Burglary Lawyer in Henrico County, Virginia — What Are Your Defense Options?
A burglary charge in Henrico County is a serious felony under Va. Code § 18.2-90, carrying 5 years to life in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented results in Henrico County: 7 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended. Our burglary lawyer Henrico County team provides 24/7 defense consultations. Call (888) 437-7747.
Virginia Burglary Law and Penalties
Burglary in Virginia is defined in Va. Code § 18.2-90. The statute makes it a felony to enter a dwelling house at night with intent to commit a felony, larceny, or assault. The related offense of statutory burglary (daytime or non-dwelling) is covered under Va. Code § 18.2-91. A conviction can permanently alter your life.
Last verified: April 2026 | Henrico County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our background in accounting and information systems provides a unique advantage in analyzing evidence in property crime cases.
External Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2, Chapter 5 (official Virginia General Assembly) – The full statutory framework for burglary and related offenses.
- Henrico County General District Court – Official court website for case information and procedures.
Local Court Process for a Burglary Charge in Henrico County
In Henrico County, a burglary charge typically begins with an arrest and an initial appearance at the Henrico County General District Court (4301 East Parham Road). The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Henrico County prosecutes these cases aggressively. Given the severe penalties, securing a skilled burglary charge defense lawyer Henrico County is critical from the earliest stage.
- Initial Appearance & Bond Hearing: You will appear before a magistrate or judge. A defense attorney can argue for personal recognizance or a reasonable secured bond.
- Preliminary Hearing: For felony burglary, a hearing in General District Court determines if there is probable cause to send the case to Circuit Court for trial.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If bound over, you will be formally charged in Henrico County Circuit Court and enter a plea.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney will review all evidence, file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, and challenge the prosecution’s case.
- Plea Negotiation or Trial: Most cases are resolved through negotiation. If no agreement is reached, you have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia’s discretionary sentencing guidelines, where mitigation presented by your lawyer is vital.
Potential Penalties for Burglary in Virginia
In Henrico County, burglary is a Class 3 felony carrying 5 years to life in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. Statutory burglary is a Class 6 felony (1-5 years, or up to 12 months and a $2,500 fine at jury discretion).
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary (Va. Code § 18.2-90) | Class 3 Felony | 5 years to life | Up to $100,000 | None directly | Permanent felony record, loss of firearm rights, difficulty finding employment/housing. |
| Statutory Burglary (Va. Code § 18.2-91) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Same as above; possible probation and restitution. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Burglary Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With a combined 120+ years of attorney experience and over 4,739 case results firm-wide, we have the depth to handle complex felony defenses. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to relentless representation. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating a proven ability to engage with and influence state law—a skill that informs our strategic defense approach.
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 Henrico County
Our firm has a documented track record in Henrico County courts. We have secured 8 results for clients: 7 cases were dismissed or found not guilty, and 1 charge was reduced or amended, resulting in a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters. For example, we have successfully defended against charges like reckless driving in excess of 80 mph and passing a school bus, achieving dismissals in Henrico General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our secondary attorney on complex criminal matters is Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a multi-state practice and a background in accounting and information systems that aids in financial evidence analysis.
Local Defense for Henrico County Residents
Our Richmond location serves clients facing charges at the Henrico County courts. We are accessible via I-64, I-95, and I-295. If you are searching for a burglary lawyer near Henrico County or near landmarks like Short Pump Town Center, we are here to help.
We serve the communities of Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, and Mechanicsville (partial).
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359
Richmond, VA 23225
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Henrico County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Henrico County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor: up to 6 months/$1,000. Common charges include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57), petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96), and driving on suspended (§ 46.2-301). Cases are heard at Henrico County General District Court (4301 East Parham Road).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Henrico County, Virginia?
It depends. Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. Most convictions cannot be expunged. The petition is filed in Henrico County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through a deferred disposition program.
How does bail work in Henrico County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Henrico County. Secured bond (a bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies like burglary. Bond decisions can be appealed to the Henrico County General District Court.
Do I need a breaking and entering defense lawyer Henrico County for a burglary charge?
Yes. Burglary is a felony with severe penalties. Charges are prosecuted by the Henrico Commonwealth’s Attorney. A specialized breaking and entering defense lawyer Henrico County can challenge evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and protect your rights at every stage, from the initial bond hearing through trial.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Henrico County?
Henrico County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Henrico County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying jail time, including burglary.
Internal Resources: For more information, see our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Chesterfield County and with related issues such as DUI defense in Henrico.
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 guidance regarding your specific case.