Burglary Lawyer in Loudoun County, Virginia — What Are Your Defense Options?
Burglary in Loudoun County is a serious felony under Va. Code § 18.2-89, carrying up to life imprisonment. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 42 documented results in Loudoun County: 35 dismissed/not guilty, 5 reduced/amended, and 2 other favorable outcomes. A strong defense requires immediate action.
Last verified: April 2026 | Loudoun County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Burglary Law and Penalties
Burglary is defined in Virginia as entering a dwelling house at night with intent to commit a felony, larceny, or assault. The specific statute is Va. Code § 18.2-89. This is a Class 3 felony, punishable by 5 to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $100,000. If armed with a deadly weapon, the charge escalates to statutory burglary while armed (§ 18.2-90), also a felony with severe penalties. The firm, founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, focuses on building strong defenses against these charges.
Official Legal Resources
For the official statute, refer to the Virginia General Assembly website (Va. Code § 18.2-89). Court information and procedures for Loudoun County can be found at the Loudoun County General District Court website.
Local Court Process for Burglary Charges
In Loudoun County, a burglary charge begins with an arrest and an initial appearance at the Loudoun County General District Court for a bond hearing. The case then proceeds to a preliminary hearing in the same court to determine probable cause. If bound over, the felony trial occurs in Loudoun County Circuit Court. Prosecutors from the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office must prove entry, nighttime, and criminal intent beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Secure legal representation immediately after arrest or upon learning of a warrant.
- Attend the bond hearing at Loudoun County General District Court to argue for release.
- Prepare for and attend the preliminary hearing to challenge probable cause.
- If the case proceeds, engage in discovery and file pre-trial motions in Circuit Court.
- Develop a trial strategy focusing on intent, alibi, or evidence suppression.
- Consider all options, including plea negotiations or proceeding to a jury trial.
In Loudoun County, a burglary conviction under Va. Code § 18.2-89 carries a penalty of 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/housing. |
| Statutory Burglary (Armed) (§ 18.2-90) | Felony | 5 years to Life | Up to $100,000 | None | Mandatory minimum sentences apply, enhanced penalties. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Firm Experience and Authority
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. The firm’s combined attorney experience exceeds 120 years, with over 4,739 case results firm-wide and a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to vigorous representation. In Loudoun County, we have a documented record of 42 criminal case results.
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
Documented Case Results in Loudoun County
Our firm has achieved 42 documented results in Loudoun County: 35 cases dismissed or found not guilty, 5 charges reduced or amended, and 2 other favorable outcomes, resulting in a 100% favorable outcome rate for these cases. For example, we secured a nolle prosequi (dismissal) for a client charged with “Fail to Dim Headlights” (Va. Code § 46.2-1034) in Loudoun County General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Burglary Lawyer Near Loudoun County
Our Ashburn location serves clients at the Loudoun County courts (18 East Market Street). We are your local burglary charge defense lawyer near Ashburn, Leesburg, and Sterling. We serve neighborhoods including Ashburn, Leesburg, Sterling, Purcellville, South Riding, Brambleton, Aldie, Hamilton, Lovettsville, Middleburg, and Round Hill.
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
20130 Lakeview Center Plaza Suite 400 Room No 403
Ashburn, VA 20147
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 571-279-0110
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for burglary in Loudoun County, Virginia?
Burglary is a Class 3 felony under Va. Code § 18.2-89, punishable by 5 to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $100,000. If armed, penalties are more severe.
Can a burglary charge be reduced in Loudoun County?
It depends. Prosecutors may consider reducing a charge to unlawful entry or trespass based on evidence weaknesses, the defendant’s background, and the specific facts. An experienced breaking and entering defense lawyer Loudoun County can negotiate based on these factors.
What is the difference between burglary and breaking and entering in Virginia?
Burglary requires entering a dwelling at night with intent to commit a crime. Breaking and entering (§ 18.2-91) involves entering a building to commit larceny or other felony, but not necessarily a dwelling or at night. Both are felonies.
Do I need a lawyer for a burglary charge in Loudoun County?
Yes. Given the potential for life-altering prison time and a permanent felony record, you need a skilled burglary lawyer Loudoun County immediately to protect your rights and build a defense.
What defenses are available against a burglary charge?
Common defenses include lack of intent, mistaken identity, alibi, unlawful search and seizure, or challenging the evidence that the structure was a “dwelling.” A burglary charge defense lawyer Loudoun County can evaluate the best strategy for your case.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.