Burglary Defense Lawyer in Manassas, Virginia — What Are Your Options?
A burglary charge in Manassas is a serious felony under Va. Code § 18.2-89, punishable by 5 years to life in prison. A burglary defense lawyer Manassas from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides critical defense at Manassas General District Court and Circuit Court.
Virginia Burglary Law and Penalties
Last verified: April 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
In Virginia, burglary is defined by statute as entering a dwelling house at night with intent to commit a felony, larceny, or assault. The specific law is Va. Code § 18.2-89. This is a Class 3 felony. If the perpetrator is armed with a deadly weapon, the charge becomes statutory burglary while armed under § 18.2-90, a more serious offense. The firm was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems that aids in complex financial case analysis.
Official Legal Resources
For the official Virginia statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-89 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information for Manassas cases can be found at the Manassas General District Court website.
Manassas Court Process for Burglary Charges
Burglary cases in Manassas begin with an arrest and bond hearing before a magistrate. The case then proceeds to Manassas General District Court for a preliminary hearing to determine probable cause. If bound over, the felony trial occurs in Manassas Circuit Court. Prosecutors from the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office must prove entry, nighttime, and criminal intent beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Arrest & Initial Appearance: You will be taken before a magistrate for a bond hearing. An attorney can argue for personal recognizance or lower secured bond.
- Preliminary Hearing: At Manassas General District Court, the prosecution must show probable cause. Your lawyer can cross-examine witnesses and potentially get charges reduced or dismissed.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If bound over, you will be formally charged in Manassas Circuit Court and enter a plea.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence and obtains all police reports, witness statements, and forensic evidence.
- Plea Negotiation or Trial: Based on the evidence, your lawyer negotiates with the prosecutor for a favorable plea or prepares for a jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, your attorney presents mitigating evidence to argue for the most lenient sentence possible under the law.
Potential Penalties for Burglary in Manassas
In Manassas, burglary under Va. Code § 18.2-89 is a Class 3 felony carrying 5 years to life 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 years to life | Up to $100,000 | None directly | Permanent felony record, loss of firearm rights, difficulty finding employment/housing |
| Statutory Burglary (Armed) (§ 18.2-90) | Class 2 Felony | 20 years to life | Up to $100,000 | None directly | Mandatory minimum sentences apply, enhanced penalties |
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. Our combined attorney experience exceeds 120 years. We have a documented track record of 4,739+ case results with a favorable outcome rate over 93%. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep involvement in Virginia law.
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 and Client Advocacy
SRIS actively practices in Manassas courts. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. These results include charges being dismissed, reduced, or clients being found not guilty. 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 multi-state bar admissions who personally amended a key Virginia statute.
Burglary Defense Lawyer Near Manassas, VA
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Manassas courts (9311 Lee Avenue), accessible via I-66 and Route 28. If you need a burglary defense lawyer near Manassas or near the Manassas National Battlefield Park, we are here to help. We serve the Manassas community. 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 Defense in Manassas
What is the penalty for burglary in Manassas, Virginia?
Burglary under Va. Code § 18.2-89 is a Class 3 felony punishable by 5 years to life in prison and a fine up to $100,000. If armed, it becomes a Class 2 felony with 20 years to life.
Can a breaking and entering defense lawyer Manassas get charges reduced?
It depends. A skilled breaking and entering defense lawyer Manassas can negotiate with prosecutors to reduce a felony burglary charge to a misdemeanor like trespassing or unlawful entry if the evidence of intent is weak, potentially avoiding prison time.
Do I need a burglary charge defense lawyer Manassas for a first offense?
Yes. Burglary is a felony with severe penalties, even for first-time offenders. A burglary charge defense lawyer Manassas is essential to protect your rights and build a defense from the start.
What’s 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 under § 18.2-91 involves entering a building to commit larceny or other felony, but not necessarily a dwelling or at night, and often carries lesser penalties.
How does bail work for a burglary arrest in Manassas?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. For felonies like burglary, a secured bond requiring a bail bondsman (typically 10% fee) is common. An attorney can argue for a lower bond amount at a hearing in Manassas General District Court.
Internal Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Fairfax County and Prince William County. If you have related legal needs in Manassas, consider our services for DUI defense or family law. Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher or our Fairfax location.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
