Suffolk Burglary Lawyer
If you were recently accused of burglary or similar charges, a Suffolk burglary lawyer could walk you through what this means and how compounding charges could affect your future. A seasoned theft attorney could become an essential component of your defense strategy when fighting back after being accused of a crime such as a burglary.
Since burglary is one of the more serious crimes out there, you need to know what it could mean for your future if convicted. Do not wait to think about how this could affect your freedom, your future job prospects, or even your ability to rent a home in the future.
Legal Definition of Burglary
Statutory burglary and common law burglary are the two various forms of criminal charges that could apply in the state of Virginia. The Virginia criminal code states that statutory burglary charges would apply if a suspect entered another party’s structure or home with the intent of committing kidnapping, murder, robbery, rape, assault or arson.
Furthermore, statutory burglary charges could apply if a party enters a structure during the day or night, and then conceals themselves in that home or adjoining structure or enters and conceal themselves in any structure used as a home, such as an automobile or trailer.
These small details mean that a person could be accused of burglary even if they did not seriously injure someone or steal a large volume in another person’s property. A burglary defense lawyer in Suffolk could help to explain what is at stake when charges are applied under Code of Virginia 18.2-89 through 18.2-94.
Penalties for Burglary Charges
If convicted, a defendant could receive a Class 3 felony charge with a possible prison sentence between 5 and 20 years, and a fine of up to $100,000, or a Class 2 felony charge with a possible sentence between life in prison and 20 years, and a fine of up to $100,000. The suspect’s individual criminal record and the specifics of the case are taken into account. Any statutory burglary that is committed while armed with a deadly weapon would be automatically categorized as a Class 2 felony.
Breaking and entering unarmed with the intent to carry out a nonviolent misdemeanor is classified as a class 6 felony. The penalties for this conviction could include a fine of up to $2,500, a discretionary sentence as high as 12 months in jail or between one and five years in prison.
Common law burglary is a separate offense from statutory burglary. In this situation, the prosecution must establish that the suspect illegally entered another party’s home at night time with the intent to commit a felony or to carry out larceny. In Virginia, this is a Class 3 felony which is punishable by a prison sentence of between 5 and 20 years and a fine as high as $100,000.
Work with a Suffolk Burglary Attorney Today
A Suffolk burglary lawyer could help a party who has been accused of these serious crimes to figure out your next steps and outline how you intend to respond in terms of a criminal defense strategy.
It can be overwhelming to face criminal charges in Virginia related to burglary, particularly if you have a previous criminal record. Sitting down with a lawyer could help you navigate the criminal process, and explain what impact future legal decisions could have on your future.