Burglary

Burglary, also known as breaking and entering, is the criminal act of entering a building with the intent to commit a crime. Typically when a person commits burglary he or she intends to commit theft, but may have intentions for other crimes including arson, assault, battery, murder, rape, vandalism, and more. Typically the burglary charge will be accompanied by a trespassing charge and charges for whatever crimes were committed while on the premises. Even if no additional crimes were committed after breaking and entering, an offender may still find himself or herself arrested for burglary.

Depending on the severity of the burglary, an individual may be charged with a state jail felony, second-degree felony, or first-degree felony. A state jail felony is issued for burglary of any building that is not a home. For burglarizing a home, an individual will be charged with a second-degree felony. A person will be charged with the more severe first-degree felony if he or she burglarized a home with the intent to commit a felony.

Clearly a burglary arrest in itself can be a serious charge. For even a state jail felony, an offender could spend 6 months to 2 years in jail and pay a fine up to $10,000. A person convicted of a first-degree felony must serve a minimum of 5 years in jail and also may owe a $10,000 fine. Clearly even a serious first offense burglary can have severe life-changing consequences. In addition to the court ordered punishment, any criminal offense is recorded on a person's criminal record, which can negatively affect an individual's personal and professional life for years to come.

Contact Us

If you have been arrested on burglary charges, you should know that you have rights and protections under the law. An experienced criminal defense lawyer will protect your rights and interests and will fight to defend your case. For sound legal advice and assistance with your burglary arrest, please contact Austin criminal lawyer Ian Inglis today at 512-472-1950.