Burglary Lawyer Henrico County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Burglary in Henrico County is a serious felony under Va. Code § 18.2-89, carrying up to life in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., your dedicated burglary lawyer Henrico County, has documented results defending clients at the Henrico County General District and Circuit Courts.
Last verified: April 2026 | Henrico County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Burglary Law and Penalties
Burglary in Virginia is defined by Va. Code § 18.2-89 as breaking and 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 up to $100,000. If the perpetrator is armed with a deadly weapon, the charge escalates to statutory burglary while armed under § 18.2-90, a more severe felony. The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you broke and entered, that it was a dwelling, that it occurred at night, and that you had the specific intent to commit a crime inside. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm understands how these charges are constructed and how to defend against them.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the burglary statute, refer to Va. Code § 18.2-89 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures and filings for Henrico County cases are handled through the Henrico County General District Court website.
Defending a Burglary Charge in Henrico County
In Henrico County, the Commonwealth’s Attorney aggressively prosecutes burglary cases. A key local procedural fact is that many cases hinge on circumstantial evidence of intent. Prosecutors often rely on your actions before or after the alleged entry to prove you intended to commit a crime inside. A breaking and entering defense lawyer Henrico County must meticulously examine the timeline, witness statements, and forensic evidence to create reasonable doubt.
- Secure immediate legal representation after arrest or charge.
- Your attorney will file for discovery to obtain all police reports, witness statements, and evidence.
- A motion to suppress evidence may be filed if there were illegal search and seizure issues.
- Your lawyer will negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney, challenging the proof of intent or unlawful entry.
- If no favorable plea agreement is reached, your case will proceed to a preliminary hearing in General District Court and potentially a jury trial in Circuit Court.
Potential Penalties for Burglary in Virginia
In Henrico County, burglary is a Class 3 felony carrying 5 to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $100,000.
| 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 and housing. |
| Statutory Burglary (Armed) (§ 18.2-90) | More Severe Felony | Mandatory minimum sentences apply | Up to $100,000 | None | All of the above, with significantly longer mandatory prison time. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Henrico County Criminal Cases
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper, providing unique insight into how the other side builds cases. We have a documented record of favorable outcomes in Henrico County courts. For instance, Of Counsel Bryan Block, a former Virginia State Trooper with 15 years of law enforcement experience, uses his insider knowledge to dissect police investigations and challenge evidence in burglary cases.
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 Henrico County
Our firm has achieved documented results for clients facing serious charges in Henrico County. While every case is unique, our approach is consistent: we conduct a thorough investigation, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and fight for the best possible outcome. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Henrico County Burglary Defense Lawyers
Our Richmond location serves clients throughout Henrico County, including Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, and Mechanicsville. We are accessible via I-64, I-95, and I-295. If you need a burglary lawyer near Henrico County, contact us 24/7.
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: Burglary Charges in Henrico County
What is the difference between burglary and breaking and entering in Virginia?
Yes, there is a major difference. Burglary (Va. Code § 18.2-89) requires breaking and entering a dwelling house at night with intent to commit a felony, larceny, or assault. Breaking and entering (Va. Code § 18.2-91) generally applies to entering a building to commit a misdemeanor, and carries lesser penalties. A burglary charge defense lawyer Henrico County can analyze the specifics of your case to determine which statute applies.
Can you go to jail for a first-time burglary offense in Virginia?
Yes. Burglary is a Class 3 felony with a prison sentence range of 5 to 20 years. Even for a first offense, the judge can impose active jail time. The specific sentence depends on the facts of the case, your criminal history, and the arguments presented by your breaking and entering defense lawyer Henrico County.
What are common defenses to a burglary charge?
Common defenses include lack of intent (you did not intend to commit a crime inside), mistaken identity, lack of evidence for a “breaking,” consent to enter, and unlawful search and seizure. An experienced burglary lawyer Henrico County will investigate all possible defenses based on the evidence.
Is burglary a felony in Virginia?
Yes. Burglary as defined under Va. Code § 18.2-89 is always a felony—specifically, a Class 3 felony. There is no misdemeanor burglary charge in Virginia. This makes securing a skilled burglary lawyer Henrico County critical immediately after an arrest.
What should I do if I am arrested for burglary in Henrico County?
Remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your attorney. Contact a burglary lawyer Henrico County from our firm as soon as possible at (888) 437-7747. We can begin building your defense and guide you through the process at the Henrico County General District Court.
Related Pages: For other legal issues in Henrico County, see our pages on DUI defense and family law. For criminal defense across Virginia, visit our state hub page. We also serve neighboring areas like Chesterfield County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.