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Burglary Lawyer in Orlando, FL
Burglary is a serious crime in Florida, and anyone charged with this offense faces harsh consequences. These consequences can include imprisonment, hefty fines, and a criminal record that could negatively impact their prospects. Since severe penalties may result from a burglary conviction under Florida law, it is vital to contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. The attorneys at Hanlon Law have vast experience defending the rights of those accused of burglary and other theft crimes. We have valuable knowledge of the Orlando area's courts, law enforcement, and prosecutors, which we use to have our clients' charges dismissed, acquitted, or strike a favorable plea bargain.
Florida Definition of Burglary
Burglary is defined in Florida Statute 810.02 as entering a dwelling, structure, or conveyance with the internet to commit an offense therein unless the premises are open to the public or the defendant is licensed or invited to enter.
The critical element of burglary is the intent to commit a crime. The defendant must have had the specific intent to commit a crime when entering the premises. This means that if the defendant entered a dwelling, structure, or conveyance for a lawful purpose but later decided to commit a crime, they cannot be charged with burglary. However, if the defendant entered with the intent to commit a crime, even if they did not actually commit the crime, they can still be charged with burglary.
Types of Burglary
In Florida, there are three degrees of burglary, with the severity of the offense increasing based on certain aggravating factors. First-degree burglary is the most serious. It involves entering a dwelling with the intent to commit a crime and either possessing a weapon or explosive during the offense, causing damage to the property during the offense, or assaulting or battering a person during the offense. First-degree burglary is a felony punishable by up to life imprisonment.
Second-degree burglary involves entering a structure or conveyance with the intent to commit a crime and either not being armed with a weapon or explosive, not causing damage to the property, and not assaulting or battering a person. Second-degree burglary is a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
Third-degree burglary involves entering a structure or conveyance with the intent to commit a crime, and it is the least severe form of burglary. Third-degree burglary is a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison.
In addition to the above charges, Florida law also includes the crime of burglary of a dwelling or structure with a human being present. This is a separate offense that involves entering a dwelling or structure with the intent to commit a crime while a person is present inside. This offense is punishable by up to life imprisonment, regardless of whether the defendant was armed, caused damage, or assaulted anyone.
Potential Penalties for Burglary Charges
The potential penalties for burglary in Florida are severe and can have long-lasting consequences for defendants. In addition to imprisonment, defendants may also face fines, probation, community service, and mandatory restitution to the victim. Moreover, a burglary conviction can result in a permanent criminal record, which can impact a person’s ability to find employment, obtain housing and even obtain credit or insurance.
Common Defense Strategies to Burglary Charges
If you are facing burglary charges, contacting a burglary defense lawyer is essential to develop a strong defense strategy specific to your case. One common defense strategy for burglary charges is that the defendant had the owner’s permission to enter the property or believed they did. An attorney may also argue that the defendant did not intend to commit a crime and had a non-criminal reason to enter the premises.
Your attorney must investigate the circumstances surrounding your arrest and how police obtained the evidence against you to discover if any of your constitutional rights were violated in their conduct. If evidence was obtained illegally by law enforcement, your attorney must file an appropriate motion requesting that the evidence in question be disallowed at trial.
Contact an Experienced Burglary Defense Lawyer In Orlando to Protect Your Future
If you are facing charges or are under investigation for burglary, it is vital you contact an experienced criminal defense attorney to protect your freedom. The consequences of a burglary conviction can include expensive fines, jail time, and a criminal record that will impact your future. The lawyers at Hanlon Law are ready and able to assist those in the Orlando area facing these charges. Our attorneys offer valuable knowledge of the legal system used to defend our clients.
If you are facing burglary charges in Orlando, Florida,
contact the attorneys at Hanlon Law today to protect your rights.
We serve clients throughout Florida including those in the following localities: Hernando County including Spring Hill; Hillsborough County including Brandon, Riverview, and Tampa; Pinellas County including Clearwater, Largo, Palm Harbor, Pinellas Park, Seminole, and St. Petersburg; and Pasco County including Dade City, Hudson, and New Port Richey.
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