Under Florida law, burglary is a felony offense that carries severe penalties. You could face years in prison, fines, probation, or other serious consequences when convicted of burglary. A criminal record could impact you for the rest of your life, as it will determine where you can live and work. Sadly, a conviction could also strain your relationships.
When you face accusations of burglary, it is in your best interests to consult a Tavares burglary lawyer. An experienced criminal defense attorney could help you build a strong defense to fight these charges and destroy the State’s case against you. Contact our office to discuss your legal rights and options.
What is Burglary?
According to Florida statute § 810.02(1)(b), burglary is the unlawful entry of a property, such as a dwelling, structure, or conveyance, with the intent of committing a crime. Even those who lawfully enter a property and stay to commit a crime could face burglary charges. Prosecutors must demonstrate that the accused entered the property intending to commit a crime, meaning that even when the alleged defendant does not follow through, they could be convicted.
Florida law distinguishes burglary charges based on the type of property. A dwelling is a building used for temporary or permanent residence. Meanwhile, conveyance refers to vehicles and movable vessels such as ships or aircraft. Lastly, a structure is a property not designed for living in, including a commercial building.
Penalties for Burglary in Florida
The potential penalties for committing a burglary in Florida depend on many factors. For example, the court looks at the type of property allegedly burglarized, the accused person’s criminal record, and whether the crime was violent when determining the punishment.
Burglary is a felony charge in Florida, ranging from first- to third-degree, depending on the severity of the crime. Third-degree is the least severe burglary charge, and first-degree is the most serious, often because the alleged defendant used weapons or violence.
- Third-degree burglary: The alleged offender did not use a weapon or violence during the commission of the burglary. If convicted of third-degree burglary, the defendant could face five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
- Second-degree burglary: When the alleged offender burglarizes the property with the intent to commit theft. They could face fifteen years in prison and up to $10,000 fine if convicted.
- First-degree burglary: When someone commits burglary with a weapon, the alleged offender could face up to thirty years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
When convicted of burglary, the accused could also face probation, court fees, or lose their right to vote or own a firearm. Accusations of burglary require the assistance of a competent lawyer in Tavares.
Hire a Tavares Burglary Lawyer to Defend You
Burglary is a serious offense; a charge should not be taken lightly. Getting convicted could lead to a lengthy prison sentence, fines, or other costs and could impact your ability to gain employment or housing, not to mention its impact on your reputation. Working with a Tavares burglary lawyer to mitigate the accusations is crucial.
Our experienced legal representatives can negotiate with prosecutors to secure a plea deal or get your charges dropped. If your case goes to trial, we zealously defend your rights. You could need legal representation when you get arrested and face criminal charges. Contact our office to set up a consultation
