McLean, VA Burglary Defense Lawyer

Attorney for Charges of Breaking and Entering or Burglary in McLean, Virginia

Burglary is one of the most serious property crimes in Virginia, and a conviction can result in a lengthy prison sentence, a permanent felony record, and other collateral consequences. What distinguishes burglary from other types of theft-related offenses is not necessarily the value of what was taken, but the unlawful entry into a dwelling with criminal intent. Anyone facing burglary charges will need to understand the steps they can take to defend against a conviction, and they can do so with the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Kaveh Noorishad is a highly qualified lawyer who provides skilled representation for people charged with burglary and related offenses. He can determine the ideal defense strategy, which may include challenging the prosecution's evidence or providing an alibi for the defendant. He will evaluate every aspect of a case to identify the best defenses. When charges involve multiple offenses, such as theft or violent crimes committed during a burglary, he will fight to ensure that a defendant will receive a fair trial, and he will work to prevent a conviction whenever possible.

Burglary Charges in Virginia

The laws in Virginia define burglary as entering a dwelling with the intent to commit larceny or a felony offense. Charges may involve claims that a person broke into someone else's property or otherwise entered a dwelling with the intent to commit an offense. A dwelling may include a residential home or a boat, vehicle, or railroad car that is used as a "place of human habitation."

Burglary charges do not require the use of force, and a person does not need to have completed a theft or another offense. The critical element is unlawful entry with criminal intent at the time of entry. Even if nothing was stolen or no physical harm occurred, a person may be convicted of burglary if prosecutors can demonstrate that they entered a dwelling unlawfully with the intent to commit larceny or a felony. Defending against these accusations will require a strong understanding of the applicable laws and the evidence involved in a case. Our attorney can help defendants determine the ideal defense strategies to counter the prosecution's claims.

Related Offenses That May Accompany Burglary Charges

Because burglary is related to other criminal acts, it may be charged alongside offenses such as:

• Larceny: If property was allegedly taken during the unlawful entry, additional charges such as grand larceny or petit larceny may apply, depending on the value of the items.
• Robbery: If force or threat of force was allegedly used against another person during the burglary, a robbery charge may be filed.
• Assault and Battery: Any physical altercation or injury to a person during an alleged burglary may lead to assault charges.
• Rape or Sexual Assault: If a person allegedly committed or attempted a sexual offense during an unlawful entry, they may face sex crime charges.
• Arson: If the alleged crime involved setting fire to the structure, arson charges may apply.

Each additional charge brings its own set of penalties, and a conviction on multiple counts can lead to consecutive prison sentences.

Penalties for Burglary in Virginia

The specific penalties that may apply in cases involving burglary will depend on the circumstances of the alleged offense and whether aggravating factors were present. In general, breaking and entering a dwelling at night with intent to commit larceny or a felony is a Class 3 felony, and a conviction may result in a sentence of five to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. If a person was allegedly armed with a deadly weapon, they will face Class 2 felony charges, which carry a minimum prison sentence of 20 years.

If an offense involved the intent to commit rape, murder, robbery, or arson, burglary charges may apply regardless of the time of day when breaking and entering allegedly occurred. These charges may also apply if a person entered a dwelling during the nighttime without breaking in or if they entered a dwelling during the day and concealed themselves with the intent of committing an offense.

Less serious charges may apply if a person is accused of breaking and entering in order to commit a misdemeanor offense other than assault and battery or trespassing. In these cases, burglary is a Class 6 felony, which may result in a sentence of up to five years in prison. However, possession of a deadly weapon when committing any form of burglary will lead to Class 2 felony charges.

By defending against a felony conviction, a person can take steps to prevent a lengthy prison sentence and other serious penalties. Our lawyer can help demonstrate a defendant's innocence or raise questions about whether evidence is conclusive. He will work to protect his client's rights at all times so that their case can be resolved successfully.

Contact Our McLean Burglary Defense Attorney

A burglary conviction can affect you in many ways. In addition to a lengthy prison sentence, a felony record will limit your future opportunities. When facing burglary charges, you will need to understand what steps you can take to prevent a conviction. At Noorishad Law, P.C., our McLean, VA burglary lawyer understands the complexities of these cases, and he is prepared to fight aggressively for your freedom and your future. Contact us and arrange a free consultation by calling 703-542-4500.