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Burglary is a felony – people found guilty of burglary could spend years in jail. If you have been charged with burglary, you can increase your chances of a better outcome by hiring an experienced and dedicated property crime defense attorney. Twyford Law Office offers the defense services you need during this time.
To schedule a free consultation with a Spokane burglary lawyer, call us at (509) 565 8684.
In Washington, there are three types of burglary. All three require that a person enter or remain in a building without permission. They also all require that the person who unlawfully entered the building had the intent to commit a crime on the premises. The types of burglary include:
Requires that the person (or someone participating in the crime with the person) had a deadly weapon or assaulted someone while in the building or while fleeing from the building. Burglary in the first degree is a Class A felony and the most serious type of burglary. (RCW 9A.52.020)
Second in severity. It occurs when someone commits a burglary in any residence — except for a car — is not carrying a deadly weapon, and does not commit an assault. Residential burglary is a Class B felony and is a more serious offense than burglary in the second degree. (RCW 9A.52.025)
Generally the least serious type of burglary but, like residential burglary, it is a Class B felony. It is a burglary that occurs in any building that is not a residence and does not involve possession of a deadly weapon or an assault. (RCW 9A.52.030)
The punishment for someone convicted of burglary in Washington depends on many factors. Washington uses sentencing guidelines that take into account both the seriousness of the crime and the criminal background of the person who has been charged. However, even with the sentencing guidelines, the punishment can vary in different courts within the state. That’s why it is important to get the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney who knows the local courts. A good Spokane burglary attorney can help you understand and navigate the state’s criminal system and fight for positive results.
Intent is a required element of all types of burglary; it must be proven that the person intended to commit a crime. If a defendant’s lawyer persuades a jury that the defendant did not have the intent to commit a crime, then he or she will not be convicted of burglary. The defendant may still be convicted of a lesser crime such as trespassing.
The intent to commit a crime is what is important. Even if the intended crime was never actually completed, a defendant who is found to have the necessary intent can still be convicted of burglary. For example, a person who breaks into a house intending to steal a television and who then hears a noise and runs off without taking anything can still be convicted of burglary.
If you are charged with second-degree burglary and you are a first-time offender with no prior felony convictions, a typical sentence might be a few months in jail. However, judges also have the option, within the sentencing guidelines, to impose less jail time or no jail time at all for first-time offenders. You should consult an experienced Spokane burglary defense attorney as soon as possible if this applies to you.
Contact Twyford Law Office today and put our experienced team behind you. Give us a call at (509) 565-8684 to schedule a free consultation with a Spokane burglary lawyer.
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