Entering a Property With the Intent to Steal
Entering a building with the intention of stealing something or committing any crime is considered burglary in the state of California. Even if the property is unlocked or unoccupied, an individual can face serious criminal charges ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the specific details of the incident. If you or someone you care about has been arrested for burglary, get help from an experienced criminal defense attorney right away.
At the Law Offices of David L. Smith, we understand that burglary charges can be the result of false accusations, misunderstandings and mental health issues. We provide aggressive defense to people charged with theft crimes and work to minimize the consequences and, when possible, to have the charges thrown out. For a free consultation with a lawyer, call 714-280-8522 or toll free at 888-738-9117, or contact us online.
Orange County Attorney for Breaking and Entering Defense
Breaking and entering is not an actual offense in California. If someone is accused of breaking into a building with the intention of stealing something, it falls under burglary Penal Code 459. If no one else was present at the time of the alleged break-in or when the person entered the building, the charge will likely be second-degree burglary. Shoplifting from a store is a typical act that falls into this category.
If the building is inhabited, the charge will most likely be first-degree burglary, which is always prosecuted as a felony in California. Penalties for a felony burglary conviction can be up to six years in prison, a maximum fine of $10,000 and a strike under California's three-strikes law.
Call for a Free Consultation
To arrange a free consultation with a Santa Ana burglary defense attorney, call 714-280-8522 or toll free at 888-738-9117, or contact us online. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
