Robbery Lawyer Arlington County — Defending Against Serious Theft Charges
A robbery charge in Arlington County is a serious felony under Virginia law, carrying severe penalties. If you are facing a robbery charge, securing a skilled robbery lawyer Arlington County is critical. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented results defending clients in Arlington County courts.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Robbery Law and Penalties
Robbery in Virginia is defined under Va. Code § 18.2-58 as the taking of personal property from another person, or from their immediate presence, against their will, by violence or intimidation. Unlike simple larceny, robbery involves force or the threat of force, elevating it to a felony. The statute is prosecuted in the Arlington County General District Court for preliminary hearings and the Arlington County Circuit Court for trials.
- Initial Appearance & Bond Hearing: After arrest, you will appear before a magistrate. A lawyer can argue for personal recognizance or reasonable bond.
- Preliminary Hearing: In Arlington County General District Court, the Commonwealth must show probable cause that a robbery occurred. This is a critical stage to challenge evidence.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If the case is certified, you will be arraigned in Arlington County Circuit Court and enter a plea.
- Discovery & Motion Practice: Your attorney will obtain all evidence (police reports, videos, witness statements) and file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence.
- Plea Negotiation or Trial: Based on the evidence, your lawyer will negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a reduction or proceed to a jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, your attorney will advocate for the most favorable sentence under the Virginia sentencing guidelines.
Potential Penalties for Robbery in Arlington County
In Arlington County, robbery is a felony punishable by 5 years to life imprisonment, with mandatory minimum sentences for the use of a firearm.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robbery (Va. Code § 18.2-58) | Felony | 5 years – life | Up to $100,000 | Permanent felony record, loss of firearm rights, difficulty obtaining employment/housing. |
| Robbery with a Firearm (Va. Code § 18.2-53.1) | Felony with Mandatory Minimum | 5-year mandatory minimum, consecutive to robbery sentence. | Court discretion | Enhanced penalties, mandatory active incarceration. |
| Attempted Robbery | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $100,000 | Same long-term collateral consequences as a completed robbery. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Arlington County Robbery Cases
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We have a deep understanding of the Arlington County court system and the strategies employed by local prosecutors. Our approach is direct and focused on the specific details of your case, from the initial police investigation through trial or resolution.
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
Case Results and Client Advocacy
In Arlington County, our documented approach to criminal defense has yielded positive outcomes for clients. We meticulously review every detail, from the legality of the stop and identification procedures to the evidence of force or intimidation required for a robbery conviction. For an armed robbery defense lawyer Arlington County residents can consult, our team analyzes weapon allegations and challenges forensic evidence.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Arlington County Robbery Defense Lawyers
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Arlington, VA 22209 serves clients throughout Arlington County, including Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, and Pentagon City. We are accessible for meetings by appointment.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Phone: Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Robbery Charges in Arlington County
What is the difference between robbery and armed robbery in Virginia?
Robbery involves taking property by force or intimidation. Armed robbery is robbery committed while using a firearm or other deadly weapon. The key difference is the penalty: armed robbery carries a mandatory minimum 5-year prison sentence for the firearm use, consecutive to the sentence for the underlying robbery.
Can a robbery charge be reduced to a misdemeanor?
It depends. Robbery is a felony by statute. However, a skilled robbery charge defense lawyer Arlington County can sometimes negotiate a reduction to a lesser felony like grand larceny or, in rare cases based on weak evidence of force, to a misdemeanor assault. The strength of the prosecution’s evidence on the element of intimidation is often the deciding factor.
What are common defenses to a robbery charge?
Common defenses include mistaken identity, lack of intent to steal (claim of right), absence of force or intimidation, and constitutional violations like an unlawful search or seizure. An armed robbery defense lawyer Arlington County will also challenge the proof that a weapon was used or was operable.
How long does a robbery case take in Arlington County?
A robbery case typically takes 6 to 18 months from arrest to resolution. The preliminary hearing in General District Court occurs within a few months. If certified to Circuit Court, the process involves extensive discovery, motions, and potentially a jury trial, which extends the timeline. Virginia’s speedy trial rules apply.
Should I speak to the police if I’m accused of robbery?
No. You have the right to remain silent. Politely decline to answer questions and immediately request a lawyer. Anything you say can be used against you. Contact a robbery lawyer Arlington County before discussing the case with anyone.
Internal Resources: For more on criminal defense, see our Virginia Criminal Defense hub. We also assist clients in nearby Alexandria. If you are facing other charges, learn about our services for DUI defense in Arlington County.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for current legal guidance.