Burglary is always a Felony offense under State law that can lead to severe penalties such as life imprisonment. Even if your penalties do not require you to serve life, the consequences would still be severe. Luckily, Leifert & Leifert Attorneys are ready to fight on your behalf when you are facing Ft. Lauderdale burglary Trials.
One of our knowledgeable Lawyers can help you understand the charges against you, explain the different phases of the criminal justice process, gather evidence on your behalf, defend your freedom at Trial, and provide many more legal services.
Burglary Charges Require Intent to Commit Crime
If you are facing a Trial in Ft. Lauderdale, you should understand how burglary is defined under State law. Burglary offenses occur when someone enters a dwelling, conveyance, or structure without authorization with the intent to commit a crime, according to Fla. Stat. § 810.02. The crime, also referred to as breaking and entering, does not require that the suspect successfully completed the crime.
A Prosecutor can also charge someone with burglary if they initially had permission for entry if the Defendant secretly remained on the property to commit a crime, or if the Defendant stayed after their invitation was withdrawn.
Burglary is not limited to breaking and entering into a person’s home, as Fla. Stat. § 810.011 defines a conveyance as any motor vehicle, including cars, shipping vessels, trailers, or aircrafts.
Severe Penalties Include Life Imprisonment
Since burglary is a Felony, Courts can impose strict penalties at Trial based on the degree of the offense in Ft. Lauderdale. First-degree burglary is the most severe offense, punishable by a maximum life prison sentence and a fine of up to $10,000.
A first-degree burglary occurs when the suspect has committed assault and battery, was armed, entered the dwelling or structure by damaging it with a vehicle, or caused damage to a structure or dwelling that exceeds $1,000.
Second-degree Felony burglary can also lead to severe penalties, with a prison sentence of up to 15 years and an up to $10,000 fine. Second-degree burglary offenses occur when a Defendant enters a dwelling, conveyance, or structure when another person is present. Additionally, entering a dwelling when no one else is there or an authorized emergency vehicle without permission is considered second-degree burglary.
Although third-degree burglary carries the least restrictive penalties, it can still lead to up to five years imprisonment or a $5,000 penalty. Third-degree burglaries consist of entering a structure or conveyance when there is no other person on the premises.
Best Defenses Against Burglary At Trial
Our knowledgeable team of Leifert & Leifert Lawyers will analyze the facts of your case to help you prepare the best possible burglary defense at Trial in Ft. Lauderdale. Many burglary trials are determined by the Prosecutor’s ability to show that the Defendant intended to commit a crime.
State law provides some guidance on intent, as Fla. Stat. § 810.07 provides that a person stealthily entering the premises without consent serves as sufficient evidence of their intent to commit a crime. Our legal team can analyze the facts of your case to help identify the best legal precedent, evidence, or witness testimony to prove that you did not intend to commit a crime.
Another potential defense to burglary charges is that the individual had implied consent to enter the premises. For example, if the structure, dwelling, or conveyance is public property, our lawyers can help formulate a defense showing that you did not enter the premises without permission.
Consult a Ft. Lauderdale Attorney Soon for Your Burglary Trial
Burglary convictions can carry severe prison time, costly penalties, leave you with a criminal record, and negatively impact your prospects for future employment or your ability to vote. Self-representation is a risky proposition and public defenders often have limited time to devote to your defense due to heavy caseloads.
Our knowledgeable lawyers are ready to devote all the necessary resources to fight on your behalf and achieve the best potential outcome. When you are facing Ft. Lauderdale burglary Trials, please contact a Leifert & Leifert Attorneys as soon as possible for a free initial consultation and case review.
