Burglary Defense Lawyer in Stafford County, Virginia
A burglary charge in Stafford County is a serious felony under Va. Code § 18.2-89, carrying 5 years to life in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., a burglary defense lawyer Stafford County firm, has 18 documented results in Stafford County. Our former prosecutor and former state troofer attorneys provide a strong defense. Call (888) 437-7747 for a 24/7 consultation.
Last verified: April 2026 | Stafford County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Burglary in Virginia is defined by Va. Code § 18.2-89 as breaking and entering a dwelling house at night with intent to commit a felony, larceny, or assault. This is a Class 3 felony. The related offense of breaking and entering under § 18.2-91 involves entering a dwelling with intent to commit larceny, assault, or other felony, and is a Class 6 felony. Both charges are prosecuted aggressively in Stafford County Circuit Court.
Our firm, founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We have achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
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
Statutory Penalties for Burglary in Stafford County
In Stafford County, burglary (Va. Code § 18.2-89) is a Class 3 felony punishable by 5 to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $100,000. Breaking and entering (§ 18.2-91) is a Class 6 felony with 1 to 5 years, or up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary (Va. Code § 18.2-89) | Class 3 Felony | 5 – 20 years | Up to $100,000 | No direct impact | Permanent felony record, loss of firearm rights, difficulty finding employment/housing. |
| Breaking and Entering (Va. Code § 18.2-91) | Class 6 Felony | 1 – 5 years (or up to 12 months jail) | Up to $2,500 | No direct impact | Permanent felony record, loss of firearm rights. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Court Process for Burglary Charges
Stafford County General District Court handles felony preliminary hearings for burglary. The case will then move to Stafford County Circuit Court for a jury trial. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Stafford County prosecutes these cases. A key procedural fact is that defendants have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any felony offense.
- Arrest & Initial Appearance: You will be taken before a magistrate for a bond hearing. Secured bond is typical for felonies.
- Preliminary Hearing: In Stafford County General District Court, the Commonwealth must show probable cause for the felony charge.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: You will enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest in Stafford County Circuit Court.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney will review all evidence and may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Plea Negotiation or Trial: Most cases are resolved through negotiation. If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge will impose a sentence within the statutory guidelines.
Case Results & Firm Authority
In Stafford County, our attorneys have 18 documented criminal case results: 17 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended, representing a 100% favorable outcome rate for those cases. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Our lead burglary defense lawyer Stafford County, Bryan Block, is a former Virginia State Trooper with deep insight into police investigative techniques. Secondary attorney Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex cases.
Local Service Area & Contact
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Stafford County courts on 1300 Courthouse Road. We provide representation to residents in Stafford, Aquia Harbour, and Brooke. We offer 24/7 phone consultations—call (888) 437-7747—with meetings by appointment only.
Burglary Defense FAQs for Stafford County
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Stafford County, Virginia?
No. Burglary is a felony. A Class 1 misdemeanor in Stafford County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor: up to 6 months/$1,000. Cases are heard at Stafford County General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Stafford County, Virginia?
It depends. Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. Most convictions, including felony burglary convictions, cannot be expunged. The petition is filed in Stafford County Circuit Court.
How does bail work in Stafford County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies like burglary. Bond can be appealed to Stafford County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer for a burglary charge in Stafford County?
Yes. Burglary charges are felonies prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Stafford County Circuit Court. Conviction carries 5-20 years in prison and creates a permanent felony record. Contact a burglary defense lawyer Stafford County at SRIS 24/7 at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Stafford County?
Stafford County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Stafford County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for burglary.
For more information, review the official Virginia burglary statute and the Stafford County General District Court website.
If you are facing charges, act quickly. Our Virginia criminal defense hub has more resources. We also assist with related matters like DUI defense in Stafford County.