Terre Haute Burglary Charges Defense Attorney
Burglar is a felony offense that is aggressively pursued by prosecutors, and harsh sentences are routinely handed out. If you are charged with burglary, you are facing significant incarceration, steep fines, and a long period of probation.
The Terre Haute criminal defense attorneys at Rowdy Williams Law Firm, P.C., have dedicated their careers to helping their clients fight criminal charges such as burglary. We have helped over a thousand clients understand the nature of their charges and develop case theories based on the specific facts and circumstances of their case. Call our office if you have been arrested on burglary charges in Terre Haute or Vigo County.
What is the Crime of Burglary?
Burglary occurs upon “breaking and entering” into the building or structure of another person with the intent to commit a felony or theft which is classified as a Level 5 Felony (one-year to six-year sentence).
Breaking and entering involves using stealth or force to enter someplace where you are not lawfully allowed to be. This can be done by picking a lock, wrongfully taking a key, or breaking through a door or window. Breaking and entering into someone’s home, even without intending to commit a felony or theft, is a separate felony offense known as residential entry that carries a potential prison sentence from six months to 2 ½ years.
Burglary is a Level 4 felony when it involves someone’s dwelling or home, in which case the possible sentence ranges from two to 12 years. If someone is injured, the offense could be charged as a Level 3 felony, carrying a sentence of three to 16 years. If armed with a deadly weapon or you cause serious bodily injury during the burglary, it becomes a Level 2 felony, with a sentence running from ten to 30 years. If the burglary involves serious bodily injury to another in someone’s home, it is a Level 1 felony, where the sentence is 20 years to 40 years.
Are There Defenses to Burglary Charges in Indiana?
In any criminal case, the prosecution must prove every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. Your attorney can attack the evidence on every element where grounds exist. In the case of burglary, your lawyer can disprove or raise doubt regarding the required “intent” element of the offense. The police might also have committed procedural errors in their investigation that renders the arrest suspect or unlawful.
Help With Burglary Charges in Terre Haute
Rowdy is a former deputy prosecutor. He will put the skills and strategies he acquired as a deputy prosecutor to work for you. Rowdy loves going to trial and he hates to lose. When you retain him, “your” case becomes “our” case. He can provide the aggressive legal representation that your case deserves. For help after an arrest for burglary in Terre Haute, Vigo County or the Wabash Valley, call the Rowdy G. Williams Law Firm for immediate assistance.
