Bringing A Tenacious Defense Against Burglary Charges
Has the state of Florida charged you with burglary? If so, seek criminal defense counsel from Leskovich Law Group, P.A., immediately. As a reputable law firm based in Punta Gorda, we bring more than 50 combined years of experience to the practice of criminal defense. Our attorneys take a collaborative approach, working together to minimize the impact of a criminal charge or conviction for burglary on your life.
Felony Burglary: What To Know
Burglary is a felony in Florida, which means that the penalties are particularly severe. Under Florida Statute § 810.02, burglary involves entering a dwelling with the intention of committing a theft crime. If the owner of the dwelling invites someone inside but requests that they leave, the state can still charge the offender with burglary if the offender refuses to leave and has criminal intent. There are three degrees of felony burglary:
- First-degree burglary: These crimes involve factors including assault, battery, dangerous weapons or damage to the dwelling. The penalties include a fine of up to $10,000 and up to 30 years of imprisonment.
- Second-degree burglary: Entering a dwelling where someone is present is a second-degree felony that can have a fine of up to $15,000 and up to 15 years of imprisonment.
- Third-degree burglary: Finally, entering a building that is not a dwelling and that does not have anyone inside it is a third-degree felony. The penalty is a fine of up to $5,000 and up to five years of imprisonment.
One strategy for fighting burglary charges is to claim that you did not have the intention of committing a crime when you entered the dwelling or refused to leave it. Sometimes, we can get the charges against our clients dismissed. In other circumstances, we could get the charges reduced to lesser offenses like petty theft or shoplifting.
Contact Us If You Are Ready To Fight Your Charges
We will do whatever we can to protect your rights if you face a serious criminal charge such as burglary. Contact our law office today to set up a free initial consultation with one of our team members. Call 941-621-6623 or send us an email to get started.