Burglary Lawyer Colonial Heights — What Are Your Defense Options?
Burglary in Colonial Heights is a serious felony under Va. Code § 18.2-90, carrying up to life imprisonment. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for breaking and entering charges. A burglary lawyer Colonial Heights from our firm can challenge the prosecution’s evidence. Contact our Richmond location for a consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Colonial Heights General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Burglary Law and Penalties
Burglary is defined in Virginia as entering a dwelling house at night with intent to commit a felony, larceny, or assault. The statute, Va. Code § 18.2-90, classifies it as a felony. If the perpetrator is armed with a deadly weapon, the charge becomes statutory burglary while armed, which carries even more severe penalties. All burglary cases in Colonial Heights originate in Colonial Heights General District Court for preliminary hearings before potentially moving to Circuit Court for trial.
The penalties are severe. A conviction can result in a prison sentence of five years to life. A breaking and entering defense lawyer Colonial Heights must act quickly to protect your rights from the moment of arrest. The prosecution must prove every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt, including your intent at the time of entry.
Colonial Heights Court Process for Burglary Charges
The procedural path for a burglary case in Colonial Heights is specific. Your first appearance will be at the Colonial Heights General District Court located at 550 Boulevard. This court handles the initial arraignment and the crucial preliminary hearing, where the Commonwealth must show probable cause that you committed the crime. If the case proceeds, it will be certified to the Colonial Heights Circuit Court for a potential jury trial.
- Arrest & Initial Appearance: You will be taken before a magistrate for a bond hearing after arrest.
- General District Court Arraignment: You are formally advised of the felony burglary charge at Colonial Heights GDC.
- Preliminary Hearing: Your attorney can challenge the prosecution’s evidence to try and get the charge dismissed or reduced.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If the case is certified, you will be arraigned again in Colonial Heights Circuit Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your lawyer files motions to suppress evidence and gathers all discovery from the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: The case proceeds to a jury trial or, if in your best interest, a negotiated plea agreement is reached.
Potential Penalties for Burglary Convictions
In Colonial Heights, a burglary conviction under Va. Code § 18.2-90 is a felony punishable by 5 years to life in prison, with fines at the court’s discretion.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Long-Term Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary (Va. Code § 18.2-90) | Felony | 5 years to life | Court discretion | Permanent felony record, loss of voting rights, difficulty finding employment/housing |
| Statutory Burglary (Armed) | Felony | Mandatory minimum sentences apply | Court discretion | Same as above, plus mandatory prison time |
| Breaking and Entering (Related Misdemeanor) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Misdemeanor record, possible probation |
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 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We have documented over 4,739 case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93% firm-wide. Our approach is direct: we analyze the specific facts of your Colonial Heights case, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence, and build a strong defense strategy from the start.
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
Our team includes seasoned attorneys like Mr. Sris, whose background as a former prosecutor provides critical insight into how the other side builds a case. For complex felony matters, this experience is essential.
Local Defense for Colonial Heights Residents
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.
Our Richmond location serves clients in Colonial Heights and the surrounding communities. We are accessible via I-95, I-295, and Route 1. If you need a burglary lawyer near Colonial Heights, we offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747, with in-person meetings available by appointment at our Richmond office. We represent clients throughout the area, including those near Southpark Mall and Fort Gregg-Adams.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between burglary and breaking and entering in Virginia?
Yes, there is a major difference. Burglary (Va. Code § 18.2-90) requires entering a dwelling at night with intent to commit a felony, larceny, or assault, and it is a felony. Breaking and entering (often under § 18.2-91) can be a misdemeanor and may not require the “nighttime” or “dwelling” element. A burglary lawyer Colonial Heights can analyze which charge you face.
Can a burglary charge be reduced to a misdemeanor?
It depends on the evidence and your history. In some cases, a skilled breaking and entering defense lawyer Colonial Heights can negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to amend a felony burglary charge to a misdemeanor like unlawful entry or trespass, especially for first-time offenders or where the evidence of intent is weak. This avoids a felony conviction.
What are common defenses to a burglary charge?
Common defenses include lack of intent (you entered for another reason), mistaken identity, lack of evidence that it was a “dwelling,” an illegal search and seizure that violates the Fourth Amendment, or that the entry did not occur at “night” as defined by law. Your attorney will investigate all possible defenses.
Do I need a lawyer for a burglary charge in Colonial Heights?
Yes. Burglary is a serious felony with life-altering penalties. The Colonial Heights Commonwealth’s Attorney will aggressively prosecute. A burglary charge defense lawyer Colonial Heights protects your rights, challenges evidence, negotiates with prosecutors, and provides your only chance at avoiding a lengthy prison sentence and permanent felony record.
What happens at a preliminary hearing for burglary?
The preliminary hearing in Colonial Heights General District Court is not a trial. The prosecution must show probable cause that you committed the crime. Your attorney can cross-examine the state’s witnesses, often police officers, to expose weaknesses in their case. A strong showing here can sometimes lead to a dismissal or reduction of charges.
Contact a Colonial Heights Burglary Defense Attorney
If you are under investigation or have been charged with burglary in Colonial Heights, immediate action is critical. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for a confidential consultation. We provide 24/7 phone availability at (888) 437-7747. Our Richmond-based attorneys, including former Virginia State Trooper Bryan Block, are ready to defend you. Remember, a burglary lawyer Colonial Heights from our firm is your advocate against a serious felony charge.
Internal Resources: For more information on criminal defense in Virginia, visit our Virginia Criminal Defense hub page. We also assist clients in nearby jurisdictions like Chesterfield County and Henrico County. For other legal needs in Colonial Heights, consider our services for DUI defense or personal injury.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws change frequently. For the most current advice regarding your specific situation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. directly.