within that range, but some incarceration is likely. An experienced burglary charge defense lawyer Prince William County may negotiate for a reduced sentence or alternative disposition.
What are common defenses to a burglary charge?
Common defenses include lack of intent (you entered for a non-criminal purpose), mistaken identity, lack of evidence of a “breaking,” consent to enter, and challenging the legality of the police investigation (illegal search). The defense strategy depends entirely on the specific facts of the case.
How long does a burglary case take in Prince William County?
It depends. A felony case typically takes 3 to 9 months from arrest to trial in Circuit Court. The preliminary hearing in General District Court usually occurs within a few months of arrest. Complex cases or those involving extensive evidence can take longer.
Should I talk to the police if I’m accused of burglary?
No. You have the right to remain silent. Politely decline to answer questions and request a burglary lawyer Prince William County immediately. Anything you say can be used to prove intent, a critical element of the burglary charge.
Related Pages: For other charges, see our Fairfax County criminal lawyer page. For an overview of our services, visit our Virginia criminal defense hub. If you are also facing related charges, our Prince William County DUI lawyer can assist.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for current guidance.