Burglary Lawyer Orlando

Orlando Criminal Defense Attorney

Burglary is a felony offense that can result in decades in prison and thousands of dollars in fines. If you have been accused of this crime, your rights, freedoms, and future are at stake. To minimize the risk of receiving a guilty verdict for the offense, you must aggressively fight the charges. Unfortunately, because the criminal justice system can be a complex maze of laws and rules and the State works hard to land a conviction, trying to handle your home invasion case on your own can be difficult. Thankfully, you have the right to legal representation, and a skilled Orlando burglary lawyer can guide you through the process while providing sound advice every step of the way.

At the Law Offices of Jose E. Lopez, P.A., our Orlando burglary attorney can deliver the effective counsel you need from the start of your case until its conclusion. When fighting back against criminal charges, presenting a persuasive defense is crucial. That is why we thoroughly prepare for every case we handle, examining the facts, collecting evidence, and listening to the accused's side of the story. Our focus will be on your needs and developing a legal strategy tailored specifically for you. We will work relentlessly toward a favorable outcome, such as getting the charges reduced or the case dismissed.

We understand how frightening and stressful it can be to be accused of a crime, which is why we make ourselves accessible 24/7. Call us today at (407) 410-3173.

Burglary Charges in Florida

Generally, burglary is defined as entering or remaining in a building with the intent of committing a crime once inside. This is considered a serious offense, and, in Florida, is always charged as a felony that can result in severe penalties. Florida Statute 810.011 provides that a dwelling is a place where people stay at night (such as a home), a structure is any building with a roof, and a conveyance is a vehicle such as a car, train, or plane.

Under Florida Statute 810.02, a person commits a burglary offense when they:

• Enter a dwelling, structure, or conveyance, and they plan on carrying out some other crime while there; or
• Stay in a dwelling, structure, or conveyance after they have been asked to leave and they attempt to commit an offense or forcible felony, such as murder, sexual battery, or aggravated assault

Burglary Penalties in Florida

A burglary charge is not one that should be taken lightly. Being convicted of this crime has the potential to ruin your life for years. Your reputation could be hurt, relationships with friends and family could become strained, and career opportunities could dwindle. This is why it is essential to get a lawyer on your case right away to protect your rights and best interests.

The level of charges and potential conviction penalties for burglary depend on the facts of the case and include:

• First-degree felony: This degree is levied against a person accused of committing burglary and they commit assault or battery on anyone, have explosives or a dangerous weapon on them or obtain them when they enter the building, or they use a vehicle to further the offense and cause property damage. The punishments include a prison term of up to 30 years and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
• Second-degree felony: A person commits an offense when they, without committing assault or battery or having a weapon on them, enter or remain an occupied or unoccupied home or an occupied building or vehicle with the intent to commit a crime within. Additionally, they could also be charged with second-degree felony when they enter or remain in a building or vehicle and plan on stealing a controlled substance while there. A conviction results in a maximum prison term of 15 years and/or a maximum fine of $10,000.
• Third-degree felony: Burglary is charged as a third-degree felony when a person enters or remains in an unoccupied vehicle. If the individual is convicted, they could be sentenced to up to 5 years in prison and/or fined up to $5,000.

Discuss Your Case During a Free Consultation

If you've been accused of burglary/home invasion, our Orlando burglary lawyer is here to help fight your charges. We have over 11 years of experience and know that, depending on the circumstances, various defenses can be raised. You don't have to fight your burglary charges alone. Know that when you turn to the Law Offices of Jose E. Lopez, P.A., you'll have an advocate on your side sympathetic to your needs and ready to defend you.

Tell us your side of the story, and we'll go over your legal options. Call our Orlando burglary attorney at (407) 410-3173 or contact us online.