Burglary

Many people mistakenly think burglary is just another theft crime. But the crime of burglary is far more serious. In addition to being a theft crime, this offense is committed after entering property unlawfully, giving it an additional criminal element.

This charged is treated very seriously in the courts of Massachusetts. If you are accused of a burglary offense, you could be facing multiple years in prison not to mention a permanent criminal record. Depending on the facts of your case, you could even be subject to a mandatory minimum sentence.

The stakes are high and you likely feel like no one is on your side, that no one really cares about the outcome of your case. This is precisely why you need a local defense attorney on your side, working tirelessly on your defense.

Massachusetts Burglary Laws and Penalties

The laws of Massachusetts are complex and can be confusing. The exact charge and penalty you face depend on the facts of your case. There are several different burglary laws:

Burglary Laws, Defined

Burglary is defined as breaking and entering a home of another in the night time with the intent of committing a felony. It doesn’t matter if the felony is actually committed or not, merely that you intend for it to be. Usually, this felony is theft.

Burglary Penalties

Generally, if you are accused of burglary, you will face felony charges and up to 20 years in prison. If, however, this is your second or greater offense, you will face no less than 5 years in prison.

Armed Burglary or Burglary with Assault

If you burgle a home and the home is occupied, you face even harsher penalties. If you do so with a weapon, you will face a mandatory minimum sentence of no less than 15 years for a first offense. If you do not have a weapon but make an assault on someone occupying the residence, you will face a minimum of 10 years for a first offense.

Prior convictions will only serve to increase the mandatory minimum sentence you are subject to. Similarly, if this isn’t your first offense, the law prevents you from serving probation in lieu of prison time.

There are many variables to consider when facing burglary charges. We can help you understand the charges you face and what they might mean for your future. Having represented numerous clients in the criminal courts of Massachusetts, we can work to aggressively defend you as well.

Contact our offices today to discuss your charges and how we might be able to help.

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