Caroline County Burglary Lawyer
If you have been charged with burglary, one of the most important steps you can take next is obtaining legal representation. Choosing to defend yourself against a burglary charge is an enormous undertaking. Let a Caroline County burglary lawyer who understands burglary laws assist you with your case.
A defense attorney could be your advocate in more ways than one by safeguarding your legal rights and fighting for the best possible legal outcome.
Laws Governing Burglary
Virginia laws describe burglary as breaking into and entering another person’s home at night with the intent to commit theft or some type of felony offense. Burglary is a categorized as a class three felony. However, the offense is elevated to a class two felony if a person commits burglary while armed with a deadly weapon.
The Code of Virginia also outlines several other offenses related to burglary. Some of these offenses include:
- Being in possession of tools for committing burglary while also having the intent to commit burglary
- Breaking and entering into an occupied home with the intent to commit a misdemeanor offense
- Entering a home with the intent to commit assault and battery
- Entering a home with the intent to commit robbery, rape, murder, or arson
A Caroline County attorney for burglary could provide more information about each of the above burglary-related offenses.
Legal Sanctions for Burglary and Possession of Burglary Tools
As a class three felony, burglary is punishable by a prison sentence of between five and 20 years and a fine of up to $100,000. When a burglary offense is elevated to a class two felony due to the presence of deadly weapons during commission of the alleged offense, the legal sanctions include a prison sentence of 20 years to life and a fine of up to $100,000.
Being in possession of tools for committing burglary while also having the intent to commit burglary is a class five felony, the penalty for which is a prison sentence of one to ten years and a fine of up to $2,500. However, in its discretion, the court or jury trying the burglary case could elect to impose a jail sentence of up to 12 months if circumstances warrant doing so. A Caroline County burglary lawyer could answer questions regarding the legal sanctions for burglary or possession of burglary tools.
Legal Sanctions for Other Burglary-Related Offenses
Breaking and entering into an occupied home with the intent to commit a misdemeanor offense is a class six felony, for which the penalties include a prison sentence of one to five years and a fine of no more than $2,500. The presence of a deadly weapon elevates the charge to a class two felony, for which the legal sanctions include a prison sentence of 20 years to life and a fine of up to $100,000.
Entering a home with the intent to commit assault and battery is categorized as statutory burglary, for which the penalty is a prison sentence of one to 20 years and a fine of up to $2,500. Being armed with a deadly weapon elevates the charge to a class two felony, which carries the same legal sanctions described above.
Entering a home with the intent to commit robbery, rape, murder, or arson is a class three felony. The corresponding legal sanctions include a prison sentence of five to 20 years and a fine of up to $100,000. The presence of a deadly weapon also elevates the charges to a class two felony.
Talk to a Caroline County Burglary Attorney Today
Attempting to deal with charges of burglary or some other burglary-related offense can be extremely challenging. It can be difficult trying to both navigate the legal system and understand the laws on burglary. Additionally, you might be uncertain how to best defend yourself against burglary charges.
There is no need to fight burglary charges alone when a Caroline County burglary lawyer could assist you with your case. A lawyer who is familiar with burglary laws could help you fight for the best possible resolution to your situation. Contact a Caroline County burglary attorney for legal representation today.
