Burglary Virginia Break Enter Maryland Theft Felony Misdemeanor Richmond Fairfax
MARYLAND ATTORNEYS & VIRGINIA LAWYERS DEFENDING BURGLARY CHARGES
BURGLARY
In Virginia & Maryland, burglary is usually defined as a crime of theft, typically involving intentionally breaking into a house, building or other structure (such as a motor vehicle, boat, or aircraft) to commit a felony.
Burglary can also be defined as “breaking and entering” – which is the term used in Maryland.
Lawful break-in of property is permitted. For instance, breaking into a home to save life and limb would not be considered a crime, nor would lawfully evicting tenants or constitutional searches and seizures by police.
Under statute, it stands to reason that a person cannot usually be convicted of burglary if the building or structure and property therein belongs to them.
Theft, Trespassing and Burglary
In Virginia & Maryland theft is not absolutely required to be convicted of burglary. Trespassing, or unlawfully entering a building or automobile with the intent to commit any felony can constitute a burglary.
In fact, a person may also be convicted of burglary in crimes such as identity theft or violating another’s civil rights. The theft may be intangible, but it can be a felony nonetheless.
In Virginia and Maryland, the act of burglary is separate from any actual theft involved with the offense. Thus, if the defendant’s actions of entering a building are not considered a felony, any subsequent theft may be classified under a lesser charge – such as a misdemeanor petite larceny. It’s in situations like these a skilled and savvy defense attorney may well spell the difference between probation and serving serious jail time.
SRIS PC – The Right Lawyers
If you’ve been arrested in Virginia or Maryland for burglary or breaking and entering, the first and most important thing to do is finding the right lawyer skilled and experienced in these particular aspects of criminal defense.
At SRIS, P.C. each of our lawyers handle burglary cases in Virginia & Maryland.
Our firm has attorneys in Virginia & Maryland – all committed to providing the best defense for people accused of serious felonies such as burglary and breaking and entering.
If you wish to learn more about the laws pertaining to burglary in the following states, please click on the state:
A Maryland lawyer or Virginia attorney who provides burglary defense to clients in Virginia or Maryland is just a toll-free phone call away.
