Robbery Lawyer Alexandria — What Are Your Defense Options?
Robbery in Alexandria is a serious felony under Va. Code § 18.2-58, punishable by 5 years to life in prison. If you are facing a robbery charge, you need an experienced robbery lawyer Alexandria immediately. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has a documented record of defending clients in Alexandria General District and Circuit Courts.
Last verified: April 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Robbery Law and Penalties
Robbery is defined in Virginia as the taking of personal property from another person, or from their immediate presence, against their will, by violence or intimidation. The core statute is Va. Code § 18.2-58. This is a Class 5 felony, carrying a potential prison sentence of 5 years to life. If the robbery is committed with a firearm or other deadly weapon, it becomes armed robbery under Va. Code § 18.2-58, which is a Class 3 felony with a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years, and a maximum of life imprisonment. The severity of these charges makes consulting a robbery charge defense lawyer Alexandria a critical first step.
In Alexandria, a robbery conviction carries a mandatory prison sentence of 5 years to life, with even harsher penalties for armed robbery.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robbery | Class 5 Felony | 5 years to life | Up to $100,000 | Permanent felony record, loss of firearm rights, difficulty finding employment/housing. |
| Armed Robbery | Class 3 Felony | Mandatory min. 5 years, up to life | Up to $100,000 | All of the above, plus mandatory active prison time. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Defending Robbery Charges in Alexandria Courts
An effective defense requires a deep understanding of Alexandria court procedures. All robbery cases begin with an arrest and an initial appearance at the Alexandria General District Court for a bond hearing and a preliminary hearing. The case will then be certified to the Alexandria Circuit Court for a felony jury trial. The Commonwealth’s Attorney must prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt: the taking, the use of force or intimidation, and the intent to permanently deprive.
- Initial Arrest & Bond Hearing: You will be taken before a magistrate. A lawyer can argue for a reasonable bond or personal recognizance release.
- Preliminary Hearing: Held in Alexandria General District Court. The prosecution must show probable cause that a robbery occurred and that you committed it. This is a key opportunity to challenge the evidence.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: After certification, you will be formally charged in Circuit Court and enter a plea of not guilty.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney will obtain all evidence, file motions to suppress unreliable identifications or illegally obtained evidence, and negotiate with the prosecutor.
- Trial or Resolution: The case will proceed to a jury trial or may be resolved through a plea agreement to a lesser charge, depending on the strength of the defense.
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 & Firm Authority
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience, the firm has handled firm-wide 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. While every case is unique, our approach is grounded in aggressive investigation and strategic negotiation. For robbery charges, this often involves working with former prosecutor Kristen Fisher to dissect the prosecution’s evidence from the inside out.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Robbery Lawyer Near Alexandria, VA
Our Arlington location serves clients facing charges at the Alexandria courts. We represent individuals in Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne. Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719
Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between robbery and armed robbery in Virginia?
The key difference is the use of a weapon. Robbery (Va. Code § 18.2-58) involves force or intimidation. Armed robbery involves displaying, using, or threatening to use a firearm or other deadly weapon during the act, which triggers much harsher mandatory minimum sentences.
Can a robbery charge be reduced in Alexandria?
It depends on the evidence. An experienced robbery charge defense lawyer Alexandria may negotiate a reduction to a lesser charge like grand larceny or assault, which carry lower penalties. Success depends on factors like the strength of the identification evidence, the defendant’s background, and the specific facts of the case.
What should I do if I am arrested for robbery?
Remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your attorney. Contact a robbery lawyer Alexandria as soon as possible to begin building your defense and protecting your rights during the critical early stages.
How long does a robbery case take in Alexandria?
A typical felony robbery case in Alexandria can take 6 months to over a year from arrest to resolution. The Speedy Trial Act in Virginia requires a felony trial within 9 months if the defendant is incarcerated, but complex cases often take longer due to motions, discovery, and court scheduling.
Why do I need a specific armed robbery defense lawyer Alexandria?
Armed robbery charges carry mandatory prison time and are prosecuted aggressively. A lawyer who specializes in this area understands the nuances of the law, the sentencing guidelines, and the local Alexandria prosecutors’ strategies, which is essential for mounting the strongest possible defense.
Related Pages: For other serious charges, see our Arlington criminal defense lawyer and Alexandria DUI lawyer pages. Learn more about our firm on our Virginia criminal defense hub.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.