Indianapolis Burglary Lawyer
Burglary is a common criminal offense in Indiana, with more than 30,000 incidents occurring every year. Burglary refers to breaking and entering a building with the intent to commit theft or some other crime. Breaking and entering means using force to enter a place you do not have permission to enter. This may involve stealing a key, picking a lock, or breaking a window.
However, burglary requires that you intend to do something illegal inside the property that is either a felony or theft, which is usually a misdemeanor. If you do not commit a crime while inside the building, then you will likely be charged with trespassing instead. This is a misdemeanor. Burglary can also be confused with robbery, which is a different crime.
As you can see, the laws regarding burglary can be confusing. Count on Rigney Law LLC to properly assess your case and help defend you from the charges you face. Contact our Indianapolis burglary lawyer today; they’re ready to help.
How is Burglary Charged?
Burglary is charged as a felony, but the degree of felony can vary, depending on the circumstances involved. At the lowest level, burglary is a Level 5 felony, which can mean 1-6 years in state prison. However, if the burglary occurs in a person’s home, it can become a Level 4 felony. At this level, it is punishable by 2-12 years in state prison. If someone is injured during the burglary, then the crime becomes a Level 3 felony. The punishment is 3-16 years in state prison. When a person is armed with a deadly weapon or they cause serious injury to someone, the burglary becomes a Level 2 felony. A Level 2 felony can result in 10-30 years in state prison.
If the burglary involves someone’s home or dwelling and results in serious bodily injury, it is a Level 1 felony, which is the most severe type of felony. In this case, it is important to know the definition of a dwelling. A dwelling refers to a family home, apartment, or any type of structure that someone uses as their home. This structure can include anything fixed, movable, permanent, or temporary. This means that houseboats and RVs could be considered dwellings.
For a Level 1 felony, the punishment is 20-40 years in state prison. On top of the prison sentence, a felony conviction also comes with up to $10,000 in fines. If you have prior convictions, your penalties will be even more severe.
Contact Rigney Law LLC Today
Burglary may be common but it’s a crime that is punished harshly and could affect you for the rest of your life. It’s a felony that comes with consequences such as incarceration, hefty fines, and a long probation period.
The team at Rigney Law LLC will help you fight these charges and create the best defense possible. To schedule a consultation with our Indianapolis burglary lawyer, fill out the online form or call (317) 623-0989.
