Robbery Defense Lawyer Arlington County — Protecting Your Rights Against Serious Charges
Robbery is a serious felony in Virginia, prosecuted aggressively in Arlington County. A conviction can lead to decades in prison and a permanent felony record. If you are facing a robbery charge, securing an experienced robbery defense lawyer Arlington County is critical. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented results defending clients in Arlington County General District and Circuit Courts.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Robbery Law and Penalties
Robbery in Virginia is defined under Va. Code § 18.2-58. The statute states that any person who commits robbery by violence or intimidation is guilty of a felony. The core of the offense is the taking of property from another person through force or threat of force. This differs from larceny, which involves theft without force. An armed robbery defense lawyer Arlington County is essential because the use of a firearm or other weapon elevates the charge to robbery by partial strangulation, suffocation, or striking (§ 18.2-58.1), carrying even more severe penalties.
Robbery is classified as a felony in Virginia. The specific penalties depend on the circumstances:
In Arlington County, a robbery conviction carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years in prison, with a maximum of life imprisonment.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robbery (Va. Code § 18.2-58) | Felony | 5 years to life | Up to $100,000 | Permanent felony record, loss of firearm rights, difficulty finding employment/housing. |
| Robbery with a Firearm (§ 18.2-53.1) | Felony | Mandatory minimum 3 years for firearm use, consecutive to robbery sentence. | Court discretion | Enhanced penalties under Virginia’s firearm statutes. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
- Initial Arrest & Bond Hearing: After arrest, you will appear before a magistrate. For felony robbery, a secured bond is likely. A lawyer can argue for a reasonable bond amount or pre-trial release conditions.
- Preliminary Hearing: Held in Arlington County General District Court. The prosecution must show probable cause that a robbery occurred and that you committed it. This is a key opportunity to cross-examine witnesses and weaken the case.
- Grand Jury Indictment: For a felony robbery case to proceed to Circuit Court, a grand jury must issue a true bill of indictment. Your attorney cannot be present, but can advise you beforehand.
- Arraignment in Circuit Court: You will formally hear the charges and enter a plea (not guilty, guilty, or no contest). Your robbery charge defense lawyer Arlington County will enter a not-guilty plea to begin building your defense.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney will file motions to suppress evidence, challenge identifications, or dismiss charges. Full discovery of the prosecution’s evidence is obtained and analyzed.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: Most cases are resolved through negotiation. An experienced lawyer can argue for a reduction to a lesser charge (like larceny) or favorable plea terms. If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a jury trial in Arlington County Circuit Court.
Why Choose Our Arlington County Robbery Defense Team
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 that a robbery charge can upend your life. Our approach is direct and focused on the details of your case—challenging witness identification, examining the evidence for lack of force or intimidation, and negotiating aggressively with prosecutors. Mr. Sris personally maintains a selective caseload to ensure deep involvement in complex defenses.
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
In Arlington County, our team has secured favorable outcomes in criminal cases. For example, we have achieved dismissals (nolle prosequi) for charges including property destruction and fare evasion in Arlington County General District Court. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. A secondary attorney on our team, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor and firm founder with a background in accounting, providing a unique advantage in cases involving financial allegations or complex evidence.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our Arlington location serves clients at the Arlington County courts. We represent individuals in neighborhoods including Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. If you need a robbery lawyer near Arlington County, we are accessible for consultations.
Robbery Defense FAQs for Arlington County
What is the difference between robbery and armed robbery in Virginia?
Yes, there is a major difference. Robbery under Va. Code § 18.2-58 involves taking property by violence or intimidation. Armed robbery specifically involves using a firearm or other weapon during the crime, which triggers additional mandatory minimum prison sentences under § 18.2-53.1. An armed robbery defense lawyer Arlington County is vital to address these enhanced penalties.
Can a robbery charge be reduced to a misdemeanor in Arlington County?
It depends. While robbery itself is a felony, a skilled robbery charge defense lawyer Arlington County may negotiate a reduction to a misdemeanor larceny or assault charge if the evidence for violence or intimidation is weak. This depends on the facts, your history, and the prosecution’s case strength.
What are the defenses to a robbery charge?
Common defenses include mistaken identity, lack of intent to steal, absence of force or intimidation (arguing it was merely a theft), alibi, and challenging the legality of evidence collection (search and seizure). An attorney will analyze police reports, witness statements, and video evidence to build your defense.
How long does a robbery case take in Arlington County?
A felony robbery case can take several months to over a year. The preliminary hearing is typically within a few months of arrest. If indicted, the case moves to Arlington County Circuit Court, where pre-trial motions and negotiations can extend the timeline. Virginia’s speedy trial rules require a felony trial within 9 months if you are incarcerated.
Should I talk to the police if I’m suspected of robbery?
No. You have the right to remain silent. Politely decline to answer questions and immediately request a lawyer. Anything you say can be used against you. Contact a robbery defense lawyer Arlington County before speaking with investigators.
For more information on court procedures, visit the Arlington County General District Court website.
If you are facing related charges, you may also need a DUI lawyer in Arlington or a criminal defense lawyer in Alexandria. For a broader overview, see our Virginia criminal defense hub.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for current guidance.