banner
Contact Us
Case Evaluation
close

    Stamford Burglary Lawyer

    If you have been charged with burglary in the Stamford area, you are likely already aware of the serious consequences you may face if convicted. A conviction of a burglary offense can result in lengthy jail sentences, costly fines, and a permanent criminal record. If a firearm was involved, you may be subject to mandatory minimum sentencing.

    While facing these types of charges can feel overwhelming following an arrest, you do not have to go through this difficult period alone. It is possible to defend yourself against burglary charges with the help of an experienced criminal attorney. Remember that the prosecution must still prove every element of its case to obtain a conviction.

    Our Stamford burglary lawyers have experience defending a variety of charges related to burglary and will assist you in defending yourself with professionalism and compassion, every step of the way.

    How a Burglary Attorney Can Help

    The laws relating to burglary in Connecticut are extremely strict and quite complex. There are many different degrees of criminal charges relating to burglary, in addition to certain specific factors that can trigger harsher penalties.

    An attorney can help clients understand what laws apply to their specific case to enable them to present the best possible defense. The prosecution team that is building the case against the defendant is made up of highly trained professionals who are focused on obtaining a conviction.

    Individuals need someone on their side with similar experience and resources to ensure they are not at a disadvantage when presenting their defense in court. With the help of an experienced burglary defense lawyer, a person may be able to have the charges against them lowered or dropped entirely.

    Prosecution’s Treatment of Burglary Charges

    The prosecutor treats burglary charges very seriously. It is viewed as a threat to the safety of society. A situation where somebody is threatening the sanctity of another person’s home is considered one of the more protected places in our society. Stamford burglary lawyers can help potential clients protect their reputation and their rights.

    The prosecution has to prove that the defendant entered a person’s dwelling and remained inside in an unlawful manner. This means the individual did so without the consent or authority of the owner, with the intent to commit a crime inside that dwelling.

    What Is The Difference Between Burglary and Trespassing?

    Individuals should speak with Stamford burglary lawyers about how to combat penalties for burglary and how it differs from trespassing offenses. Trespassing is entering the property of another without the authority to enter that property.

    Trespassing does not need to include entering the dwelling of another or have the intent to commit a crime inside the dwelling or on the property. It is just the unauthorized entering of another person’s property which is the trespass.

    Impact of Property Damage

    The person charged with the burglary, in addition to all the different penalties they may be facing, may be ordered to provide restitution to the victim for the value of damage to the property.

    What Are The Local Consequences for Burglary?

    The potential punishments are imprisonment, probation, a fine, or any combination of those three. For Third Degree Burglary, the potential imprisonment is five years. A Second Degree offense is 10 years and a First Degree offense is 20 years.

    The fines are $5,000, $10,000 and $15,000. The potential probation is three years for Third and Second-Degree Felony, and potentially five years for first Degree Burglary.

    Aggravating Factors

    An aggravating factor for burglary offenses in Stamford includes whether someone was injured throughout the commission of the crime or if there was damage committed to the property itself.

    Important Connecticut Burglary Laws

    Burglary in Connecticut is punishable by law under a number of different statutes. The laws regarding burglary can be found in Chapter 952 of the Connecticut Penal Code.

    The potential penalties a person may face if convicted of burglary in Connecticut will vary depending on the degree of the charges brought against them, as well as the specific circumstances of the incident. If a weapon is involved, a mandatory minimum sentence of one to five years applies.

    • Manufacturing or possessing a burglar’s tools, which includes any instrument or device commonly used to force entry into a building or a safe, is a Class A misdemeanor offense. If convicted, a Class A misdemeanor is punishable by jail time of up to one year or a fine of up to $2,000, or both.
    • Third Degree Burglary is the crime of unlawfully entering into or unlawfully remaining in a building with the intent to commit a crime there. This is a Class D felony offense, and carries a mandatory one-year minimum sentence if a firearm was involved. A conviction can result in a fine of up to $500, or jail time of up to five years, or both.
    • Second Degree Burglary occurs if the building is a dwelling and the burglary takes place at night, or if someone is at home at the time of the burglary. This is a Class C felony. If a firearm is involved, a mandatory one-year minimum sentence applies. A conviction can result in jail time of up to 10 years, or a fine of up to $10,000, or both.
    • First Degree Burglary consists of a burglary taking place either while armed with explosives, a deadly weapon, or a dangerous instrumentality; or if the burglar intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly inflicts or attempts to inflict bodily injury to another person while committing the offense or while fleeing the scene. This is a Class B felony, and a mandatory five-year minimum sentence applies if convicted. Conviction can result in jail time of up to 20 years, and a fine of up to $15,000, or both.

    Consult With A Stamford Burglary Lawyer Today

    If you are facing burglary charges or are being investigated for this type of crime, it is imperative that you contact an attorney as soon as possible. Many defendants destroy their chances of receiving reduced sentences or minimizing the charges against them simply because they do not fully understand their legal rights when speaking to law enforcement during their investigation.

    You should fully understand the laws that apply to your case and your rights under the law before speaking with the police in order to avoid incriminating yourself.

    The early stages of a criminal investigation often set the stage for the final outcome of the trial – you will need legal representation to help you understand how best to protect your rights, and ultimately your freedom. Contact our Stamford burglary lawyers to discuss your case today.