When a person faces burglary charges in Pennsylvania, the potential penalties can be incredibly serious. As a felony charge, a person faces high fines, time in prison, and loss of certain constitutional rights. However, just because you are charged with burglary does not mean that you are guilty. With the help of a knowledgeable attorney at your side, you can protect yourself from the worst potential penalties, and even defend against your charges.
An experienced criminal defense team can make all the difference for your criminal case. With the help of an experienced Lehigh County Burglary Attorney at your side, you can defend your case and protect your constitutional rights.
Burglary Offenses in Lehigh County, PA
A charge of burglary is a felony in Pennsylvania. With a felony charge comes the potential for extremely serious penalties, including substantial time in state prison. This is not a charge to be taken lightly.
Burglary is an unauthorized entry into a building with the intent to commit a crime within the premises. The charge is defined by 18 Pa. C.S. § 3502. A burglary does not occur if:
- the premises are open to the public at the time of the incident; or
- the accused is licensed or privileged to enter the building at the time of the incident.
Further, if the building can be shown to have been abandoned at the time of the incident, then no burglary has occurred.
Penalties for a Burglary Conviction in Pennsylvania
Burglary is a second-degree felony if the structure broken into is not adapted for overnight accommodation (a residence) and no individual is present at the time of the incident. A second-degree felony version of the crime includes the following possible penalties:
- a maximum of 10 years in a PA prison
- a maximum fine of $25,000
In every other case, a burglary is punishable as a first-degree felony, with the following possible penalties:
- a maximum of 20 years in a PA prison
- a maximum fine of $25,000
Do I Need an Attorney to Defend My Case?
A burglary charge can land you in prison for many years, and devastate your finances with high fines. Without the help of an experienced Lehigh County burglary lawyer at your side to defend your case, you give the prosecutor all of the advantage.
The prosecutor is required to prove all of the elements of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt in order to get a conviction. A prosecutor will often push for a plea when he or she knows she has a weak case. With the help of an experienced lawyer in your corner, you can defend your case by negotiating a plea to a lesser charge or by showing that you did not commit the crime. The right legal advice can make all the difference in the penalties you might face.
Consult an Experienced Lehigh County Burglary Attorney
Our Criminal Law Firm and the LLF Law Firm stand ready to defend your constitutional rights against a Pennsylvania burglary charge. A felony conviction could seriously affect your life, but with the right defense, you can limit any damage, or defend against the charge altogether.
An experienced Lehigh County Burglary attorney can defend your case to protect your rights, so call 888-535-3686 or contact us online today to schedule a consultation of your case.
