Burglary Defense Lawyer in King William County, Virginia
A burglary charge in King 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. provides a strong defense for breaking and entering charges. Our burglary defense lawyer King William County team has documented results in the King William County General District and Circuit Courts. Call (888) 437-7747 for a 24/7 consultation.
Virginia Burglary Law and Penalties
Burglary in Virginia is defined by Va. Code § 18.2-89 as breaking and entering the dwelling house of another in the nighttime with intent to commit a felony, larceny, or assault. This is a Class 3 felony, punishable by 5 to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $100,000. If the offender is armed with a deadly weapon, the charge becomes statutory burglary while armed, a more severe offense.
Last verified: April 2026 | King William County 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 is available at the King William County Courts website.
Defending a Burglary Charge in King William County
Prosecutors in King William County must prove every element of burglary beyond a reasonable doubt. A common defense challenges the “intent” element—arguing you had permission to enter or lacked the intent to commit a crime inside. The procedural steps in King William County are specific.
- Arraignment & Bond Hearing: Your first appearance at King William County General District Court (351 Courthouse Lane). The court will read the charge and address bail.
- Preliminary Hearing: For felony burglary, this hearing in General District Court determines if there is probable cause to send the case to Circuit Court for trial.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If bound over, you will be arraigned in King William County Circuit Court and enter a plea.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney will file motions to suppress evidence and review all prosecution evidence.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: The case proceeds to a jury trial in Circuit Court or may be resolved through a negotiated plea to a lesser charge.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows, where arguments for mitigation are presented.
Potential Penalties for Burglary
In King William County, burglary is a Class 3 felony carrying 5 to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $100,000. An armed burglary charge carries even more severe penalties.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary (Va. Code § 18.2-89) | Class 3 Felony | 5 – 20 years | Up to $100,000 | None | Permanent felony record, loss of firearm rights, difficulty finding employment/housing. |
| Statutory Burglary (Armed) | Class 2 Felony | 20 years to life | Up to $100,000 | None | Mandatory minimum sentences apply; severe long-term consequences. |
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 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand the high stakes of a burglary charge defense lawyer King William County case and build defenses focused on the specific facts and weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence.
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 King William County
Our team has secured favorable outcomes for clients in King William County. In one case, a client facing a serious reckless driving charge (46.2-862) saw the charge amended to a lesser infraction. In another, a similar high-speed charge was also amended to a non-criminal traffic infraction.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Burglary Defense Lawyer Near King William County
Our Richmond location serves clients in King William County. We are accessible via Route 30, Route 360, and Route 33, serving the communities of King William, West Point, and Aylett.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in King William County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in King William County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor: up to 6 months/$1,000. Common charges include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57), petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96), and driving on suspended (§ 46.2-301). Cases are heard at King William County General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in King William County, Virginia?
It depends. Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. Most convictions cannot be expunged. The petition is filed in King William County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in King William County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in King William County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to King William County General District Court.
Do I need a burglary defense lawyer in King William County, Virginia?
Yes. Burglary is a felony with severe penalties. Charges are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at King William County courts. A conviction creates a permanent felony record. Contact a burglary defense lawyer King William County immediately for a defense strategy.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in King William County?
King William County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. King William County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying jail time.
Internal Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia Criminal Defense hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you have related legal needs in King William County, explore our services for DUI defense or family law.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.