Waldorf Burglary Defense Attorneys

Lawyers for Charges of Breaking and Entering in Waldorf, MD

A person may be charged with theft if they have allegedly stolen money or property from someone else. However, property crime charges may apply in some situations where a person never went through with a theft or other offense. Breaking and entering into a building can lead to charges of burglary, which is a serious offense on its own. Many burglary offenses are classified as felonies, and they may carry penalties that could include years or even decades in prison, a permanent criminal record, and collateral consequences.

Because burglary offenses do not just involve the theft of property, but they can also involve violations of areas where people live and work, prosecutors, judges, and juries may take a harsh stance against people who have been accused of these crimes. Because of this, legal representation by a skilled attorney is essential for those who have been charged with burglary. At Farmer & Klopfer, we can examine the evidence in these cases, determine the best defense strategies, and advocate on behalf of clients to help them avoid convictions.

How Maryland Defines Burglary

In general, burglary involves breaking and entering into a property where a person is not allowed to be present with the intent to commit a criminal offense. While breaking and entering may include forceful entry, it may also include entering a building through an unlocked door or window or otherwise gaining access without authorization. There are several different degrees of burglary offenses in Maryland, including:

First-Degree Burglary

The most serious burglary offenses involve breaking and entering into a dwelling, which may include a home or any other place where people live. These charges may apply if a person allegedly intended to commit theft or a violent crime. First-degree burglary is a felony offense. In cases involving an intent to commit theft, a person could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison. If a person allegedly intended to commit a violent crime, including assault, sexual assault, or murder, an offense may be classified as home invasion, and a person could be sentenced to up to 25 years.

Second-Degree Burglary

When a burglary offense allegedly occurs in a storehouse, which may include a warehouse, barn, public building, trailer, railroad car, or watercraft, it may be less serious than an offense that takes place in a residence, but it will still be classified as a felony. If a person allegedly intended to commit theft, arson, or a violent crime, they could be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison. If a person allegedly intended to steal a firearm, they could be sentenced to up to 20 years.

Third-Degree Burglary

Allegations of residential burglary that involve the intent to commit a crime other than theft or violent crimes may lead to third-degree burglary charges. These offenses are classified as felonies, and the maximum sentence is 10 years.

Fourth-Degree Burglary

In situations involving breaking and entering into a dwelling or storehouse that do not meet the criteria for higher-level burglary charges, fourth-degree burglary charges may apply. This offense may also involve the possession of certain tools with the intent to commit burglary. Fourth-degree burglary is a misdemeanor with a potential sentence of three years in jail.

Charges That May Be Filed Alongside Burglary

Because burglary will usually involve the intent to commit another criminal offense, a person who is arrested may be charged with multiple crimes. The charges that may apply in addition to burglary include:

Theft Charges

Many burglary cases will involve allegations that a person intended to steal property from a premises after breaking and entering. Because of this, a person may be charged with theft. Either misdemeanor or felony charges may apply depending on the value of the goods involved in a case.

Crimes of Violence

When someone was in a building when burglary allegedly occurred, a person could be charged with a crime involving violence against the person or people who were present. These cases may involve assault charges or other offenses that a person allegedly intended to commit after breaking and entering.

Weapons Charges

When a person was allegedly armed during a burglary, they may face weapons charges in addition to burglary charges. These charges may involve offenses such as carrying a handgun without a permit, carrying a gun in a location where firearms are prohibited, or using a firearm while committing a felony. The addition of firearm charges to burglary charges can lead to a much harsher sentence for a person who is convicted.

Malicious Destruction of Property

When a break-in involves damage to a building or other property, a person could be charged with offenses related to vandalism or property destruction. This can add to the penalties that would apply for burglary charges, and the value of property that was damaged or destroyed may determine the severity of the penalties.

Contact Our Waldorf, Maryland Burglary Defense Lawyers

Accusations of burglary and related offenses can change the course of a person's life. The felony charges that will usually apply in these cases can be serious, with the possibility of decades in prison and other penalties that may limit a person's future opportunities. Legal representation is crucial for anyone who has been charged with burglary. At Farmer & Klopfer, our lawyers can help determine the best approach to take in these cases, and we will develop effective defense strategies while fighting for our clients' rights. Contact our Waldorf burglary attorneys at 301-843-3890 to set up a free consultation.