Burglary involves entering a home or building with the intent to commit a crime. While this charge is commonly considered a theft offense, any number of underlying criminal acts could lead to a burglary arrest.
Burglary is a serious criminal charge that carries steeper penalties than most theft offenses. If you have been accused of burglarizing property that does not belong to you, our dedicated defense attorneys may be able to help. Reach out to our Cranberry Township burglary lawyer to discuss your options.
In Pennsylvania, burglary is defined as unlawfully entering a building or occupied structure with the intent to commit a crime inside. Importantly, burglary does not require that theft or another crime actually occur—only that prosecutors can show there was intent to commit an offense once inside. The law also distinguishes between entering a residence, a business, or another secure area, with penalties becoming more severe if the property was a home or if people were present at the time.
Burglary is always a felony, and the potential penalties are serious. Depending on the circumstances, a conviction can result in lengthy prison sentences, substantial fines, restitution, and a permanent felony record. If you are found to have committed the crime while armed, you could face increased penalties at your sentencing. Due to these consequences, it is essential that you seek legal counsel immediately. Our Cranberry Township burglary attorneys could help you fight back against these charges.
Collateral consequences are the lasting effects of a burglary conviction beyond jail time, fines, or probation. These consequences can follow someone long after they have served their sentence. A felony record can make it difficult to find employment, secure housing, or pursue certain professional licenses. It may also affect eligibility for student loans, immigration status, or the right to own firearms.
In many cases, the stigma of a burglary conviction can damage personal and professional relationships. Understanding these hidden costs is crucial when defending against burglary charges, as the impact of a conviction reaches far beyond the courtroom.
When you hire one of our Cranberry Township burglary attorneys, one of their primary goals is to identify the best possible defense strategy based on the facts of your case. Some of these potential strategies include the following:
There is an intent element to every burglary case. That means you must have had the intention to enter someone else’s property and commit a crime to be found guilty. If you mistakenly committed the underlying crime or were unaware you did not have permission to enter the premises, this could serve as a basis for your defense.
One of the most basic elements of a burglary charge is the unlawful entry into someone else’s property. If you can show that you had the owner’s consent to enter, you may be able to have your burglary charge dropped. However, you might still be charged with the underlying crime that occurred within the home.
One defense strategy that is only available under specific circumstances is entrapment. If the police coerce you to commit a burglary when you would not have done so otherwise, you may be able to claim entrapment.
Before you attempt to represent yourself in court, you should be aware that you are entitled to a vigorous defense. Our skilled attorneys, all of whom are former prosecutors, are well-equipped to help you achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
Call our Cranberry Township burglary lawyer at Benjamin Levine Law today to get started.