Courts can impose significant penalties and jail time for burglary convictions. Before a suspect faces formal charges for this crime, the proceeding typically begins at the point a Law Enforcement Officer arrests them.
Hiring a skilled Leifert & Leifert Attorney to fight on your behalf after a Ft. Lauderdale burglary arrest will help protect your legal rights. Our knowledgeable burglary Attorneys can also help guide you through every phase of the criminal justice process after an initial arrest.
Breaking and Entering Only Requires Intent to Commit Crime
If you were arrested for burglary in Ft. Lauderdale, Leifert & Leifert Lawyers can help explain how the crime is defined under State law. According to Fla. Stat. § 810.02, burglary is the act of entering into a dwelling, conveyance, or structure without the owner’s permission with the intent to commit a criminal offense.
However, the suspect can get charged with burglary regardless of whether they successfully completed the crime they intended to commit. Even if a suspect had permission to enter the property, they could still face burglary charges if they remain on the property after the authorization was revoked or use covert means to remain on the property for the purpose of committing a crime.
Burglary crimes are not limited to the illegal entry of a home or building. Under Fla. Stat. § 810.011, a conveyance is defined as any type of motor vehicle, such as a car, shipping vessel, trailer, or aircraft.
Burglary Convictions Can Impose Severe Penalties
Ft. Lauderdale Burglary crimes are always Felonies under State law, allowing a Court to impose significant jail time and fines after an arrest and conviction. Jail time and monetary penalties for burglary offenses will depend on the degree of the Felony charges.
Burglary crimes are categorized according to the other criminal behavior that accompanies the breaking and entering offense.
For example, if the Defendant committed assault and battery or carries a deadly weapon during the burglary, the Prosecutor can charge the suspect with a first-degree Felony. These charges carry the most severe penalties, which are up to life imprisonment and a maximum $10,000 financial penalty.
Second-degree burglary charges generally consist of offenses where an unarmed Defendant commits burglary when another person is present on the premises. Second-degree burglary charges can carry a prison term of up to 15 years and a maximum $10,000 fine.
Third-degree burglary charges impose the lightest penalties but are still punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine as high as $5,000. If a suspect commits a burglary offense by entering a conveyance or structure when there is no other person on the premises, they could get charged with third-degree burglary.
What Should You Do When Arrested for Burglary?
When you are arrested for burglary, we recommend that you do not speak with Ft. Lauderdale Law Enforcement Officials before hiring a Lawyer. Since Law Enforcement Officials can use your testimony against you in your case, our experienced Leifert & Leifert Lawyers will help protect you from any potential self-incrimination.
Our Lawyers are knowledgeable in State burglary laws and can help you build a rock-solid defense if the case makes it to the courtroom. Outside of Court, our expert Attorneys can help you gather evidence or testimony to help your defense.
Leifert & Leifert Attorneys are here to fight on your behalf through every stage of the criminal justice process after the arrest and booking, including your first appearance in Court, the bail process, the arraignment where you are formally charged, and other pre-trial conferences, motions, or hearings.
Contact a Ft. Lauderdale Attorney About Your Burglary Arrest
Burglary crimes are serious Felony offenses that can rob you of your freedom and leave you with a permanent criminal record, making it very difficult to obtain future employment and limiting rights such as your ability to vote.
Please call one of our knowledgeable Attorneys today for a free initial consultation and case review after Ft. Lauderdale burglary arrests. Our team of expert Lawyers is ready to fight on your behalf to protect your freedom.
