Burglary Defense Lawyer in Alexandria, Virginia
A burglary charge in Alexandria 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, leveraging our 120+ years of combined attorney experience. Our Alexandria burglary defense lawyer team, including former prosecutors, understands the local court procedures at the Alexandria General District and Circuit Courts. We offer 24/7 phone consultations.
Virginia Burglary Law and Penalties
Burglary in Virginia is defined by statute as entering a dwelling house in the nighttime with intent to commit a felony, larceny, or assault. The specific elements are outlined in Va. Code § 18.2-89. This is a Class 3 felony. If the accused is armed with a deadly weapon or commits assault, the charge escalates to statutory burglary while armed under § 18.2-90, a more severe offense.
Last verified: April 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm has a deep understanding of the statutes and strategies needed to challenge these charges. A burglary charge defense lawyer Alexandria must scrutinize the prosecution’s evidence of intent and unlawful entry.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the burglary statute, refer to the Virginia General Assembly website (Va. Code § 18.2-89). Court procedures and local rules for Alexandria cases are managed by the Alexandria General District Court.
Local Court Process for Burglary Charges in Alexandria
Burglary cases in Alexandria begin with an arrest and an initial appearance before a magistrate. For felony burglary, the case starts in Alexandria General District Court for a preliminary hearing to determine probable cause. If bound over, the case proceeds to Alexandria Circuit Court for trial. A breaking and entering defense lawyer Alexandria must be prepared for both stages. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases aggressively.
- Initial Appearance & Bond Hearing: You will appear before a magistrate or judge. An attorney can argue for favorable bond conditions.
- Preliminary Hearing (General District Court): The prosecution must show probable cause. Your lawyer can cross-examine witnesses and challenge evidence.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If bound over, you will be formally charged in Circuit Court and enter a plea.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence and obtains all discovery from the prosecution.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Most cases are resolved through negotiation. If not, your attorney prepares for a jury trial in Circuit Court.
Potential Penalties for Burglary in Alexandria
In Alexandria, burglary is a Class 3 felony carrying 5 to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $100,000. Enhanced charges for armed burglary carry even steeper penalties.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Long-Term Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary (Va. Code § 18.2-89) | Class 3 Felony | 5 – 20 years | Up to $100,000 | Permanent felony record, loss of voting rights, firearm restrictions, difficulty finding employment/housing. |
| Statutory Burglary (Armed) (§ 18.2-90) | Class 2 Felony | 20 years to life | Up to $100,000 | Same as above, with mandatory minimum sentences often applying. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Burglary Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our team brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We have a documented history of handling complex criminal defenses. Our approach is grounded in a detailed analysis of the facts and law. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, is a former prosecutor with a background that provides a strategic advantage in court.
Our secondary attorney on complex Virginia criminal matters is Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with multi-state bar admissions (VA, MD, DC, NJ, NY). His strategic oversight is applied to serious felony cases.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While specific case results are confidential, our firm-wide practice has handled 4,739+ documented case results. We actively represent clients in Alexandria courts. Our goal is to seek reductions, dismissals, or acquittals by challenging the prosecution’s evidence on intent, entry, and identification.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Burglary Defense Lawyer Near Alexandria
Our Arlington location serves clients facing charges in Alexandria courts. We are accessible to communities including Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719
Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Alexandria, Virginia?
No, burglary is not a misdemeanor. It is a felony. A Class 1 misdemeanor in Alexandria carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor: up to 6 months/$1,000. Burglary under Va. Code § 18.2-89 is a Class 3 felony with penalties of 5 to 20 years in prison.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Alexandria, Virginia?
It depends. Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. Most convictions, including felony burglary convictions, cannot be expunged. The petition is filed in Alexandria Circuit Court. An experienced burglary defense lawyer Alexandria can advise if your case might qualify.
How does bail work in Alexandria, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. For serious felonies like burglary, a secured bond requiring a bail bondsman (who charges ~10%) is typical. Bond can be appealed to Alexandria General District Court. A lawyer can argue for reasonable bond conditions at a hearing.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Alexandria, Virginia?
Yes. Felony burglary charges are prosecuted aggressively and carry decades in prison. A permanent felony record has severe lifelong consequences. An experienced burglary charge defense lawyer Alexandria is essential to protect your rights, challenge evidence, and work toward the best possible outcome.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Alexandria?
Alexandria General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Alexandria Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. A burglary case will have a preliminary hearing in GDC before moving to Circuit Court for trial, where you have a right to a jury.
Internal Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia Criminal Defense hub page. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Arlington County. If you are facing other charges in Alexandria, consider our DUI defense or reckless driving defense services.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.