Pittsburgh Burglary Lawyer

In Pennsylvania, burglary is defined as entering a building with the intent to commit a crime. This means that you don’t have to actually steal anything to be charged with burglary. You don’t even have to break into the building. You just have to enter the structure with the intention of committing theft, arson, rape or some other crime.

Burglary is a crime against property, and one of Pennsylvania’s most serious crimes. If you are questioned by the police or arrested, it is critical that you hire a Pittsburgh theft defense attorney as soon as you can.

Burglary, Defined

A person commits the offense of burglary if, with intention, the person:

• enters a building or occupied structure, or separately secured or occupied portion thereof that is adapted for overnight accommodations in which at the time of the offense any person is present;
• enters a building or occupied structure, or separately secured or occupied portion thereof that is adapted for overnight accommodations in which at the time of the offense no person is present;
• enters a building or occupied structure, or separately secured or occupied portion thereof that is not adapted for overnight accommodations in which at the time of the offense any person is present; or
• enters a building or occupied structure, or separately secured or occupied portion thereof that is not adapted for overnight accommodations in which at the time of the offense no person is present.

Burglary is a felony of the first degree and if you are found guilty you can be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison.

However, if you were caught in a building where no one was present and that was not adapted for overnight accommodation, you can be charged with a felony of the second degree. You can face up to 10 years in prison.

Pennsylvania law stipulates that someone can’t be sentenced both for burglary and the offense they originally intended to commit when they entered the building unless the additional offense is a felony of the first or second degree.

Defenses for Burglary

You may have a defense against the Commonwealth’s allegations if at the time of the offense any of the following is true:

• The building or structure was abandoned
• The premises are open to the public
• You had permission or license to enter the building

A Pittsburgh Burlgary Lawyer for Your Charge

If you have been charged with burglary, your first step should be to immediately hire a Pittsburgh burglary lawyer who has extensive theft representation experience. Frequently in burglary cases there will be physical and electronic evidence, so an attorney needs to not only read and interpret the statutes but also assess this evidence carefully.

Don’t talk to the police or prosecutors unless your attorney is with you. When you meet with your lawyer, tell them everything that happened both before and during your arrest.