Tampa Burglary Lawyer

Burglary: Understanding the Crime And Its Consequences

Burglary is a serious crime that involves breaking into someone’s property with the intention of committing theft or another criminal activity. It is a criminal offense in all states in the United States and is prosecuted as a felony or misdemeanor depending on the severity of the crime. If you or someone you know has been charged with burglary, it is essential to understand the crime, its consequences, and the legal options available.

What Is Burglary?

Burglary is defined as the unlawful entry into a building, vehicle, or other property with the intent to commit a theft or other criminal activity. See Florida statute 810.12. The unlawful entry can be through force, breaking and entering, or entering without consent, or remaining after permission or license has been revoked. The intent to commit a theft or other criminal activity must be present at the time of entry. If the intent is formed after the entry, the crime is not considered burglary.

Burglary is different from robbery, which involves the use of force or threat of force to take someone’s property. Burglary is also different from theft, which involves taking someone’s property without their consent but does not involve breaking and entering.

What Is Considered Burglary And The Different Types of Burglary Charges

There are three types of burglary charges in Florida:

• First-degree burglary: This is considered the most serious type of burglary charge. It involves entering a dwelling or residence, such as a house or an apartment, with the intent to commit a crime. The penalty for first-degree burglary is up to life in prison.
• Second-degree burglary: This involves entering a structure, such as a business or a store, with the intent to commit a crime. The penalty for second-degree burglary is up to 15 years in prison.
• Third-degree burglary: This involves entering a structure, such as a shed or a garage, with the intent to commit a crime. The penalty for third-degree burglary is up to 5 years in prison.

Consequences of Burglary

Burglary is a serious crime that can have severe consequences for the offender. The consequences can include:

Criminal Record

If you are convicted of burglary, you will have a criminal record that can impact your future opportunities. This can include difficulty obtaining employment, housing, and educational opportunities. A criminal record can also impact your ability to obtain loans, credit, and insurance.

Imprisonment

Burglary is a felony offense, which means that it carries the possibility of imprisonment. Depending on the severity of the offense, the accused can face years in prison. This can result in the loss of freedom, separation from loved ones, and significant emotional and mental stress.

Fines And Restitution

In addition to imprisonment, burglary can also result in significant fines and restitution. Fines can range from several thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. Restitution may also be ordered to compensate the victims for the losses they incurred as a result of the burglary.

Probation And Community Service

Instead of or in addition to imprisonment, the court may order probation and community service. This can include regular check-ins with a probation officer, drug testing, and community service hours.

Negative Impact on Personal Relationships

Being accused and convicted of burglary can also have a negative impact on personal relationships. Family and friends may distance themselves from the accused, and the stigma associated with the crime can be difficult to overcome.

Defending Against Burglary Charges

If you or someone you know has been charged with burglary, it is essential to seek legal representation immediately. A criminal defense attorney can help you understand the charges, the evidence against you, and the legal options available.

Some common defenses against burglary charges include:

Lack of Intent

Burglary requires the intent to commit a crime. If the accused entered the building or structure without intending to commit a crime, they may have a defense against burglary charges.

Mistaken Identity

In some cases, mistaken identity can be a defense against burglary charges. This can happen if the accused was misidentified as the perpetrator or if there is not enough evidence to support the prosecution’s claim that the accused committed the crime.

Consent

If the accused had permission to enter the building or structure, they cannot be charged with burglary. This defense may be available if the accused had a valid reason to enter the building or if the owner gave them permission to enter.

Entrapment

Entrapment occurs when law enforcement induces someone to commit a crime that they would not have committed otherwise. If the accused can prove that they were entrapped, they may have a defense against burglary charges.

Alibi

An alibi defense involves providing evidence that the accused was not at the scene of the crime at the time of the burglary. This defense can include witnesses or physical evidence that shows the accused was elsewhere when the crime occurred.

Preventing Burglary

Preventing burglary is essential to protect your property and keep your family safe. Some tips for preventing burglary include:

• Install a security system: A security system can deter burglars and alert you and the authorities if there is a break-in.
• Lock all doors and windows: Make sure all doors and windows are locked before leaving your home or business.
• Keep valuables out of sight: Keep valuable items out of sight from windows and doors to prevent tempting burglars.
• Be aware of your surroundings: Be aware of suspicious activity in your neighborhood and report it to the authorities.
• Be prepared to withdraw consent to enter and/or permission to remain: if guests or licensees fail to leave when requested, and a criminal act subsequently occurs, be testify to those actions.  

 

FAQs

Burglary is a serious crime in Florida, and being charged with it can be overwhelming. Here are some frequently asked questions about burglary law in Florida.

What is burglary under Florida law?

Burglary is defined as entering a dwelling, structure, or conveyance with the intent to commit an offense inside. It does not matter if the building was locked or if force was used to enter.

What are the different degrees of burglary in Florida?

