Robbery Defense Lawyer Fairfax County — Protecting Your Rights
Robbery is a serious felony in Fairfax County, Virginia, defined under Va. Code § 18.2-58 as taking property from another by violence or intimidation. A conviction can result in 5 years to life imprisonment. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for robbery charges, including armed robbery.
Virginia Robbery Law and Penalties
Robbery in Virginia is codified under Va. Code § 18.2-58. The statute defines robbery as the taking, with intent to steal, of the personal property of another, from his person or in his presence, against his will, by violence or intimidation. This is a Class 5 felony, punishable by a term of imprisonment of not less than five years nor more than life. If the robbery is committed with a firearm or other deadly weapon, it is classified as armed robbery under Va. Code § 18.2-58.1, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years, with a maximum of life imprisonment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Virginia’s robbery statutes, refer to the Va. Code § 18.2-58 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures and filings for Fairfax County are handled through the Fairfax County General District Court website.
Local Court Process for Robbery Charges in Fairfax
Robbery charges in Fairfax County begin with an arrest and an initial appearance before a magistrate at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center. For felony robbery, the case starts in Fairfax County General District Court for a preliminary hearing to determine probable cause. If probable cause is found, the case is certified to the Fairfax County Circuit Court for a jury trial. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fairfax County prosecutes these cases aggressively. An experienced robbery defense lawyer Fairfax County can challenge the evidence at the preliminary hearing stage, potentially getting charges reduced or dismissed before a case ever reaches a jury.
- Arrest & Initial Appearance: You will be taken before a magistrate who sets bond conditions.
- Secure Legal Representation: Contact a robbery defense lawyer immediately. Do not speak to investigators without an attorney.
- Preliminary Hearing: Your attorney will challenge the prosecution’s evidence in General District Court.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If certified, you will be formally charged and enter a plea in Circuit Court.
- Discovery & Motions: Your lawyer will review all evidence and file pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Trial or Negotiation: Your attorney will either take the case to a jury trial or negotiate a favorable plea agreement.
Potential Penalties for Robbery in Fairfax County
In Fairfax County, robbery is a Class 5 felony carrying 5 years to life in prison. Armed robbery has a mandatory minimum of 5 years.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robbery (Va. Code § 18.2-58) | Class 5 Felony | 5 years to life | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Permanent felony record, loss of firearm rights, difficulty finding employment/housing. |
| Armed Robbery (Va. Code § 18.2-58.1) | Class 5 Felony | Mandatory min. 5 years to life | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Same as above, with enhanced sentencing under firearm statutes. |
| Attempted Robbery | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months at jury discretion) | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Felony record, though penalties may be less severe than completed robbery. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Robbery 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 track record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand the high stakes of a felony robbery charge and the aggressive tactics of the Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office. Our approach is built on immediate case assessment, thorough investigation, and strategic challenge of the prosecution’s evidence from the earliest stages.
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 in Fairfax County
Our firm has a documented history of achieving favorable outcomes for clients in Fairfax County. In one case involving a felony charge of obtaining money under false pretenses valued over $200, our defense resulted in the charge being reduced to a misdemeanor with a sentence of 180 days, 176 suspended. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Mr. Sris, our managing attorney and former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex felony cases, ensuring every possible defense avenue is explored.
Robbery Defense Lawyer Near Fairfax County
Our Fairfax location at 4008 Williamsburg Court is centrally located to serve clients at the Fairfax County General District Court (4110 Chain Bridge Road). We represent individuals throughout Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and the Falls Church area.
Availability: 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
By appointment only.
FAQs: Robbery Charges in Fairfax County
What is the difference between robbery and armed robbery in Virginia?
Yes, there is a key difference. Robbery under Va. Code § 18.2-58 involves taking property by violence or intimidation. Armed robbery under § 18.2-58.1 involves using a firearm or other deadly weapon during the crime, which triggers a mandatory minimum prison sentence of five years upon conviction.
Can a robbery charge be reduced to a misdemeanor?
It depends on the facts of the case and the strength of the defense. While robbery is a felony, an experienced robbery charge defense lawyer Fairfax County may negotiate a reduction to a lesser offense like petit larceny (a misdemeanor) or assault, depending on the evidence, the defendant’s background, and the victim’s input. This is often a primary goal in plea negotiations.
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 defense lawyer Fairfax County as soon as possible to begin building your defense and protecting your rights during questioning and bail hearings.
What are the defenses to a robbery charge?
Common defenses include mistaken identity, lack of intent to steal, claim of right to the property, duress, and challenging the evidence of violence or intimidation. An armed robbery defense lawyer Fairfax County will also scrutinize police procedures, witness identifications, and the legality of any searches.
How long does a robbery case take in Fairfax County?
A felony robbery case can take several months to over a year. After a preliminary hearing in General District Court, the case moves to Circuit Court. The Speedy Trial Act requires a felony trial within nine months if the defendant is incarcerated, but complex cases often take longer due to motions and discovery.
Internal Resources: If you are facing other serious charges, learn about our Fairfax County criminal defense services. For charges involving weapons, see our page on federal weapon offenses. For a broader view of our practice, visit our Virginia criminal defense hub.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for the most current legal advice regarding your specific situation.