The state of California considers burglary to be a serious property crime. Individuals who are accused of burglary can end up facing harsh legal sanctions. Many people who are convicted of burglary end up spending years in jail or prison and paying heavy fines.
Trying to face these charges alone often ends in a conviction that can change the rest of your life. The penalties for a burglary charge can be incredibly high, especially since you can be convicted of burglary even if you did not steal anything.
You can increase your chances of beating a burglary charge by contacting the Simmrin Law Group to get professional legal advice. Our team of burglary lawyers in Long Beach can begin working on your defense right away, so you are ready to fight these serious charges.
Types of Burglary in Long Beach
You can be convicted of burglary in Long Beach if you enter certain spaces with the intent to carry out petty theft or a felony. Individuals may face burglary charges for entering:
- Rooms
- Buildings
- Locked Vehicles
This legal definition of burglary is fairly easy to understand. However, the way the court prosecutes burglary charges can get confusing. Note that the court system can use several different charges to prosecute burglary, including:
First Degree Burglary
First degree burglary – also called residential burglary – is the most serious burglary charge used in Long Beach. The court system always treats residential burglary as a felony. Individuals can be accused of residential burglary if they enter:
- Single-Family Homes
- Apartments
- Condos
- Mobile Homes
Second Degree Burglary
Individuals can be charged with second degree burglary – or commercial burglary – if they enter a place of business to commit petty theft or a felony. Second degree burglary may be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on your circumstances. Felony charges will be punished more harshly.
For a free legal consultation with a burglary lawyer serving Long Beach, call (310) 896-2723
Penalties for a Burglary Conviction in Long Beach
You can end up facing serious repercussions if you are convicted of burglary in Long Beach. Depending on the exact charges that you are dealing with you could be forced to pay fines of up to $10,000. You could also face incarceration for:
- Misdemeanor Second Degree Burglary: Up to 1 Year of Jail Time
- Felony Second Degree Burglary: Up to 3 Years of Prison Time
- Felony First Degree Burglary: Up to 6 Years of Prison Time
Note that you can be charged and convicted of burglary even if you do not:
- Break into a Property
- Steal Anything
The courts can convict you of burglary simply for intending to commit a felony or petty theft. Because these charges can apply to so many situations, it is important that you contact a criminal defense lawyer in Long Beach as soon as you are accused of burglary. Your lawyer can begin working on your defense right away.
Long Beach Burglary Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
There Are Defenses for Burglary Charges
Burglary charges can feel difficult to beat, but you do have legal options. A Long Beach burglary lawyer can look over the facts of your case. Depending on your circumstances, your lawyer might be able to prove:
You Were Falsely Accused
Many people who experience a burglary do not get a perfect look at the person who entered their home or business. You could be falsely identified based on a vague description. If you have an alibi, your lawyer can use it to strengthen your case.
You Took Property that Belonged to You
You should not be charged with burglary for taking your property. A burglary lawyer can help you show that you did not take anything that belonged to someone else.
A burglary lawyer may also be able to block evidence that could be used against you, if it was not gathered legally. The team at the Simmrin Law Group understands what it takes to win burglary cases. Let us start going over the ins and outs of your case today.
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Get a Free Consultation from a Long Beach Burglary Lawyer
You need professional help on your side if you are charged with first degree burglary or second degree burglary. The Simmrin Law Group has experience helping clients facing burglary charges in Long Beach. You can reach out to our burglary lawyers in Long Beach to get immediate advice about your legal options. We can assess your case today with a FREE initial case evaluation.
You can increase your odds of beating a burglary charge by completing our online contact form or calling (310) 896-2723.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form