If you have never been involved in a criminal court case, you might assume that burglary, robbery, and larceny all mean the same thing. In fact, all three terms have distinct legal definitions under the Florida Statutes and different penalty structures attached to them in the event of a conviction.
If you are facing charges for burglary, an experienced Marathon burglary lawyer could help you proactively contest the allegations against you. Our experienced theft attorneys at Keys Criminal Defense, PLLC have handled many cases like yours successfully and discreetly. Once retained, we could fight on your behalf to enforce your rights under state law and secure the most favorable resolution possible in your legal proceedings. Contact us today to learn more.
Per Florida Statutes § 810.02, someone commits the crime of burglary if they enter a “dwelling, structure, or conveyance” not open to the public without legal authority to do so and with intent to commit another criminal act while inside. In this context, a dwelling is a residential space such as a private home or apartment, a structure is virtually any building or interior space enclosed on all sides by walls and a roof, and a conveyance is any vehicle such as a car or boat, whether or not that vehicle is capable of moving at the time.
A person can also commit burglary by remaining inside a dwelling, structure, or conveyance without permission after their lawful access has ended, with the intent to commit or attempt to commit a forcible felony while inside. A Marathon attorney from our team could answer your questions about your burglary charges and provide further clarification about the relevant state law during a confidential consultation.
Courts can prosecute a Marathon burglary charge as a felony in the third, second, or first degree, depending on the presence of aggravating factors, which a defense lawyer from our firm could help address. Third-degree felony burglary involves someone committing burglary in an unoccupied structure and carries maximum penalties of five years in prison and $5,000 in fines upon conviction.
Second-degree felony burglary generally involves someone committing burglary within an unoccupied dwelling or in any dwelling, structure, or conveyance that is occupied at the time of the offense. Maximum penalties upon conviction include up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Someone commits first-degree felony burglary if they commit assault or battery against another person, arm themselves with a dangerous weapon or explosives, or cause extensive property damage in the course of committing second-degree burglary.
Burglary allegations can be more serious than you might expect, since they do not necessarily involve the theft of valuable items or, in some cases, any theft at all. If you are facing a charge for this type of offense, dedicated legal counsel could help you construct a strong defense strategy.
However, you may have limited time to collect important evidence and deal with court-imposed procedural requirements. It is essential to seek assistance from a Marathon burglary lawyer as soon as possible. Contact our team at Keys Criminal Defense, PLLC today to schedule a meeting.
