McKinney Burglary Defense Lawyers
Attorneys Assisting With Charges of Burglary in McKinney, TX
In many cases, property crimes will involve accusations of theft, and the penalties a person may face will be based on the value of what was allegedly stolen. However, other circumstances could lead to more serious charges, including when a person is accused of breaking and entering to commit theft or another offense. These cases may lead to charges of burglary, which is a serious criminal offense that is typically charged as a felony in Texas.
At Texas Defense Firm, our attorneys understand the serious nature of burglary charges, and we know how to represent clients effectively in these cases. We can help clients understand the accusations that have been made, and we can make sure they respond to claims that they entered someone else's property with the intent of committing theft or another type of crime. We work to ensure that our clients can avoid convictions and resolve these cases while minimizing the penalties that they may face.
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When Burglary Charges May Apply
While burglary generally involves breaking and entering, a person does not necessarily need to break a window or force open a door to be charged with this crime. They could even face charges if they did not actually take anything or commit a specific offense. Instead, burglary charges may apply if a person entered a home or other building that was not open to the public and without permission from the property owner, and they did so while intending to commit theft, assault, or any felony offense.
A person could be charged with burglary based on accusations that they entered a house through an unlocked door while the family was away with the intent to take valuables. A person who was invited into a home could be accused of burglary based on claims that they went into a bedroom or another part of the home without permission and took property. Burglary charges may also be based on accusations that a person intended to commit an offense other than theft, such as sexual assault.
Burglary charges may also apply when people are accused of breaking into buildings other than homes. A person who is accused of entering a business after hours through a door or window that was unlocked could face burglary charges if they allegedly intended to commit theft. Attempts to break and enter into a building, such as trying to pry open a door or window, could also lead to burglary charges, even if a person was unable to get inside.
How Location, Presence of Others, and Other Factors May Affect Burglary Charges
The specific burglary charges a person may face will depend on where the alleged offense occurred. Other factors may also play a role in a case, and allegations of actions that put others at risk of harm will be more likely to lead to harsher penalties. Specific charges may include:
Burglary of a Habitation
When a person is accused of breaking into a home or another location where people stay overnight, such as a hotel room, burglary charges are likely to be more serious. Burglary of a residence or other habitation is typically charged as a second-degree felony, with penalties that may include a prison sentence lasting from two to 20 years.
Burglary of a Building Other Than a Habitation
Burglary in a non-residential building is generally charged as a state jail felony. This offense may apply if a person is accused of committing a burglary offense in a store, office, warehouse, or other commercial building. A person who is convicted of this offense could be sentenced to serve time in jail lasting from 180 days to two years.
Burglary Connected to Other Alleged Crimes
When a person is accused of entering a home or other habitation with the intent to commit a felony offense other than theft, such as assault or sexual assault, burglary may be charged as a first-degree felony. In these cases, the penalties for a conviction could include a prison sentence that may last from five years to 99 years. When burglary allegedly involved breaking into a commercial building like a pharmacy or medical clinic with the intent to steal controlled substances, a person may face third-degree felony charges, with a potential sentence lasting from two to 10 years in prison.
Defending Clients Against Burglary Charges
Our attorneys can work with people who have been accused of burglary to determine the best strategies for defending against a conviction. We may take steps to challenge the prosecution's claims that a person did not have consent to enter a building. If a person believed that they had authorization to be present, this can serve as a defense against burglary charges.
We can also challenge accusations of the intent to commit a crime. A prosecutor will need to provide proof that a person intended to commit assault, theft, or another offense classified as a felony after entering a building. We may be able to show that a person entered a home or another building for another reason and was not involved in criminal activity.
In cases where burglary charges are connected to other alleged offenses, our lawyers can review evidence related to those charges. We may be able to defend against accusations of theft, assault, or other crimes, and this may also provide defenses against charges of burglary. By looking at how evidence was gathered, whether a person can be conclusively identified, or whether witnesses may have identified the wrong person, we can take steps to defend against all charges involved in an alleged offense.
Contact Our McKinney, Texas Burglary Defense Attorneys
Because of the serious penalties that may apply for people who are convicted of burglary, a strong defense can be crucial in these cases. At Texas Defense Firm, our attorneys know how to address accusations involving breaking and entering, and we can challenge the evidence in a case and take steps to demonstrate that there was no intent to commit theft or another crime. To get effective legal representation when defending against these charges, contact our McKinney burglary lawyers at 972-369-0577 and schedule a free consultation.
