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Defending Clients Accused of Serious Crimes
If you were arrested and charged with burglary in Texas, you should contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately for legal support. A burglary conviction can result in fines, jail time, and other serious penalties, so fighting this charge with the help of a skilled lawyer is recommended if you want a chance to clear your name.
When you contact the Cory Roth Law Office for legal representation, you’ll meet with a compassionate Houston burglary defense lawyer who will let you know what to expect from your criminal defense case. Call our law office to discuss your legal options.
How Is Burglary Defined in Texas?
If you’re charged with burglary in this state, you’re accused of unlawfully entering a residence or building to commit a theft, felony, or assault. So, if you entered someone’s home without their consent and planned to harm them, you could be charged with burglary.
Similarly, if you unlawfully entered a building with the intention to steal the items inside, you could be accused of burglary. You could face the same charge for illegally entering a vehicle, business, home, or any other structure not open to the public.
An important detail is that you can be charged with this crime even if you did not end up committing the act you planned to carry out inside the home or building. Simply entering illegally with the plan to commit an illegal act is sufficient for this charge.
How Is Burglary Different from Robbery?
Many people confuse burglary with robbery, since both offenses often involve theft. However, the definitions and penalties of these crimes are different. Robbery is considered a crime against a person, while burglary involves a criminal act toward a structure or item.
More specifically, a robbery charge means you used force or threats toward a person so you could commit theft. Whether you caused harm to the alleged victim or threatened them to the point where they feared imminent injury or death while you stole from them, you could be charged with robbery.
By contrast, burglary is defined as unlawful entry to a building with intent to commit a crime, typically theft. It doesn’t usually involve threats or physical injury to other people, which is why it’s a property crime rather than a violent crime. As such, robbery is considered a more serious criminal offense, but both crimes can lead to severe penalties.
What Are the Penalties for Burglary in Texas?
The punishment you face for a burglary conviction will depend on what type of structure you unlawfully entered and what offense you planned to commit. In general, burglary of a motor vehicle is treated as the least severe charge, as it’s a Class A misdemeanor that can result in up to one year of jail and up to $4,000 in fines.
Burglary becomes a state jail felony if you allegedly entered a non-residential building to commit theft, assault, or a felony. This is among the most common types of burglary charges, with penalties that include up to $10,000 in fines and six months to two years in prison. If the building you entered contained controlled substances that you planned to steal, this charge is elevated to a third-degree felony offense that can result in two to ten years in prison.
The next most serious burglary charge in Texas is breaking into someone’s home to commit theft or misdemeanor assault. This is a second-degree felony that could lead to two to 20 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
Breaking into a residence with the intent to commit a felony other than theft can lead to the most serious burglary charge. This is a first-degree felony with a prison sentence of 5 to 99 years in prison, or even life in prison. You might also pay up to $10,000 in fines.
Are You Ready To Call a Houston Burglary Defense Lawyer?
Whether your Texas burglary case involves misdemeanor or felony charges, you should contact a skilled Houston burglary defense attorney for legal advice. Even the least severe burglary charge in this state can require you to spend months in jail and pay thousands of dollars in fines. If you want a good chance of avoiding these penalties, contact our Houston law office.
When you hire the Cory Roth Law Office, an experienced criminal defense attorney will review the details of your criminal charges and arrest to find the most effective defense angle for you. We can also negotiate to reduce the charges and penalties when necessary. If you’re ready to learn how we can help you, call 832-400-4133 for a consultation.
