Burglary is the serious criminal offense of trespassing by breaking and entering. While most think burglary is synonymous with theft, burglary is simply the charge of breaking and entering, regardless if there is an intent to steal anything. Burglary is also referred to as trespassing, housebreaking, or breaking and entering. Depending on the circumstances of the crime, and whether anything was allegedly stolen, penalties for burglary convictions vary. However, most burglary offenses are felonies, and a conviction can seriously alter the course of your life.
Consulting a reputable theft crimes attorney in Maryland is in your best interest, so you can assemble a strong defense strategy and fight the charges. Scheuerman Law, LLC has litigated many theft crime cases, and our legal team eager to hear your side of the story.
Call us today at 443-888-2062 if you’ve been arrested for burglary charges.
Maryland Burglary Conviction Penalties
In Maryland, burglary offenses are broken down into four degrees, all of which are felonies, except fourth degree burglary. Because there is a grey area between the different types of burglary offenses depending on the accused burglar’s intent, our skilled lawyers can help create a strong defense and add clarity to your case.
Below are different burglary offenses in Maryland and penalties for conviction.
First Degree Burglary
This felony burglary offense carries the harshest penalties. The offense, according to Maryland criminal code § 6-202, involves breaking and entering into another person’s dwelling with intention of stealing goods or committing a violent crime.
Those convicted face up to 25 years in prison for intent to commit a violent crime. This is also referred to as “felony home invasion”. If a violent crime was actually committed, there may be a separate charge. For intent to commit theft, you could face up to 20 years in prison.
Second Degree Burglary
Also a felony, second degree burglary involves trespassing in a storehouse with the intent to commit theft, violence or arson. Penalties for conviction, per Maryland criminal code § 6-203, include up to 20 years imprisonment. If the crime involved intention to steal a firearm, the penalty is raised to 20 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
Burglaries involving commercial properties are handled a bit differently than when they occur on residential properties. This is because the person breaking in is usually targeting specific goods and tend to occur when buildings are shut down for the day. There is a much higher chance of a victim in residential burglaries since about a third of break-ins occur with an occupant inside.
Third Degree Burglary
Maryland criminal code § 6-204 defines third degree burglary as breaking and entering into someone else’s dwelling with the intention of committing any crime. Penalties for this felony conviction include up to 10 years imprisonment.
One thing to keep in mind about the difference between first and third-degree burglary is that third-degree burglary is more often than not considered a part of first-degree burglary. This means that if you are charged with first-degree burglary, you’ll probably be charged with a third-degree burglary as well.
Fourth Degree Burglary
A misdemeanor under Maryland criminal code, § 6-205, fourth degree burglary involves breaking and entering in a storehouse or dwelling without the intent to commit another crime.
Fourth-degree burglary charges are often included when you’re being charged with other types of burglary. When it’s charged alone, it’s often a case of someone being drunk or drugged and mistakenly entering the wrong house.
Other Burglary Crimes
Possession of burglar’s tools, burglary with a destructive device, and breaking into a research facility are all illegal.
Arrested For Burglary? Call Scheuerman Law, Llc
We 50 years of collective legal experience, we are familiar with assembling strong legal defenses for burglary charges in Maryland. Our Baltimore burglary defense attorneys are eager to help you and educate you on how to proceed after you’ve been arrested on burglary charges.
Schedule your free consultation online with Scheuerman Law, LLC, or call 443-888-2062.