In Florida, burglary is classified as either first-degree or second-degree burglary. First-degree burglary involves entering a dwelling or occupied structure with the intent to commit a felony, and it is a first-degree felony. Second-degree burglary involves entering an unoccupied structure or conveyance with the intent to commit a felony or theft, and it is a second-degree felony.

What are the penalties for burglary in Florida?

The penalties for burglary in Florida depend on the degree of the offense. First-degree burglary is punishable by up to life in prison, while second-degree burglary is punishable by up to 15 years in prison. The penalties can also include fines, probation, and restitution.

Can burglary charges be dropped in Florida?

It is possible for burglary charges to be dropped in Florida if there is insufficient evidence or if the prosecution decides to drop the charges. A criminal defense lawyer can work to have the charges dropped or reduced.

Can a burglary charge be expunged in Florida?

In Florida, a burglary conviction cannot be expunged from a criminal record. However, a criminal defense lawyer may be able to help the accused obtain a withhold of adjudication, which may make it possible to have the criminal record sealed.

What should I do if I have been charged with burglary in Florida?

If you have been charged with burglary in Florida, it is important to consult with a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced lawyer can help you understand your rights, build a strong defense on your behalf, and work to obtain the best possible outcome for your case.

Burglary charges are serious, and it is important to take them seriously. If you have been charged with burglary in Florida, don’t hesitate to reach out to a criminal defense lawyer for help. They can guide you through the legal process and work to protect your rights and freedom.

Importance of Hiring A Criminal Defense Lawyer for Burglary Charges

Being charged with burglary is a serious matter that can have significant consequences for the accused. Burglary is a crime that involves entering a building or structure with the intent to commit a crime, such as theft or vandalism. If you are facing burglary charges, it is essential to hire a criminal defense lawyer to represent you in court. A skilled defense attorney can help you navigate the legal system and ensure that your rights are protected.

Here are some reasons why hiring a criminal defense lawyer is crucial when facing burglary charges:

Knowledge And Experience

A criminal defense lawyer has specialized knowledge and experience in defending clients charged with burglary. They understand the intricacies of the legal system and have the expertise to analyze the evidence against you. They will be able to identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and use that to your advantage.

Protection of Rights

When facing criminal charges, you have certain rights that must be protected. These include the right to a fair trial, the right to remain silent, and the right to legal representation. A criminal defense lawyer will ensure that your rights are protected and that you are treated fairly throughout the legal process.

Negotiating Plea Deals

In some cases, a criminal defense lawyer may be able to negotiate a plea deal with the prosecution. This can be beneficial because it may result in a reduced sentence or lesser charges. Your defense attorney will work to secure the best possible outcome for you, based on the specifics of your case.

Gathering Exculpatory Evidence

A criminal defense lawyer will gather evidence to support your case. They will interview witnesses, review police reports, and examine physical evidence. This will help them build a strong defense on your behalf that shows the weaknesses of the State’s case.

Courtroom Representation

If your case goes to trial, a criminal defense lawyer will represent you in court. They will present evidence and arguments to support your case and cross-examine witnesses to challenge the prosecution’s evidence. Having an experienced lawyer by your side can be invaluable in a courtroom setting.

Why Choose Our Law Firm?

If you are facing accusations of burglary, it is crucial to select a law firm that has experience in handling criminal cases. Our law firm boasts a proven track record of success in defending clients against charges of burglary and other serious crimes. We possess a thorough understanding of the complex legal issues involved in these cases and will tirelessly work to safeguard your rights and secure the best possible outcome for your case.

Our team of experienced criminal defense attorneys has the knowledge, skills, and resources required to provide you with effective representation in your case. We will conduct a comprehensive investigation of the facts of your case, scrutinize the evidence against you, and formulate a comprehensive legal strategy designed to achieve the most favorable outcome for your case.

• Free review of your case
• Free initial consultations
• A former prosecutor with knowledge how the State will act and react
• More than 30 years of experience
• Proven track record of successfully fighting criminal charges
• Assistance provided to over 10,000 people.

In addition to our legal expertise, we at Taracks and Associates are committed to delivering personalized, empathetic, and responsive professional legal services to our clients. We recognize that being accused of a crime can be a distressing and daunting experience. We will stand with you every step of the way, offering you the support and guidance you need to navigate the legal process with confidence and composure.

Conclusion

In conclusion, being charged with burglary is a serious matter that can have long-lasting consequences. Hiring a criminal defense lawyer to represent you is essential to protect your rights and ensure that you receive a fair trial. They will work to build a strong defense on your behalf and negotiate the best possible outcome for your case. If you or someone you know is facing burglary charges, it is important to consult with a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. A criminal defense attorney can help you understand the charges, the evidence against you, and the legal options available.

Talk to Barry

Free Consultations And Case Review

If you have been accused of burglary, it is important to take immediate action to protect your rights and ensure the best possible outcome for your case. Contact our law firm today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced criminal defense attorneys. We will provide you with a free comprehensive case evaluation, answer your questions and provide sound advice on the way forward.