Being accused of burglary is a serious matter. If you are ultimately convicted of this crime, you may face severe consequences, including substantial fines and even imprisonment. While your situation might feel hopeless, it is possible to get these charges dismissed with the right defense strategy.
Our skilled theft defense attorneys at Benjamin Levine Law understand what it takes to mount a winning defense. We are prepared to aggressively pursue justice and stand up for your rights throughout this process. To learn more about how we could help you, contact our Butler burglary lawyer today.
Burglary is treated as a serious felony offense under state law. The crime is defined as unlawfully entering a building or occupied structure with the intent to commit a crime once inside. Importantly, the offense does not require the intended crime to actually occur. Simply entering with the intent to commit an offense is enough for prosecutors to pursue burglary charges. While burglary is often considered a theft offense, you could be arrested for this charge if you intended to commit any one of an array of crimes, including vandalism or assault.
The severity of a burglary charge depends on the type of structure entered and whether anyone was present at the time of the offense. Breaking into a residence or entering a place with people inside can lead to harsher penalties than entering an unoccupied building. Factors such as the use of force, possession of a weapon, or prior criminal history can also result in steeper penalties.
Burglary is always a felony. If you are found guilty, you can expect to face potential prison terms, substantial fines, restitution, and a permanent mark on your criminal record. These penalties can have far-reaching effects on every aspect of your life, making it crucial to seek help from our Butler burglary attorney right away.
While our Butler lawyers could help with various aspects of your burglary case, the most important part of our job is identifying the most appropriate defense strategy. There are different ways to fight back against the prosecution, but finding the right strategy depends on the facts of your case. Some examples include the following:
The police are prohibited from conducting unlawful searches of your home, vehicle, or person. When they violate your rights through an unlawful search, we might be able to have any evidence collected excluded at trial. This can weaken the prosecution’s case to the point where they have no choice but to dismiss the charges.
Prosecutors must meet a high burden of proof when it comes to demonstrating guilt in a burglary case. If they are unable to show beyond a reasonable doubt that you are guilty, the jury hearing your case is obligated to rule in your favor.
The most straightforward defense involves arguing that you did not commit the crime. This might involve identifying the party that actually committed the burglary. Alternatively, you might be able to argue that a crime was never committed at all.
If you have been accused of burglarizing a home or other structure, it is vital that you talk to a lawyer without delay. Our attorneys, who are former prosecutors, are ready to leverage their experience to work on your behalf.
Allow our skilled Butler burglary lawyer at Benjamin Levine Law to handle your case. Call as soon as possible to set up your confidential consultation with our team.