Burglary Defense Lawyer in Albemarle County, Virginia
A burglary charge in Albemarle County is a serious felony under Va. Code § 18.2-90, carrying severe penalties. As a burglary defense lawyer Albemarle County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for charges heard at the Albemarle County General District Court. We have documented results defending clients in the Charlottesville area. Call (888) 437-7747 for a 24/7 consultation.
Virginia Burglary Law and Penalties
In Virginia, burglary is defined as entering a dwelling house at night with intent to commit a felony, larceny, or assault, or entering any building with intent to commit a misdemeanor involving larceny, assault and battery, or damage to property. The specific statute is Va. Code § 18.2-90. Breaking and entering a dwelling house with intent to commit a felony is a Class 3 felony, punishable by 5 to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $100,000. Breaking and entering a building other than a dwelling house is a Class 6 felony, punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison, or up to 12 months in jail and a fine up to $2,500 at the discretion of the jury.
Last verified: April 2026 | Albemarle County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code § 18.2-90 (official Virginia General Assembly)
- Albemarle County General District Court Website
Defending a Burglary Charge in Albemarle County
Prosecutors in Albemarle County take burglary charges very seriously. A strong defense often hinges on challenging the prosecution’s evidence of intent or unlawful entry. Our team examines police reports, witness statements, and forensic evidence for weaknesses. We also explore procedural defenses, such as challenging the legality of a search or seizure.
- Initial Consultation & Case Review: Contact us immediately after arrest. We review the arrest warrant, police narrative, and any statements you made.
- Arraignment & Bond Hearing: We represent you at your first court appearance in Albemarle County General District Court to enter a plea and argue for favorable bond conditions.
- Investigation & Discovery: We conduct a thorough investigation, request all evidence from the prosecution, and identify weaknesses in the state’s case.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Strategy: We file motions to suppress evidence if your rights were violated and develop a defense strategy, which may involve negotiating a plea or preparing for trial.
- Trial or Resolution: We aggressively defend you at a bench trial in General District Court or prepare for a jury trial in Albemarle County Circuit Court if the case proceeds.
Potential Penalties for Burglary in Virginia
In Albemarle County, burglary is a felony offense with penalties ranging from 1 to 20 years in prison, depending on the specific circumstances and classification.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary (Dwelling at Night) | Class 3 Felony | 5 – 20 years | Up to $100,000 | Permanent felony record, loss of firearm rights, difficulty finding employment/housing. |
| Breaking & Entering (Non-Dwelling) | Class 6 Felony | 1 – 5 years (or up to 12 months jail) | Up to $2,500 | Permanent felony record, loss of firearm rights, difficulty finding employment/housing. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We have achieved over firm-wide 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. Our deep understanding of Virginia criminal law and local court procedures in Albemarle County allows us to build effective defenses for serious charges 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
Case Results
Our firm has a documented history of achieving favorable results in criminal cases. In Albemarle County, we have secured outcomes including charges being reduced or amended. For example, we have successfully amended a charge of driving on a suspended license. Mr. Sris, our managing attorney, provides strategic oversight on complex cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Albemarle County Burglary Defense Lawyer
Our Richmond location serves clients facing charges in Albemarle County courts, including those in Charlottesville, Crozet, Earlysville, Ivy, and North Garden. We are accessible via I-64 and Route 29.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between burglary and breaking and entering in Virginia?
Yes, there is a key difference. Burglary under Va. Code § 18.2-90 involves entering a dwelling house at night with intent to commit a felony, assault, or larceny. Breaking and entering under § 18.2-91 involves entering any building (not just a dwelling) with intent to commit larceny, assault, or property damage. A burglary charge defense lawyer Albemarle County can explain how the specifics of your case affect the charges.
Can a burglary charge be reduced in Albemarle County?
It depends on the evidence, your criminal history, and the specifics of the case. Prosecutors may consider reducing a felony burglary charge to a misdemeanor like trespassing or unlawful entry in exchange for a guilty plea, especially for first-time offenders. An experienced lawyer can negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
What should I do if I am arrested for burglary in Albemarle County?
Remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your attorney. Contact a burglary defense lawyer Albemarle County as soon as possible to begin building your defense. Your lawyer will guide you through the process at the Albemarle County General District Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a burglary charge?
Yes. Burglary is a serious felony with long-term consequences including prison time and a permanent criminal record. The Commonwealth’s Attorney will aggressively prosecute the case. A skilled breaking and entering defense lawyer Albemarle County is essential to protect your rights, challenge evidence, and seek the best possible outcome.
What are the defenses to a burglary charge?
Common defenses include lack of intent to commit a crime, mistaken identity, unlawful search and seizure, consent to enter the property, or an alibi. A thorough investigation by your defense attorney is crucial to identify and prove the applicable defense in your case.
Related Legal Services in Albemarle County
If you are facing other charges, our firm also provides representation for DUI/DWI, divorce and family law, and personal injury matters in Albemarle County. For more information on our statewide criminal defense practice, visit our Virginia criminal defense hub page. We also serve clients in nearby jurisdictions like Henrico County and Chesterfield County.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your burglary charge.