Annapolis Burglary Lawyer
The workings of any criminal justice system often can yield harsh results, and Maryland burglary convictions are no exception.
As you could face a potential prison sentence of up to 20 years if convicted of some type of robbery, you should consider consulting an Annapolis burglary lawyer for advice if you are accused of this type of crime.
By working with a capable theft attorney, you can gain a better understanding of how to most effectively fight the charges against you and work toward a more positive resolution in your case.
The Different Degrees of Burglary
First-Degree Burglary
Maryland Criminal Code §6-202 provides that when individuals break into and enter the dwelling of another with the intent to commit theft, they commit burglary in the first degree, which is the most serious burglary crime. A dwelling is defined as any place that individuals use as a home or place to live. A conviction for this criminal offense can result in imprisonment not to exceed 20 years.
Burglary of the first degree also encompasses the criminal offense of home invasion, which occurs when individuals break into and enter the dwelling of another with the intent to commit a crime of violence, which carries a penalty of up to 25 years in prison.
Second-Degree Burglary
Second-degree burglary pursuant to §6-203 occurs when individuals break into and enter a storehouse with the intent of committing theft. A conviction for second-degree burglary can result in a 15-year sentence of incarceration, but if the theft is of a firearm, it can result in a 20-year sentence of incarceration and a maximum fine of $10,000. A storehouse essentially consists of any building or structure, as well as watercraft, piers, wharfs, trailers, aircraft, vessels, or railroad cars.
Third and Fourth-Degree Burglary
Third-degree burglary under §6-204 consists of entering another’s dwelling with the intent to commit any crime and can result in a 10-year prison sentence. Additionally, fourth-degree burglary under §6-205 occurs when individuals enter a storehouse, dwelling, yard, or other areas, or possess burglar’s tools with the intent to enter one of these places. This is a misdemeanor crime with a maximum sentence of imprisonment of three years. An Annapolis burglary attorney could mitigate the penalties that a person may face.
Other Criminal Offenses Related to Burglary
Burglary of Motor Vehicles
Under §6-206, individuals may neither be in possession of a burglar’s tool nor allow the use of a burglar’s tool in the commission of a crime related to breaking and entering into another’s motor vehicle. It also is illegal to be in or on a motor vehicle with the intent to commit theft of the vehicle or of property that is contained within the vehicle. Like fourth-degree burglary, this offense is a misdemeanor under Maryland law and can result in a period of incarceration for up to three years.
Burglary with a Destructive Device
Individuals who use or attempt to use a bomb or similarly destructive device in order to open a safe, vault, or other secure repository during the commission of a first, second, or third-degree burglary commit burglary with a destructive device, as defined in §6-207. A conviction for this offense can result in a 20-year prison sentence.
Burglary and Research Facilities
According to §6-208, breaking into and entering a research facility for the purposes of exercising unauthorized control over research property, altering, eradicating, damaging, defacing, removing, or destroying research property, or moving it in a manner intended to cause harm to it, or engage in conduct that results in the removal of it all violate the law. As a burglary attorney can further explain, this offense is a felony in Annapolis that can result in a sentence of incarceration of up to five years, a fine of up to $5,000, or both.
How an Annapolis Burglary Attorney Can Help
If you or a loved one is being investigated for, accused of, or charged with a burglary crime, you may want to consider legal representation by an Annapolis burglary lawyer.
Burglary is a criminal offense with potentially serious consequences, particularly if charged as a felony. In eligible cases, experienced criminal defense attorneys may be able to minimize your exposure to a felony conviction and the negative results of a criminal conviction. Contact our team today to get started.