Burglary Defense Lawyer in Bedford County, Virginia — What Are Your Options?
Burglary in Bedford County is a serious felony under Va. Code § 18.2-89, carrying up to life imprisonment. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented results defending burglary charges in Bedford County courts. A skilled burglary defense lawyer Bedford County can challenge evidence, question intent, and work to reduce or dismiss charges. Contact us 24/7 for a case review.
Last verified: April 2026 | Bedford County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Burglary Law and Penalties
Burglary in Virginia is defined in Va. Code § 18.2-89. The statute makes it a felony to enter a dwelling house at night with intent to commit a felony, larceny, or assault. A related charge, breaking and entering, is covered under Va. Code § 18.2-91 for entering a building with similar intent. The key element prosecutors must prove is your intent at the moment of entry. Defenses often focus on lack of intent, mistaken identity, or unlawful search and seizure.
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm understands how these charges are constructed. We analyze every detail, from police reports to witness statements, to build a strong defense.
Bedford County Court Process for Burglary Charges
Burglary cases in Bedford County begin with an arrest and bond hearing before a magistrate. The case then proceeds to Bedford County General District Court for a preliminary hearing to determine if there is probable cause. If bound over, the felony trial occurs in Bedford County Circuit Court, where you have the right to a jury.
- Arrest & Initial Appearance: You will be taken before a magistrate for a bond hearing. Secured bond is common for felony burglary.
- Preliminary Hearing: In Bedford County General District Court, the Commonwealth must show probable cause. Your attorney can cross-examine witnesses.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If bound over, you will be formally charged and enter a plea in Bedford County Circuit Court.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney will review all evidence and may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Plea Negotiation or Trial: Most cases are resolved through negotiation. If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia’s discretionary sentencing guidelines.
Potential Penalties for Burglary in Virginia
In Bedford County, burglary is a Class 3 felony punishable by 5 to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $100,000. If armed or causing bodily injury, penalties increase.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary (Va. Code § 18.2-89) | Class 3 Felony | 5 – 20 years | Up to $100,000 | Permanent felony record, loss of firearm rights, difficulty finding employment/housing. |
| Burglary while Armed | Class 2 Felony | 20 years to life | Up to $100,000 | Mandatory minimum sentences apply. |
| Breaking and Entering (Va. Code § 18.2-91) | Class 6 Felony | 1 – 5 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | Often charged alongside burglary; can be a lesser-included offense. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Burglary Defense Lawyers
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have a combined 120+ years of legal experience and a track record of over firm-wide 4,739 case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We bring a former prosecutor’s insight and a former trooper’s investigative knowledge to every burglary defense.
Of Counsel attorney Bryan Block, a former Virginia State Trooper with 15 years of law enforcement experience, provides a unique advantage. He understands how police build burglary cases and can identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence from the inside out.
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 Bedford County
Our firm has secured favorable outcomes for clients facing serious charges in Bedford County. In one case, a charge was taken under advisement and dismissed upon completion of community service. In another, we successfully argued for bond in a complex matter.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Shenandoah/Woodstock Location
505 N Main St #103, Woodstock, VA 22664, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients at Bedford County courts. We represent individuals in Bedford, Forest, Smith Mountain Lake, and Moneta. If you need a burglary defense lawyer near Bedford County, contact us for a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions: Burglary Defense in Bedford County
What is the difference between burglary and breaking and entering in Virginia?
Yes, there is a key difference. Burglary (Va. Code § 18.2-89) requires entering a dwelling house at night with criminal intent. Breaking and entering (Va. Code § 18.2-91) involves entering any building (day or night) with similar intent. A breaking and entering defense lawyer Bedford County can explain how this distinction affects your case strategy and potential penalties.
Can a burglary charge be reduced to a misdemeanor?
It depends. While burglary is a felony, a skilled burglary charge defense lawyer Bedford County may negotiate a reduction to a lesser offense like trespassing or unlawful entry, depending on the evidence, your history, and the specifics of the alleged act. This is a common goal in plea negotiations.
What are common defenses to a burglary charge?
Common defenses include lack of intent (you entered for a non-criminal purpose), mistaken identity, alibi, consent to enter, and challenging the legality of the search that found evidence. An attorney will examine all police procedures for constitutional violations.
How long does a burglary case take in Bedford County?
A felony burglary case can take 6 months to over a year. The preliminary hearing in General District Court is typically within a few months of arrest. The Circuit Court trial timeline depends on case complexity, evidence, and court scheduling.
Should I talk to the police if I’m suspected of burglary?
No. You have the right to remain silent. Politely decline to answer questions and request an attorney immediately. Anything you say can be used to establish intent, a critical element of the burglary charge.
Related Pages: For other legal issues, see our Virginia Criminal Defense hub, or learn about DUI defense in Bedford County. For similar charges in a nearby area, consult a criminal defense lawyer in Shenandoah County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.