Robbery Lawyer Virginia — Defending Against Serious Felony Charges
Robbery in Virginia is a serious felony under Va. Code § 18.2-58, punishable by 5 years to life in prison. A conviction creates a permanent violent felony record. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for robbery charges. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper. We offer 24/7 consultations.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia General Assembly | Va. Code § 18.2-58
Virginia Robbery Law and Penalties
Robbery is defined in Virginia as the taking of personal property from another person, or from their immediate presence, against their will, by violence or intimidation. The core statute is Va. Code § 18.2-58. This is distinct from larceny due to the element of force or fear. An armed robbery defense lawyer Virginia must also address the separate, more severe charge under Va. Code § 18.2-53.1 if a firearm or other weapon is used or displayed. The penalties are severe and escalate based on the circumstances.
In Virginia, robbery is a felony punishable by a mandatory minimum of 5 years and up to life imprisonment.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robbery | Felony | 5 years to life | Up to $100,000 | Permanent violent felony record; loss of firearm rights; difficulty finding employment/housing. |
| Robbery with a Firearm (Va. Code § 18.2-53.1) | Felony | Mandatory minimum 3 years consecutive to robbery sentence. | Court discretion | Mandatory consecutive sentence; enhanced penalties. |
| Attempted Robbery | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $100,000 | Same long-term consequences as a completed robbery. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Defense Approach for Robbery Charges
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our founding attorney, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor who understands how the Commonwealth builds its cases. For a robbery charge defense lawyer Virginia, this insight is critical. We examine every detail: witness identification reliability, the validity of the alleged threat or use of force, and the chain of evidence. We challenge the prosecution to prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt.
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 and Firm Experience
While every case is unique, our firm-wide record across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and DC includes over 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. For instance, our team has successfully defended clients by getting charges reduced from felonies to misdemeanors or obtaining dismissals based on procedural errors or lack of evidence. Mr. Sris, our managing attorney, provides strategic oversight on complex cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
- Initial Consultation & Case Review: Contact us immediately after an arrest or charge. We review the arrest warrant, statements, and known evidence.
- Investigation & Evidence Gathering: We conduct our own investigation, which may include visiting the alleged scene, interviewing potential witnesses, and reviewing surveillance footage.
- Pre-Trial Motions: We file motions to suppress evidence obtained illegally or challenge improper identification procedures.
- Negotiation & Strategy: Based on the evidence, we engage with prosecutors to seek a reduction or dismissal of charges when appropriate.
- Trial Preparation: If a plea agreement is not in your best interest, we prepare a vigorous defense for trial, including selecting a jury and preparing witnesses.
- Post-Trial & Appeals: We advise on all post-conviction options, including appeals, if necessary.
Virginia Robbery Defense Lawyer Near You
If you are searching for a “robbery lawyer near me” in Virginia, our primary Fairfax location is centrally located to serve Northern Virginia and beyond. We represent clients in courts across the state. Our Fairfax office is easily accessible via major highways including I-66, I-495 (Capital Beltway), and Route 50. We serve communities throughout Fairfax County, Arlington, Loudoun, Prince William, and surrounding areas.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
Phones answered 24/7/365. In-person meetings by appointment only.
Virginia Robbery Lawyer FAQ
What is the difference between robbery and armed robbery in Virginia?
Robbery involves taking property by force or intimidation. Armed robbery is a separate charge under Va. Code § 18.2-53.1 that applies if a firearm or other weapon is used, displayed, or threatened to be used during the crime. It carries a mandatory minimum 3-year prison sentence that must run consecutively to the sentence for the underlying robbery.
Can a robbery charge be reduced to a misdemeanor in Virginia?
It depends on the facts, the strength of the evidence, and your prior record. While robbery itself is a felony, a skilled robbery charge defense lawyer Virginia may negotiate a reduction to a lesser offense like petit larceny (a misdemeanor) or assault, depending on the circumstances. This is often a primary goal in defense negotiations.
What are the defenses to a robbery charge?
Common defenses include mistaken identity, lack of intent to steal, claim of right to the property, alibi, and challenging the sufficiency of the evidence for force or intimidation. An armed robbery defense lawyer Virginia would also challenge whether a weapon was actually used or displayed as alleged.
How long does a robbery case take in Virginia?
A robbery case can take several months to over a year. Misdemeanor trials in General District Court typically occur within 2-3 months. Felony robbery cases start with a preliminary hearing in General District Court and then move to Circuit Court, where the process is longer, often taking 6-12 months or more to reach trial.
Where can I find the official Virginia robbery statute?
The official Virginia robbery statute, Va. Code § 18.2-58, is published by the Virginia General Assembly. You can view it online at the Virginia Law website. For court-specific procedures, refer to the Virginia Courts website.
Related Pages: Virginia Criminal Lawyer | Criminal Defense Lawyer Fairfax, VA | Reckless Driving Lawyer Fairfax, VA
