In Florida, authorities routinely cracking down on theft crimes like burglary, robbery and other similar crimes. Burglary is defined as a crime in which an individual unlawfully enters a dwelling, building, or structure with the intent to commit a crime inside. They type of burglary will vary based on the type of dwelling or property that was entered unlawfully. Burglary crimes stem from circumstances where an individual remains or enters a dwelling, structure or conveyance surreptitiously, without permission or after permission to enter has been withdrawn. Charges of burglary can be surrounded by many other complexities as well. That’s why it’s critical to your defense to retain a Fort Lauderdale burglary lawyer immediately after you’re arrested, or even if you suspect that you might be under investigation.
At Joffe Law, P.A., our federal defense lawyers have decades of experience defending clients against allegations of burglary related crimes at both state and federal levels. Burglary crimes may have complicated circumstances and can lead to cases that are very complex in nature. An experienced federal criminal burglary defense attorney will be able to help you navigate the complexities of your case more easily. The right burglary lawyer will also be able to help ensure that your case has the best possible outcome. Joffe Law, P.A., has a team of legal experts who can help you defend your rights and freedoms at both state and federal levels. Understanding the definitions and potential penalties of burglary crimes can help you determine what your next move should be. Our Fort Lauderdale criminal attorneys have experience defending against burglary crimes including but not limited to:
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Burglary of a dwelling
This crime is defined by the unlawful entry of a dwelling with the intent to commit a crime inside. It may include residing inside of a dwelling surreptitiously, or staying inside of a dwelling with criminal intentions after your permission to remain there has been withdrawn. A dwelling will be considered any building with a roof that has been designed for the occupation of people. Burglary of a Dwelling is a Second Degree Felony in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Florida Statute – Florida Statute 810.02(3)
Potential Penalties:
- up to fifteen (15) years in prison
- up to fifteen (15) years of probation
- up to $10,000 in fines
Defenses: Burglary of a Dwelling may have a few viable potential defenses. For example, if you are a bystander, you may be unlawfully and unfairly charged with the crime of Burglary of a Dwelling. This is why having an experienced burglary defense attorney in Fort Lauderdale on your side is so important.
Burglary of a structure
Burglary of a Structure is similar to that of a dwelling in many ways. It differs in that a structure is defined as a building of any type, that is either temporary or has been designed to be permanent, which has a roof over it. Burglary of a Structure is less severe in some ways, though it is also a charge that is more frequently given to innocent individuals. This is because a structure may not be occupied and trespass is in many cases mistaken for burglary. Your lawyer can protect you from being wrongfully charged with burglary of a structure.
Florida Statute – Florida Statute 810.02(4)(a)
Potential Penalties:
- up to five (5) years in prison
- up to five (5) years of probation
- up to $5,000 in fines
Defenses: There are plenty of defenses to this crime as well. For instance, if you did not have any intent to commit a crime in the structure you entered, you may be acquitted of burglary charges. Additionally, if the structure was open to the public or if you were given consent to enter the structure, you may be able to avoid certain charges.
Burglary of a conveyance
A conveyance is usually a vehicle like a ship, railroad car, aircraft, or other mobile structure. A conveyance may be either occupied or unoccupied. Burglary of a Conveyance is a more serious crime than Burglary of a Structure in some cases. In Florida, if you are facing this charge, you may be looking at a Second Degree Felony Charges. These charges can become more severe if the conveyance is occupied.
Florida Statute – Florida Statute 810.02(4)(b)
Potential Penalties:
- up to fifteen (15) years in prison
- up to fifteen (15) years of probation
- up to $10,000 in fines
Defenses: If you had permission to enter a conveyance or if you did not intend to commit a crime, you may be able to avoid certain charges. Burglary cases can be complicated because state officials, or in some cases, federal agencies, must prove that you had criminal intent when you entered the conveyance in question. A qualified criminal defense attorney will be able to help you figure out what your best defense is in a burglary case of this nature.
When does a burglary crime become a federal offense?
In some situations, burglary may become a federal crime. This will usually happen if the structure, dwelling, or conveyance entered is on federal property or is a federal conveyance. Railroads and Naval shipyards, for instance, are in many cases subject to federal jurisdiction. Federal crimes will be prosecuted under federal statutes and can make criminal penalties much more severe. In addition to this, some cases are prosecuted at both federal and state levels. This means that the prosecuted will face twice as many charges. If you believe that your burglary case may be subject to federal jurisdiction of any kind, it is critical that you retain a federal defense attorney in Fort Lauderdale as soon as possible. Joffe Law, P.A. has experienced criminal lawyers that have defended more than 1,100 cases at both federal and state levels.
Criminal attorneys on your side in Fort Lauderdale
Crimes of burglary are complex and may have a variety of different surrounding circumstances. If you have been accused of a crime or believe allegations of such a crime may be brought against you, having an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side is an absolute must. At Joffe Law, P.A., our Fort Lauderdale burglary criminal lawyers have decades of experience defending clients from many different complex crimes. We will devote the right amount of time and attention to your unique case. If you are facing burglary charges in Broward County, Florida, or in any the surrounding areas, Joffe Law, P.A. can help you defend your freedom.