Burglary Defense Lawyer in Loudoun County, Virginia — What Are Your Options?
A burglary charge in Loudoun 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 42 documented criminal defense results in Loudoun County, including cases for breaking and entering. A strong defense strategy is critical from the first court date at the Loudoun County General District Court.
Virginia Burglary Law and Penalties
In Virginia, burglary is defined by statute as entering a dwelling house at night with the intent to commit a felony, larceny, or assault. The severity of the charge and its penalties depend on the specific circumstances, such as whether the building was occupied or if a weapon was involved.
Last verified: April 2026 | Loudoun County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm has a background in handling complex felony cases. We understand that a burglary charge can stem from a misunderstanding, mistaken identity, or an error in police procedure. Our approach involves a detailed review of the evidence to protect your rights.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the law, refer to the Va. Code § 18.2-89 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures and filing information for Loudoun County can be found on the Loudoun County General District Court website.
Handling a Burglary Case in Loudoun County
Loudoun County prosecutors treat burglary charges aggressively due to their felony status. The Commonwealth’s Attorney will seek substantial penalties. A key procedural fact is that all felony charges, including burglary, begin with a preliminary hearing in Loudoun County General District Court to determine if there is probable cause to send the case to Circuit Court for a jury trial.
- Initial Appearance & Bond Hearing: After arrest, you will appear before a magistrate. An attorney can argue for personal recognizance or a reasonable bond.
- Preliminary Hearing: Your attorney will challenge the prosecution’s evidence at this GDC hearing to try and get the felony charge reduced or dismissed.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If the case proceeds, you will be formally charged in Loudoun County Circuit Court and enter a plea.
- Discovery & Motions: Your defense lawyer will review all evidence, file motions to suppress illegal evidence, and negotiate with prosecutors.
- Trial or Plea Resolution: The case will either go to a jury trial in Circuit Court or be resolved through a negotiated plea agreement.
- Sentencing: If convicted, your attorney will present mitigating evidence to argue for the most lenient sentence possible under the law.
Potential Penalties for Burglary in Virginia
In Loudoun County, a burglary conviction under Va. Code § 18.2-89 carries a prison sentence of 5 years to life, with fines at the court’s discretion.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary (Dwelling at Night) | Class 3 Felony | 5 years – Life | Court Discretion | Permanent felony record, loss of firearm rights, difficulty finding employment/housing. |
| Burglary with Deadly Weapon | Class 2 Felony | 20 years – Life | Court Discretion | Mandatory minimum sentences apply, severely restricted parole eligibility. |
| Statutory Burglary (Daytime/Other Building) | Class 4 Felony | 2 – 10 years | Up to $100,000 | Same long-term collateral consequences as any felony conviction. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Loudoun County Courts
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 record of 42 case results in Loudoun County alone. Our attorneys, including former prosecutor Kristen Fisher, understand how local prosecutors build cases and where weaknesses can be found. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, maintains a selective caseload to provide strategic oversight on serious felony matters like burglary.
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
Documented Case Results
Our firm has a track record of favorable outcomes in Loudoun County. We have 42 documented criminal defense results in this jurisdiction, including cases involving charges like operating with a radar detection device and failure to yield, which resulted in dismissals (nolle prosequi).
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
While every case is unique, this experience in the local court system is invaluable when building a defense against a burglary charge.
Burglary Defense Lawyer Near Loudoun County
Our Ashburn location serves clients at the Loudoun County courts in Leesburg. We are a local burglary defense lawyer near Ashburn, Leesburg, Sterling, and Purcellville. We serve communities across Loudoun County including South Riding, Brambleton, Aldie, Hamilton, Lovettsville, Middleburg, and Round Hill.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Ashburn/Loudoun
20130 Lakeview Center Plaza Suite 400 Room No 403
Ashburn, VA 20147
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 571-279-0110
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 crime. Breaking and entering (Va. Code § 18.2-91) involves entering a building to commit a misdemeanor. A breaking and entering defense lawyer Loudoun County can explain how the facts of your case align with these definitions, which carry different felony classes and penalties.
Can a burglary charge be reduced to a misdemeanor?
It depends. While burglary is a felony, negotiations with the prosecutor may sometimes lead to a reduction to a lesser charge like trespassing or unlawful entry, which are misdemeanors. The likelihood depends on the evidence, your criminal history, and the skill of your burglary charge defense lawyer Loudoun County.
What should I do if I am arrested for burglary in Loudoun County?
Remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your attorney. Contact a burglary defense lawyer Loudoun County as soon as possible to begin building your defense, starting with the bond hearing at the Loudoun County General District Court.
What are the defenses to a burglary charge?
Common defenses include lack of intent, mistaken identity, alibi, unlawful search and seizure, or insufficient evidence. An experienced burglary defense lawyer Loudoun County will investigate all aspects of the arrest and evidence to identify the strongest defense strategy for your situation.
How long does a burglary case take in Loudoun County?
A felony burglary case can take several months to over a year. It starts with a preliminary hearing in General District Court within a few months of arrest. If bound over, the case moves to Circuit Court, where the timeline extends for discovery, motions, and potentially a jury trial.
Related Pages: For other legal issues, see our pages on DUI defense in Loudoun County and family law in Loudoun County. For an overview of our criminal defense practice, visit our Virginia criminal defense hub.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.