Burglary Defense Lawyer Manassas Park — Protecting Your Rights and Future
A burglary charge in Manassas Park is a serious felony under Va. Code § 18.2-89, carrying 5 years to life in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense strategy. Our burglary defense lawyer Manassas Park team has documented results in the Manassas Park General District Court. We challenge evidence and protect your rights. Call 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 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 offender is armed with a deadly weapon, the charge becomes statutory burglary while armed, a more severe offense. The prosecution must prove you entered the structure, did so at night, and had the specific intent to commit a crime inside.
Last verified: April 2026 | Manassas Park 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 are available at the Manassas Park General District Court website.
Defending a Burglary Charge in Manassas Park
In Manassas Park, burglary cases are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard initially at the Manassas Park General District Court for preliminary hearings, with trials held in Circuit Court. A key procedural fact is that the prosecution must prove you had the specific intent to commit a felony, larceny, or assault at the moment of entry. A common defense is challenging whether the state can prove this intent beyond a reasonable doubt. For a breaking and entering defense lawyer Manassas Park, the focus is often on the lack of forced entry or the defendant’s lawful reason for being present.
- Initial Consultation: Contact a burglary defense lawyer Manassas Park immediately after arrest or charge.
- Case Review: Your attorney will obtain all police reports, witness statements, and evidence to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Motion Filing: File pre-trial motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence or challenge the sufficiency of the charging documents.
- Negotiation or Trial: Work to have charges reduced or dismissed. If a plea is not in your interest, prepare a vigorous defense for trial.
Potential Penalties for Burglary in Virginia
In Manassas Park, burglary is a Class 3 felony carrying a prison sentence of 5 to 20 years and a fine of up to $100,000.
| 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 and housing. |
| Statutory Burglary (Armed) | More Severe Felony | Mandatory Minimums Apply | Higher Fines | Greatly 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 legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide record includes over 4,739 case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We understand the high stakes of a felony burglary charge and the specific procedures of the Manassas Park courts.
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 and Client Advocacy
Our approach has secured favorable outcomes for clients. In one instance, we successfully argued for the reduction of a felony charge based on lack of intent. In another, evidence was suppressed due to procedural errors, skilled to a dismissal. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, provides strategic oversight on complex cases, ensuring every defense is thorough.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Manassas Park Burglary Defense Lawyers
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Fairfax Location: 4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations. Meetings by appointment only.
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Manassas Park General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue). We provide legal representation to individuals in Manassas Park and surrounding communities. As your burglary defense lawyer Manassas Park, we are accessible via Route 28 and I-66.
Frequently Asked Questions: Burglary Defense in Manassas Park
What is the difference between burglary and breaking and entering in Virginia?
Yes, there is a key difference. Burglary (Va. Code § 18.2-89) requires entering a dwelling at night with intent to commit a felony, larceny, or assault. Breaking and entering (Va. Code § 18.2-91) involves entering a building (not necessarily a dwelling or at night) with the same criminal intent, and is generally a Class 6 felony.
Can a burglary charge be reduced to a misdemeanor?
It depends. While burglary itself is a felony, a skilled burglary charge defense lawyer Manassas Park may negotiate a reduction to a lesser offense like trespassing or unlawful entry, which are misdemeanors. This depends on the evidence, your history, and the specifics of the case.
What should I do if I am arrested for burglary in Manassas Park?
First, remain silent and ask for an attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone. Contact a burglary defense lawyer Manassas Park from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. We can guide you through the bond process and begin building your defense.
How long does a burglary case take in Manassas Park?
A misdemeanor trial in General District Court may take 4-8 weeks. A felony burglary case will start with a preliminary hearing in GDC within 21-60 days, then move to Circuit Court for a jury trial, which can take 3-9 months or longer from arrest.
What are the defenses to a burglary charge?
Common defenses include lack of intent (you entered for another reason), mistaken identity, lack of evidence you were the one who entered, an unlawful search and seizure, or that the structure was not a “dwelling house.” A breaking and entering defense lawyer Manassas Park will analyze all angles.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing other charges, our firm also provides representation for DUI charges in Manassas Park and family law matters. For a broader view of our criminal defense practice, visit our Virginia criminal defense hub page. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Fairfax and Prince William County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for current guidance.