Burglary Defense Lawyer Arlington County, VA

A burglary charge in Arlington County puts your freedom, your record, and your future at immediate risk. Whether the case proceeds through the Arlington County General District Court at 1425 North Courthouse Road or, for a felony, the Arlington County Circuit Court, the Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these offenses actively. The firm’s Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Drive represents clients facing every type of burglary allegation—from common-law burglary under Va. Code § 18.2-89 to breaking-and-entering offenses under § 18.2-90 through § 18.2-93—and works to identify the strong $1 from the earliest stage. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to Arlington County burglary cases and have documented 21 favorable criminal results in this jurisdiction, including 11 dismissals and 10 reduced charges. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 today. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

Common-law burglary under Va. Code § 18.2-89 is a Class 3 felony punishable by five to twenty years in prison.

Source: Va. Code § 18.2-89. Virginia Legislative Information System

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.

What Burglary Defense Means in Arlington County, Virginia

Virginia treats burglary as one of its most serious property crimes, and the Arlington County courts—which belong to the Seventeenth Judicial District—apply the full force of the statutory framework every day. Burglary in Virginia is not a single offense. Common-law burglary under Va. Code § 18.2-89 requires a breaking and entering of a dwelling house at night with the intent to commit a felony or any larceny. That offense is a Class 3 felony, carrying five to twenty years of incarceration. Statutory burglary under § 18.2-90 creates different classifications depending on the structure, time of entry, and whether a deadly weapon was present, while other breaking-and-entering provisions—like Va. Code § 18.2-91 and § 18.2-92—sweep in a range of conduct from entering with the intent to commit a misdemeanor to entering a dwelling with a firearm. An Arlington County burglary defense must therefore begin with a precise analysis of which statute the Commonwealth is charging, because the potential penalty changes dramatically from charge to charge.

Procedurally, a misdemeanor breaking-and-entering offense starts in the Arlington County General District Court, where the court holds a preliminary hearing for felony charges and a full trial for misdemeanors. If a grand jury returns a felony indictment, the case transfers to the Arlington County Circuit Court, where a defendant has an absolute right to a jury trial on any offense carrying potential jail time. The firm’s experience in both the General District Court and the Circuit Court allows Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel to evaluate early opportunities for an amendment to a lesser charge, seek pre-trial dismissal where the evidence does not satisfy the elements, or take the case to trial when that is the right strategic choice. Arlington County defendants may also be evaluated for first-offender deferred disposition under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 in qualifying cases, which can lead to a dismissal upon successful completion of probation.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Burglary Defense Cases

Every burglary defense in Arlington County starts with a thorough review of the charging instrument and the evidence the Commonwealth intends to present. The Of Counsel team includes a former Virginia State Trooper who spent fifteen years conducting criminal investigations across the Commonwealth, as well as a former Maryland assistant state’s attorney who prosecuted cases in District and Circuit Court. That combination means the defense routinely examines the prosecution’s file for issues the state may not have anticipated—whether a search exceeded the scope of a warrant, whether the police formed the intent to enter before knocking, or whether the alleged facts establish only trespass rather than the specific intent required for a burglary conviction.

In cases where the state’s proof is strong, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to negotiate an amendment to a reduced charge—most often trespass or property damage—that avoids the severe felony consequences of a burglary conviction. Where the facts support a not-guilty verdict, the firm is prepared to take the case to trial and challenge every element. Throughout the process, clients receive direct explanation of the procedures, the likely timeline given the court’s calendar, and the options available at each stage. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have documented 21 favorable criminal results in Arlington County alone—11 dismissed or adjudicated not guilty and 10 reduced or amended—demonstrating a pattern of achieving resolutions that protect clients from the most damaging consequences. Results may vary.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced criminal defense since 1997. He is a former prosecutor whose trial experience informs the firm’s approach to every Arlington County burglary case. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York.

Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience. The team includes a former Virginia State Trooper who knows firsthand how law enforcement builds burglary investigations—from the collection of physical evidence to the interview techniques used with witnesses and suspects. A former Maryland assistant state’s attorney on the team evaluates each case from the perspective of a prosecutor who has tried cases in both District and Circuit Court. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel provide Arlington County clients with a defense that is prepared for every stage, from the initial bond hearing through trial or resolution. The firm’s Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Drive is available by appointment; call (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is burglary under Virginia law?

Burglary in Virginia is defined by several statutes in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code that criminalize entering a structure with criminal intent. The most serious is common-law burglary under Va. Code § 18.2-89, which requires a breaking and entering of a dwelling at night with the intent to commit a felony or any larceny. Statutory burglary under § 18.2-90 covers a wider range of conduct, including entering with a deadly weapon. Other provisions, including § 18.2-91 and § 18.2-92, address breaking and entering with intent to commit a misdemeanor, entering without breaking, and other variations. Each charge carries its own penalty range and requires proof of specific elements that a criminal defense attorney evaluates when building a case.

What are the penalties for a burglary conviction in Arlington County?

Penalties depend on the specific statute charged, but felony burglary convictions carry years of incarceration and significant collateral consequences. Common-law burglary is a Class 3 felony punishable by five to twenty years in prison. Statutory burglary can be a Class 3 or Class 2 felony depending on whether the offender was armed. Even a Class 6 felony for breaking and entering with intent to commit a misdemeanor exposes a person to one to five years of imprisonment—or, at a jury’s discretion, up to twelve months in jail. Beyond incarceration, a felony conviction can affect employment, housing, and civil rights. Because the range of outcomes is broad, early legal intervention can be critical.

How does a Virginia lawyer defend against burglary charges?

Defense strategies for burglary in Virginia focus on challenging the prosecution’s proof of the elements and identifying procedural weaknesses. A lawyer examines whether the police had the authority to enter the premises, whether the Commonwealth can prove an unlawful entry, and whether the evidence supports the specific intent required by the statute. Even when the evidence is largely uncontested, an experienced criminal defense attorney may be able to negotiate an amendment to a reduced charge—such as trespass—that avoids felony consequences altogether. Additionally, for certain first-offense cases, Delaware Code Title 11 deferred-disposition options may result in dismissal upon successful completion of probation.

What should I do if I am facing a burglary charge in Arlington County?

If you are charged with burglary in Arlington County, immediately invoke your right to remain silent and ask to speak with an attorney. Do not discuss the facts of the case with anyone except your lawyer, including detectives, friends, or family members. Even innocent statements can be misconstrued and used against you later. Contact a criminal defense lawyer who regularly appears in the Arlington County General District Court and Circuit Court so that you have a clear understanding of the charge, the potential penalties, and the trusted strategy for moving forward. The team at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. is available at (888) 437-7747.

Do I need a lawyer for a burglary charge in Arlington County?

You are not required to hire a lawyer, but representing yourself on a felony burglary charge is extremely risky. Felony convictions carry prison time, a permanent criminal record, and loss of rights such as the right to possess a firearm. Even a misdemeanor breaking-and-entering conviction creates a record that follows you. An Arlington County criminal defense attorney who understands the local courts, the prosecutors, and Virginia burglary law can identify issues that may result in a reduced charge or a dismissal—opportunities that a layperson is unlikely to recognize. For a consultation about your specific situation, call Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Arlington County Burglary Defense Resources

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Last reviewed: July 2026

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary.