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A burglary charge claims that the defendant broke into someone else’s building or home for the purpose of committing a crime, such as theft. Burglary is a serious offense in Arizona that can come with life-changing penalties – including prison sentences. If you or someone you love is facing burglary charges in Maricopa County, contact AZ Defenders for a free consultation with a skilled Tempe burglary attorney immediately. We can help you understand and defend your rights.
Each state has its own definition of the crime of burglary so speak with a local criminal defense attorney in Tempe who is experienced in burglary crimes to learn more. Although often used in conjunction with robbery, they are technically two different crimes. Burglary describes entering someone’s property to commit a crime, such as theft, while robbery describes using force or intimidation to commit a crime. In Arizona, the definition of burglary is to knowingly enter a structure with the intent to commit a crime.
During a burglary case, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you entered the plaintiff’s property without his or her permission with the specific intent to commit a crime while on the property. Usually, the alleged crime intended is theft. Burglary can involve entering a home or residential property, houseboat, commercial property, business, store, shed, school, bank, church, or any other property without the owner’s permission or lawful authority with the intent to commit a crime.
The state identifies four different classes of burglary crimes: burglary in the first, second and third degrees, as well as possession of burglary tools. All come with different potential penalties based on the severity of the crime and other facts of the case. If the courts convict you of burglary in Arizona, you could face a sentence such as time in jail or prison, significant fines, restitution to the victim, and probation.
Criminal trespass in Arizona, for example, comes with up to 30 days in jail and $500 in fines. More serious burglary charges can come with worse penalties, such as years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines. The factors that will play a role in your sentence, should the courts convict you of burglary, can include your criminal history and the severity of the crime in question. The strength of your defense can shape your future. At AZ Defenders, our skilled Tempe burglary lawyers tailor our strategies based on each unique client for the best possible outcomes.
Although a burglary criminal conviction can have severe consequences, defendants have several defense options that may be available to them. If you are facing a burglary accusation, a lawyer may be able to craft a defense that dismisses or diminishes the charges against you. Common defenses to burglary charges in Arizona include permission to enter the property, lack of intent to commit a crime, mistake of fact, actual innocence, entrapment, coercion, duress, intoxication, Miranda Rights violations, mishandling of evidence and no probable cause for a burglary arrest. A local Tempe burglary attorney from AZ Defenders can choose the right defense strategy for you.
Your future may rest on the skill of your defense attorney during a burglary case. At AZ Defenders, we have results that showcase what we can do for our clients. We know how to help clients with even the most serious felony burglary charges. If you are facing burglary accusations in Tempe, Arizona, waste no time in contacting our attorneys for legal advice. We can evaluate your burglary case at no charge. Call (480) 456-6400 today to request a free, 100% confidential consultation with a top-rated Tempe burglary attorney near you.