We know facing burglary charges can be overwhelming, but the expert South Florida burglary lawyers at Rossen Law Firm are here to lend a helping hand. Reach out today to speak with a knowledgeable property crimes attorney serving those in Fort Lauderdale.
What is a Burglary Crime?
A burglary happens when someone enters a place without permission with the intent to commit a crime.
Generally speaking, burglary is defined as entering a dwelling, a structure, or conveyance without permission and with the intent to commit an offense.
Learn more about burglary by speaking with a capable South Florida attorney or by reading FLA. STAT. § 810.02 (2019).
- Burglary of a Dwelling: Burglary in a building or conveyance of any kind, which has a roof over it and is designed to be occupied by people, together with the enclosed space of ground directly surrounding it, including attached porch or garage.
- Burglary of a Conveyance: Burglary occurring in a motor vehicle, ship, vessel, railroad car trailer, or aircraft.
- Burglary of a structure: Burglary in any building of any kind, either temporary or permanent, that has a roof over it, and the space of ground immediately surrounding that structure.
CONSEQUENCES OF BURGLARY IN FORT LAUDERDALE
The penalties for burglary can carry severe penalties that range from 5 years to life in prison. Given the high consequences in South Florida, you do not want to face these criminal charges without an experienced burglary attorney by your side.
If the location where the crime was committed was not occupied at the time of the burglary offense, a third-degree felony is committed, which can result in 5 years of prison or probation, and a $5,000 fine.
If the building or conveyance where the burglary crime was committed was occupied by people, it is considered a second-degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years of prison or probation and fines up to $10,000.
When the offender is armed, or commits assault or battery upon any person, it is a first-degree felony, which could result in a life sentence – meaning you could spend the rest of your life in prison.
BURGLARY CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY IN SOUTH FLORIDA
If you’re facing a burglary charge in Fort Lauderdale – you’ve come to the right place. Rossen Law Firm has experience providing a compassionate and expert defense to serious burglary charges.
If you’re facing burglary charges, give Rossen Law Firm a call today. Our South Florida burglary lawyers will take the time to listen to your story, learn the details of your alleged burglary crime and we’ll explain what we think is the best strategy to defend you.
One mistake shouldn’t have the power to ruin your life – and we’ll fight to make sure it doesn’t. When your future and life is on the line, don’t go it alone.
Burglary Defenses
- Consent: Commonly seen where multiple people use a conveyance, burglary, or dwelling, the question of consent can be raised if one person gave the defendant consent without others knowing they were authorized. Consent to enter is an affirmative defense for the crime of Burglary.
- Lack of Intent: An element needed to support a conviction is the intent to commit a crime inside, which is usually proven by showing that a suspect made a covert entrance. A person entering for non-criminal reasons, such as seeking shelter, cannot be convicted of burglary.
- Open to the Public: When a person enters an area that is “open to the public,” the entrance is considered consensual. The person has a right to remain in the structure unless the State can prove that the consent was withdrawn.
Free Burglary Criminal Defense Strategy Session in Fort Lauderdale
We handle burglary cases of all types. We know how to protect your rights and provide you with a personalized and aggressive defense to your criminal charges.
Rossen Law Firms offers FREE strategy sessions so you know how we’ll formulate a plan to get the best possible result on your case.
HOW WE WIN BURGLARY CASES IN FLORIDA
- Learn how we got Burglary with Battery charges dismissed within a month in Broward County.
- Learn how Rossen Law Firm got a Burglary charge dropped in Davie, Florida.