Duval County Burglary Defense Attorney
Providing Aggressive Defense for Clients in Duval County, FL
In Florida, burglary is a serious criminal offense. If you or your loved one has been arrested or charged with burglary, you need to take immediate action to protect your rights and future. At First Coast Criminal Defense, our Jacksonville burglary lawyers have the skills and experience to handle these complex cases. We can help you understand your legal options and guide you through the process of building an effective defense.
Call our office today at (904) 474-3115 or contact us online to request a free, confidential consultation with one of our burglary defense lawyers in Jacksonville.
What is Burglary in Florida?
Under Florida law, burglary is defined as the act of entering a structure or dwelling with the intent to commit an offense therein. It is important to note that a person does not need to actually commit a crime or steal anything to be charged with this offense. In fact, the underlying crime is irrelevant.
There are several different types of burglary charges in Florida, including:
- Residential burglary
- Commercial burglary
- Unoccupied structure burglary
- Breaking and entering
Residential burglary is the most serious form of burglary in Florida. A person can be charged with residential burglary if they enter a dwelling, such as a house, apartment, or mobile home, with the intent to commit a crime therein. If the dwelling is occupied at the time of the offense, the charge is typically a first-degree felony. If the dwelling is unoccupied, the charge is typically a second-degree felony. However, if the defendant was armed or committed an assault or battery, they may face enhanced charges.
Commercial burglary is a second-degree felony. This type of burglary involves entering a “commercial dwelling” with the intent to commit an offense therein. A commercial dwelling is any building or structure that is not designed for people to live in.
An unoccupied structure is a building or conveyance that is not being used as a dwelling at the time of the offense, whether or not it is normally used as a dwelling. Unoccupied structure burglary is a third-degree felony.
Breaking and entering is a third-degree felony. It involves entering a structure with the intent to commit an offense therein, and the defendant must either break in or enter without the owner’s permission.
What Are the Penalties for Burglary in Florida?
As mentioned, the penalties for burglary in Florida depend on several factors, including the type of structure that was entered and whether or not the structure was occupied at the time of the offense.
The potential penalties for a burglary conviction in Florida are as follows:
- First-Degree Felony: Up to 30 years in prison and/or probation and a fine of up to $10,000
- Second-Degree Felony: Up to 15 years in prison and/or probation and a fine of up to $10,000
- Third-Degree Felony: Up to 5 years in prison and/or probation and a fine of up to $5,000
Additionally, a burglary conviction will result in a permanent criminal record that will follow you for the rest of your life, making it difficult to find a job, secure housing, or obtain professional licenses. For these reasons, you must retain the services of an experienced burglary lawyer in Jacksonville if you have been charged with this offense.
How Can a Burglary Defense Lawyer Help?
If you have been charged with burglary, you need to speak to an attorney right away. The sooner you retain a lawyer, the sooner they can start building an effective defense on your behalf. At First Coast Criminal Defense, we can thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your arrest and the evidence against you. We will work tirelessly to find holes in the prosecution’s case and, when possible, have the charges against you reduced or dismissed.
If your case goes to trial, our burglary defense lawyers in Jacksonville will aggressively represent you inside and outside the courtroom. We will protect your rights and present a compelling defense to the jury. Our team has a long track record of success and is not afraid to take on even the toughest cases.
Call our office today at (904) 474-3115 or contact us online to request a free, confidential consultation with one of our burglary defense lawyers in Duval County.
