Burglary Defense Lawyer in Manassas, Virginia — What Are Your Options?
Burglary in Manassas is a serious felony under Va. Code § 18.2-89, punishable by up to life imprisonment. A burglary defense lawyer Manassas from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides critical defense at Manassas General District Court and Circuit Court. With firm-wide experience in over 4,739 criminal cases, our team builds strong defenses against breaking and entering charges.
Virginia Burglary Law and Penalties
Burglary in Virginia is defined by statute as entering a dwelling house at night with intent to commit a felony, larceny, or assault. The specific law is Va. Code § 18.2-89. This is a Class 3 felony, carrying a potential sentence of 5 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. If the accused was armed with a deadly weapon, the charge escalates to statutory burglary while armed under § 18.2-90, also a felony with severe penalties. The related offense of breaking and entering under § 18.2-91 involves entering a building with intent to commit larceny, assault, or other felony, and is a Class 6 felony (1-5 years, or up to 12 months in jail).
Last verified: April 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. His background in accounting and information systems provides a unique advantage in cases involving financial evidence or digital trails.
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2, Chapter 5 (official Virginia General Assembly) – Contains the full burglary and breaking and entering statutes.
- Manassas General District Court website – Provides court location, hours, and procedural information.
Manassas Court Process for Burglary Charges
In Manassas, burglary cases begin with an arrest and an initial appearance at the Manassas General District Court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for the 31st Judicial District prosecutes these cases. A key local procedural fact is that while felony preliminary hearings are held in General District Court, the actual felony trial for burglary occurs in the Manassas Circuit Court, where defendants have an absolute right to a jury trial. For a breaking and entering defense lawyer Manassas, challenging the prosecution’s evidence of intent and unlawful entry at the earliest stage is often critical.
- Initial Appearance & Bond Hearing: You will be brought before a magistrate or judge at the Manassas General District Court shortly after arrest to hear the charges and determine bond conditions.
- Preliminary Hearing: For felony burglary, a hearing is held in General District Court to determine if there is probable cause to send the case to Circuit Court for trial.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If bound over, you will be formally arraigned on the indictment in Manassas Circuit Court and enter a plea.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney will file motions to suppress evidence, challenge the indictment, and obtain all discovery from the prosecution.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: The case proceeds to a jury trial in Circuit Court or may be resolved through a negotiated plea agreement to a lesser charge.
- Sentencing: If convicted, a separate sentencing hearing will be held where the judge imposes punishment within the statutory range.
Potential Penalties for Burglary in Manassas
In Manassas, burglary (Va. Code § 18.2-89) is a Class 3 felony carrying 5 to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $100,000. Statutory burglary while armed (§ 18.2-90) has the same penalty range.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary (§ 18.2-89) | Class 3 Felony | 5 – 20 years | Up to $100,000 | None directly | Permanent felony record, loss of firearm rights, difficulty finding employment/housing. |
| Statutory Burglary (Armed) (§ 18.2-90) | Class 3 Felony | 5 – 20 years | Up to $100,000 | None directly | Same as above, with potential mandatory minimums if firearm used. |
| Breaking & Entering (§ 18.2-91) | Class 6 Felony | 1 – 5 years (or up to 12 months jail) | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Felony record, collateral consequences. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Burglary Defense
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to vigorous defense. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating a deep understanding of Virginia law and legislative process. This experience is invaluable when building a defense strategy against complex felony 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 and Client Outcomes
While specific local results are confidential, SRIS actively practices in Manassas courts. Firm-wide, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled over 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. These results include cases where charges were dismissed, reduced, or resulted in acquittals. For instance, our team has successfully defended against charges by challenging the element of intent, proving lawful presence, or negotiating reductions from felony burglary to misdemeanor trespass.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our secondary attorney on complex criminal matters is Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a multi-state practice and a background in accounting that aids in financial evidence analysis.
Burglary Defense Lawyer Near Manassas, VA
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Manassas courts (9311 Lee Avenue) and is accessible via I-66, Route 28, and Route 234. If you are searching for a “burglary defense lawyer near Manassas” or near the Manassas National Battlefield Park, we are here to help. We serve the Manassas community. 24/7 phone consultations are available — meetings are by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Burglary Charges in Manassas
What is the difference between burglary and breaking and entering in Virginia?
Yes, there is a key difference. Burglary under Va. Code § 18.2-89 requires entering a dwelling house at night with intent to commit a felony, larceny, or assault. Breaking and entering under § 18.2-91 involves entering any building (not necessarily a dwelling) at any time with the same criminal intent. The penalties and defenses differ, making consultation with a burglary charge defense lawyer Manassas essential.
Can a burglary charge be reduced to a misdemeanor?
It depends on the evidence, your criminal history, and the prosecution’s case. While burglary is always a felony, a skilled burglary defense lawyer Manassas may negotiate a reduction to a misdemeanor like trespassing or unlawful entry if the evidence for intent or the “dwelling” element is weak. This is a common defense strategy to avoid a felony conviction.
What are common defenses to a burglary charge?
Common defenses include lack of intent to commit a crime, mistaken identity, lawful right to be in the building, insufficient evidence, and violations of your constitutional rights during the investigation or arrest. A breaking and entering defense lawyer Manassas will investigate all angles, including police procedure and witness credibility.
How long does a burglary case take in Manassas?
A felony burglary case can take several months to over a year. The preliminary hearing in Manassas General District Court typically occurs within a few months of arrest. If bound over, the trial in Manassas Circuit Court may be scheduled 3-9 months later. Complex cases or those involving extensive evidence may take longer.
Do I need a lawyer for a burglary charge?
Yes. Burglary is a serious felony with life-altering consequences, including lengthy prison sentences. The legal process is complex, involving two different courts (General District and Circuit). Prosecutors are experienced. A burglary defense lawyer Manassas protects your rights, challenges evidence, and works toward the best possible outcome.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing burglary charges, you may also want to learn about Virginia criminal defense. For representation in nearby areas, consider our Fairfax criminal defense lawyer or Prince William County criminal defense lawyer. For other legal needs in Manassas, we also handle DUI defense and family law matters.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.