Burglary Lawyer Manassas Park — What Are Your Defense Options?
Burglary in Manassas Park is a serious felony under Va. Code § 18.2-89, punishable by up to life imprisonment. A burglary lawyer Manassas Park from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can build a defense strategy based on the specific facts of your case. Our firm has documented case results in this jurisdiction. Contact us 24/7 for a consultation by appointment.
Virginia Burglary Law and Penalties
Burglary in Virginia is defined as entering a dwelling house at night with intent to commit a felony, larceny, or assault, or breaking and entering a dwelling house in the daytime with such intent. The statute, Va. Code § 18.2-89, classifies this as a Class 3 felony. Conviction carries a potential sentence of 5 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. If the offender is armed with a deadly weapon, the charge escalates to statutory burglary while armed under § 18.2-90, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence.
Last verified: April 2026 | Manassas Park General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the burglary statute, refer to the Virginia Code § 18.2-89. Court information for Manassas Park cases can be found on the Manassas Park General District Court website.
Defending a Burglary Charge in Manassas Park
Prosecutors in the Thirty-first Judicial District must prove every element of burglary beyond a reasonable doubt. A common defense challenges the intent element—proving you intended to commit a crime inside. Another defense may involve mistaken identity or lack of evidence linking you to the scene. The procedural path for a felony burglary charge begins with a preliminary hearing at the Manassas Park General District Court to determine probable cause.
- Arraignment & Bond Hearing: Your first court date at Manassas Park GDC (9311 Lee Avenue) where charges are formally read and bond conditions are set.
- Preliminary Hearing: The prosecution presents evidence to show probable cause that a burglary occurred and you committed it. Your attorney can cross-examine witnesses.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If the case is certified, it moves to Manassas Park Circuit Court for formal indictment and plea entry.
- Discovery & Motions: Your defense attorney obtains all evidence, files pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges, and negotiates with prosecutors.
- Trial or Plea: The case proceeds to a jury trial in Circuit Court or is resolved through a negotiated plea agreement, potentially to a lesser charge.
Potential Penalties for Burglary
In Manassas Park, burglary is a Class 3 felony carrying 5 to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $100,000. If a deadly weapon is involved, mandatory minimum sentences apply.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary (Va. Code § 18.2-89) | Class 3 Felony | 5 – 20 years | Up to $100,000 | Permanent felony record, loss of firearm rights, difficulty finding employment/housing. |
| Statutory Burglary (Armed) | Class 2 Felony | Mandatory minimum; 20 years to life | Up to $100,000 | All of the above, plus enhanced sentencing under Virginia’s sentencing guidelines. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper, providing combined insight into both sides of a criminal case. We focus on a detailed, case-specific approach for every client.
Kristen M. Fisher, Of Counsel (Former Prosecutor)
Kristen Fisher is a former Assistant State’s Attorney in Maryland who now focuses on criminal defense in Virginia and Maryland. Admitted to the Virginia and Maryland State Bars, she uses her prosecutorial experience to build strong defenses for clients facing serious charges like burglary. Her practice is 75% litigation-based.
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 Manassas Park and surrounding jurisdictions, our firm’s approach to building a defense involves meticulous review of police reports, witness statements, and physical evidence. For a breaking and entering defense lawyer Manassas Park clients can consult, our team analyzes the prosecution’s case for weaknesses in proof of intent or identity. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems, provides strategic oversight on complex cases. His multi-state practice and experience amending Virginia law bring a high level of authority to our defense strategies.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Burglary Defense Lawyer Near Manassas Park, VA
Our Fairfax location serves clients in Manassas Park and is accessible via Route 28 and I-66. We provide representation for those needing a burglary lawyer near the Manassas Park Community Center and Signal Hill Park areas.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Burglary Defense FAQs in Manassas Park
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Manassas Park, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Manassas Park 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 heard at Manassas Park General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110). 3 total documented case results across all practice areas (100% favorable outcome rate)
Can criminal charges be expunged in Manassas Park, Virginia?
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 Manassas Park Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 3 total documented case results across all practice areas (100% favorable outcome rate)
How does bail work in Manassas Park, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Manassas Park. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Manassas Park General District Court. Bond amount set by magistrate at arrest — personal recognizance for many first-offense misdemeanors; secured bond typical for felonies (bail bondsman charges approximately 10%); public defender eligibility based on income; court-appointed attorney fee: $120 (misdemeanor) to $445+ (felony)
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Manassas Park, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Manassas Park are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Manassas Park General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 3 total documented case results across all practice areas (100% favorable outcome rate) Contact SRIS 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a Consultation by appointment.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Manassas Park?
Manassas Park General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Manassas Park 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. Manassas Park General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110) is the GDC location.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing a burglary charge, you may also want to learn about Virginia criminal defense. For representation in nearby areas, consider a criminal defense lawyer in Prince William County. For other legal needs in Manassas Park, our firm also handles DUI defense.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.