Burglary Defense Lawyer Greene County — What Are Your Legal Options?
A burglary charge in Greene County is a serious felony under Va. Code § 18.2-90, carrying 5 years to life in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for breaking and entering charges in Greene County General District and Circuit Courts. Our burglary defense lawyer Greene County team has documented results defending clients in Stanardsville and Ruckersville.
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 law distinguishes between statutory burglary (Va. Code § 18.2-90) and common law burglary, with the former being the more commonly charged offense. A conviction 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, penalties increase significantly.
Last verified: April 2026 | Greene County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the burglary statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-90 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information for Greene County is available at the Greene County Courts website.
Local Court Process for a Burglary Charge in Greene County
All felony burglary charges begin with an arrest and a bond hearing before a magistrate. The case then proceeds to the Greene County General District Court for a preliminary hearing to determine if there is probable cause to certify the charge to Circuit Court. This is a critical stage where a skilled breaking and entering defense lawyer Greene County can challenge the prosecution’s evidence. If certified, the case moves to Greene County Circuit Court for arraignment, pre-trial motions, and potentially a jury trial.
- Secure Legal Representation Immediately: Contact a burglary defense lawyer Greene County after arrest. Do not speak to investigators without an attorney.
- Attend the Preliminary Hearing: Your attorney will appear with you in Greene County General District Court to challenge the evidence and argue for dismissal or reduction of charges.
- Case Certification: If the judge finds probable cause, the felony burglary charge is certified to Greene County Circuit Court for trial.
- Circuit Court Arraignment & Motions: Your attorney will file pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss the charge based on legal defects.
- Plea Negotiation or Trial: Your lawyer will negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a favorable plea deal or prepare a vigorous jury trial defense.
- Sentencing (if applicable): If convicted, your attorney will advocate for the most lenient sentence possible under Virginia sentencing guidelines.
Potential Penalties for Burglary in Greene County
In Greene County, a burglary conviction under Va. Code § 18.2-90 is a Class 3 felony carrying 5 to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $100,000. Enhanced penalties apply if the defendant was armed.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statutory Burglary (Dwelling) | 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 (Non-dwelling) | Class 6 Felony | 1 – 5 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | Same long-term collateral consequences as any felony. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Burglary Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand the high stakes of a felony burglary charge and provide a focused, strategic defense. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper, giving us unique insight into how the other side builds its cases.
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
Documented Case Results
Our firm has a documented result in Greene County: 1 dismissed/not guilty (100% favorable outcome rate). Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. In other Virginia jurisdictions, our attorneys have successfully defended clients by getting charges reduced from felonies to misdemeanors or obtaining dismissals through motions to suppress evidence.
Our secondary attorney on complex criminal matters is Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems, which provides an advantage in cases involving financial or evidentiary complexity.
Burglary Defense Lawyer Near Greene County, VA
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Greene County courts in Stanardsville. We provide representation for residents of Stanardsville, Ruckersville, and surrounding communities. 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032, United States
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Burglary Charges in Greene County
What is the difference between burglary and breaking and entering in Virginia?
Yes, there is a key difference. Burglary (Va. Code § 18.2-90) requires entering a dwelling at night with intent to commit a felony, larceny, or assault. Breaking and entering (Va. Code § 18.2-91) involves entering a building to commit a misdemeanor, or any non-dwelling building to commit a felony, and carries lesser penalties.
Can a burglary charge be reduced to a misdemeanor?
It depends. A skilled burglary charge defense lawyer Greene County can negotiate with the prosecutor to amend the charge to a lesser offense like trespassing or unlawful entry, which are misdemeanors. Success depends on the evidence, the defendant’s history, and the strength of the defense’s legal arguments.
What are common defenses to a burglary charge?
Common defenses include lack of intent (you entered for a non-criminal purpose), mistaken identity, unlawful search and seizure (suppressing key evidence), and insufficient evidence that the location was a “dwelling.” An attorney will analyze police reports and evidence to identify the best defense strategy.
Do I need a lawyer for a preliminary hearing in Greene County GDC?
Yes. The preliminary hearing is a critical opportunity for your breaking and entering defense lawyer Greene County to cross-examine the prosecution’s witnesses and challenge probable cause. A strong showing here can get the felony charge dismissed before it ever reaches Circuit Court.
What should I do if I am arrested for burglary in Greene County?
Remain silent and ask for an attorney immediately. Do not answer any questions from law enforcement. Contact a burglary defense lawyer Greene County as soon as possible. Your attorney will advise you on the bond process and begin building your defense strategy.
Internal Resources: For more on criminal defense, see our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Fairfax County and with related charges such as DUI in Greene County.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.