Burglary is a serious charge that can carry harsh penalties, including jail time and stiff fines. The laws in Philadelphia can be complex and confusing, but with the help of an experienced criminal defense lawyer, you can understand your options and fight for a positive outcome
What Is Burglary In Philadelphia?
Burglary is a complex offense with many different components. In order to understand burglary and the charges that accompany it, it is important to know what each element of the offense means. Burglary is defined by Philadelphia law as committing a theft or felony, an attempt to commit either of those crimes or an intent to commit theft or felony in an occupied structure.
When most people think of burglary, they think of someone breaking into someone else’s home and stealing their belongings. While this is certainly one component of burglary, it is not the only component. Burglary also involves entering an occupied structure without permission.
Penalties For Burglary In Philadelphia
In Philadelphia, burglary has significant penalties, ranging from large financial costs to spending up to 20 years in prison depending on the severity of the crime. Generally, the courts use the degree of force used to break into a person’s house or vehicle in determining whether it is a misdemeanor or felony burglary.
In addition, a burglary conviction can have a long-lasting impact on your future, including limiting your ability to obtain a job or get into college.
How To Defend Against A Criminal Burglary Charge In Philadelphia
Dealing with an accusation of burglary in Philadelphia can be a difficult and intimidating experience. Some common defenses include reasonable doubt that you were the burglar, lack of intent to steal, and/or insufficient evidence. Reasonable doubt can be used if there were other suspects or there was no one at the scene who witnessed you enter the building.
A defense attorney may also argue that while you may have entered a certain area, you had no intent to steal anything and therefore did not commit burglary. Lastly, if evidence was obtained unlawfully by police, it should be excluded from your case. This could include an unlawful search and seizure, violation of your Miranda rights, or other forms of police misconduct. If you think that any of these defenses could apply to you in your burglary case, be sure to meet with a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
It is important to understand your rights and what they mean under local criminal law if you are facing criminal charges of burglary. Be sure to contact Brennan Law, one of the top criminal law firms in Philadelphia, to discuss your case and learn more about what to expect as you navigate the criminal justice system.