Burglary Lawyer California Get Reduced or Dropped Charges
Legal Definition of Burglary Understanding the Charges
Burglary charges in California differ from theft and robbery in many important ways. This legal definition of burglary will help clarify the charges you're facing as well as the legal ramifications.
What Is Burglary?
Theft means taking someone else's property. Robbery means taking property from someone by force. In contrast, burglary specifically refers to unlawfully entering a structure with the intent of committing a crime. This crime does not need to involve theft or robbery, and force may not be needed to enter a structure.
Possession of Burglary Tools
In addition to the unlawful entry into a structure, it is also possible to be charged with the possession of burglary tools. This criminal charge refers to the possession of any devices or instruments that assist in the unlawful entry into a structure. In California, it's a misdemeanor.
Degrees of Burglary In the State of California
First-Degree Burglary
This typically refers to entering a residential home, although the language refers to entering an “inhabited” dwelling. Regardless of whether it is occupied, it is still considered inhabited if it is intended for dwelling. First-degree burglary is always a felony. It is punishable by up to six years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Second-Degree Burglary
This refers to all other burglary instances, including those involving a commercial place such as a store. Second-degree burglary can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. The maximum punishment is three years in state prison and $10,000 in fines.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Skilled Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you live in California and have been charged with a serious crime, you deserve a sound criminal defense. Law House has helped countless clients over the years with charges ranging from theft to domestic violence. We believe in fairness and will give you our full attention.
Our criminal defense attorneys can help you fight conviction. Whether you're facing misdemeanor or felony charges, domestic violence accusations or lesser offenses, our burglary lawyers throughout California can develop a sound legal strategy.
To schedule a free consultation with our criminal defense lawyers, contact Law House online. You can also reach our law firm at:
Strong Criminal Defense for People Facing Criminal Charges
The people of California deserve a robust criminal defense when facing misdemeanor or felony charges. If you are accused of domestic violence, theft, burglary, or any crime, our criminal defense lawyers can help.
Why You Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer When Facing Burglary Charges
The stakes are too high to face burglary or domestic violence charges in California without a skilled lawyer. There are many benefits to scheduling a free consultation with our California burglary lawyers.
A lawyer can go over all of the details of your case and develop a strong defense based on evidence and the facts. Perhaps there was no criminal intent, or you were unknowingly entering a structure rather than unlawfully.
A skilled attorney can fight the prosecution's case to have your burglary charges dropped or the penalties reduced. You may be able to face a misdemeanor charge instead, which means reduced fines and less prison time.
Our attorney can negotiate with the prosecutor to work out a plea deal, allowing you to plead guilty or no contest in exchange for a lesser punishment. We will evaluate plea deals and let you know if they are worth taking.
A committed criminal defense lawyer does not abandon you after resolution of your case. Our criminal defense attorneys will help you seal or expunge criminal records and plan ahead for issues related to your criminal charge.
