Anne Arundel County Burglary Lawyer

Burglary is an offense that involves entering the residence of another with an attempt to commit an offense on the property. Unlike other theft crimes, burglary makes entering property an unlawful act and is penalized much more severely than other similar offenses. A person facing these offenses should consult an experienced theft defense attorney.

Due to the serious penalties attached to burglary, many individuals are afraid of the lifelong consequences that can result from being convicted of such an offense. There some steps that individuals can take to avoid being convicted of a burglary, including obtaining the assistance of an Anne Arundel County burglary lawyer.

Types of Burglary Charges in Maryland

Some of the most common types of burglary charges include:

First-Degree Burglary. According to Maryland criminal code, it is illegal to break and enter into the residence of another with the intention of committing a crime of violence or theft. The penalty for the first-degree burglary is a felony conviction that results in the imprisonment of up to 20 years.
Second-Degree Burglary. It is illegal and considered a second-degree burglary to break and enter into a storehouse with intention of committing arson, theft, or a violent crime. A second-degree burglary can result in an individual facing a penalty that is punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
Third-Degree Burglary. Maryland law states that it is a third-degree burglary to break into the dwelling of another with the intent to commit a crime. The difference between first and third-degree burglary is that this offense requires proof of someone’s intent to commit some other type of crime. This offense can result in an individual facing up to 10 years in prison.
Fourth-Degree Burglary. According to Maryland law, it is illegal to break and enter into the dwelling of another. The offenses can result in individuals facing misdemeanors and imprisonment of up to three years. Individuals charged with burglary in any degree should consult an Anne Arundel County burglary lawyer.
Burglary Involving a Motor Vehicle. It is against the law in Maryland for an individual to enter into a motor vehicle belonging to another person with the intention of stealing the vehicle or any items inside of the automobile. It is also illegal under Maryland law to carry a burglar’s tool with the intent of illegally entering a motor vehicle.
Burglary with Explosives. To be convicted of burglary with explosives, a person must commit anywhere between first to third-degree burglary using explosives to open a lock, safe, or vault. In many cases, a fourth-degree burglary conviction where an individual was using tools also results from a burglary with explosives charge. This offense results in a maximum potential jail penalty of 20 years.
Burglary of a Research Facility. A person who is convicted of breaking into a place where research is being performed faces very serious offenses. Individuals who are convicted of such an offense can expect to face up to $5,000, in addition to a maximum of five years in jail.

Defenses to a Burglary Charge

An individual who is charged with burglary should consult with an Anne Arundel County burglary lawyer, as they likely have at least one of several legal defenses available. Some of the most common defenses that are raised in burglary cases include:

Coercion
Consent of the homeowner or property owners
Duress
Entrapment
Lack of intent to commit a crime

Consult an Anne Arundel Burglary Attorney

A person who is charged with burglary must understand the importance of an Anne Arundel County burglary lawyer throughout your case. An experienced attorney understands the various consequences that can result from a burglary conviction and can make a thorough defense. Call us today.