Burglary Lawyer King William County — Defending Against Breaking and Entering Charges
A burglary charge in King William County is a serious felony under Va. Code § 18.2-89, carrying 5 years to life in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for breaking and entering charges. Our burglary lawyer King William County team has documented results in the local courts. Contact us 24/7 for a consultation by appointment.
Virginia Burglary Law and Penalties
In Virginia, burglary is defined as entering a dwelling house at night with intent to commit a felony, larceny, or assault, or while armed with a deadly weapon. The statute, Va. Code § 18.2-89, classifies it as a felony. A conviction can result in a prison sentence of five years to life. If the perpetrator is armed with a deadly weapon, the mandatory minimum sentence is higher. The charge is prosecuted in King William County Circuit Court after a preliminary hearing in the General District Court.
Last verified: April 2026 | King William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, refer to the Va. Code § 18.2-89 (official Virginia General Assembly website). Court procedures and filings are handled through the King William County General District Court website.
Local Defense Strategy in King William County
Defending a burglary charge requires challenging the prosecution’s evidence on intent and entry. In King William County courts, we examine police reports for Fourth Amendment violations, question witness identification, and scrutinize forensic evidence. A common defense is arguing a lack of intent to commit a crime at the time of entry.
- Initial Arraignment: You will be formally charged at King William County General District Court (351 Courthouse Lane).
- Preliminary Hearing: The court determines if there is probable cause to send the felony charge to Circuit Court.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If bound over, you will be arraigned in King William County Circuit Court.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney will review all evidence and file pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Plea Negotiation or Trial: Your attorney will negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a reduction or proceed to a jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing occurs in Circuit Court, considering Virginia sentencing guidelines.
Potential Penalties for Burglary in King William County
In King William County, burglary under Va. Code § 18.2-89 is a felony punishable by 5 years to life in prison, with higher penalties if armed.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary (Unarmed) | Felony | 5 years – Life | Up to $100,000 | Permanent felony record, loss of firearm rights, difficulty finding employment/housing. |
| Burglary (Armed with Deadly Weapon) | Felony | Mandatory minimum sentence applies; 5 years – Life | Up to $100,000 | All of the above, plus enhanced sentencing under Va. Code § 18.2-10. |
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 attorneys bring a combined 120+ years of legal experience to building a defense. We have handled over firm-wide 4,739 cases with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our approach is informed by direct knowledge of how prosecutors build cases. For example, Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, is a former prosecutor who has personally amended Virginia state 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
Documented Case Results
Our firm has a documented history of achieving favorable results in King William County courts. In recent cases, we have successfully negotiated reductions of serious charges to lesser offenses. For instance, we have secured amendments for clients facing serious traffic offenses in the King William County General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Burglary Defense Lawyer Near King William County
Our Richmond location serves clients in King William County, West Point, and Aylett. We are accessible via Route 30, Route 360, and Route 33. If you need a burglary charge defense lawyer King William County, our team is available 24/7 for phone consultations.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between burglary and breaking and entering in Virginia?
Yes, there is a key difference. Burglary (Va. Code § 18.2-89) requires entering a dwelling at night with intent to commit a felony, larceny, or assault. Breaking and entering (Va. Code § 18.2-91) involves entering a building to commit a misdemeanor (other than assault) or any felony, and does not require it to be a dwelling or at night. A breaking and entering defense lawyer King William County can explain which charge applies.
Can a burglary charge be reduced to a misdemeanor?
It depends. While burglary is always a felony, a skilled burglary lawyer King William County may negotiate a reduction to a lesser felony like grand larceny or a misdemeanor such as trespassing, depending on the evidence, the defendant’s background, and the specifics of the alleged entry and intent.
What are the defenses to a burglary charge?
Common defenses include lack of intent to commit a crime, mistaken identity, lawful right to enter the property, insufficient evidence of “breaking,” or challenging the legality of the police investigation (e.g., an illegal search). An attorney will analyze all aspects of the case.
Do I need a lawyer for a burglary charge in King William County?
Yes. A burglary charge is a serious felony with life-altering penalties. The Commonwealth’s Attorney will vigorously prosecute. A burglary lawyer King William County is essential to protect your rights, challenge evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and provide a defense at trial in King William County Circuit Court.
What happens at a preliminary hearing for burglary?
The preliminary hearing is held in King William County General District Court. The prosecutor must show probable cause that a burglary occurred and that you committed it. It is a critical stage where your attorney can cross-examine witnesses and lock in their testimony, potentially weakening the case before it goes to Circuit Court.
Internal Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you are facing other charges, see our pages on DUI defense in King William County and family law matters in King William County.
Last verified: April 2026. Information is subject to change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for the most current legal guidance regarding burglary charges.