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Occoquan Burglary Lawyer

Burglary is a felony offense in Virginia. If you are facing criminal charges for burglary, it is essential that you seek legal assistance. An Occoquan burglary lawyer could provide legal guidance and discuss a possible defense to the specific charges you are facing.

If you choose to have an Occoquan burglary lawyer represent you, the lawyer could protect your constitutional due process rights during all stages of the legal process. A seasoned theft attorney could also prepare a defense strategy and help you fight for the best possible resolution to your case.

Burglary and Related Offenses

The Virginia code on crimes and offenses describes burglary as the act of breaking or entering the home of another person during the night with the purpose of committing theft, larceny, or related offenses. Burglary is a Class 3 felony. However, being in possession of a deadly weapon while committing burglary elevates the offense to a Class 2 felony.

Breaking into or entering a home during the day or night while the house is occupied with the intention of committing a misdemeanor offense other than larceny, trespass, or assault and battery is a Class 6 felony. Committing such an offense while armed with a deadly weapon elevates the offense to a Class 2 felony.

Another burglary related offense is being in possession of burglary tools, which is a Class 5 felony. The law states that being in possession of burglary tools is sufficient evidence of the intent to commit burglary, except when the person in possession of such tools is a licensed dealer.

Statutory Burglary

Burglary committed during the day or night with the intent to commit certain felonies is referred to as statutory burglary. The penalties for committing burglary with the intent to commit arson, robbery, rape, or murder are more severe than for committing burglary with the intent to commit larceny, assault and battery, or another type of felony. An Occoquan burglary lawyer could answer specific questions about statutory burglary laws.

Possible Penalties for a Burglary Conviction

The penalty upon conviction for Class 3 felony burglary is a sentence of five to 20 years in prison and a possible fine. The penalty for the Class 6 felony offense of breaking and entering a home during the day or night while the home is occupied and with the intent to commit a misdemeanor is a sentence of one to five years in prison and a possible fine. Both offenses can be elevated to the level of a Class 2 felony when deadly weapons are involved, which carries a penalty of 20 years to life in prison and a possible $100,000 fine.

The possible penalty upon conviction for statutory burglary varies depending on the nature of the offense, with the most severe sanction being a sentence of five to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. A less severe penalty is a sentence of between one and 20 years in prison and a fine of $2,500 or less.

The penalty for the Class 5 felony offense of being in possession of burglary tools is a sentence of one to 10 years in prison and a fine of $2,500 or less. In some cases, a judge or jury could impose a less severe sentence of up to 12 months in jail for certain burglary-related convictions, such as being in possession of burglary tools.

Speak with an Occoquan Burglary Attorney Today

An Occoquan burglary lawyer could help you fight burglary charges. A lawyer familiar with burglary laws could develop a suitable strategy for defending you against the charges you are facing.

You do not need to fight burglary charges alone. Speak with an Occoquan burglary attorney about your case today.

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