Luzerne County Burglary Defense Attorney

How Is Burglary Defined?

In Pennsylvania, burglary is defined under the penal law Title 18, section 3502. The statute broadly characterizes burglary as unlawfully entering a building or occupied structure with the intent to commit a crime therein. The law further distinguishes between daytime and nighttime burglaries, and also considers whether the structure was adapted for overnight accommodation where someone is present at the time of the offense. Each of these factors can significantly impact the severity of the charges and potential penalties a defendant may face.

Facing a burglary charge can be overwhelming, but you don't have to navigate this challenging time alone. At the Abraham Law, we are committed to providing robust and personalized legal representation for our clients. Our meticulous understanding of Pennsylvania's burglary laws allows us to develop an effective defense strategy tailored to your individual circumstances. We aim to protect your rights, challenge the evidence against you, and strive for the best possible outcome.

Don't let a criminal charge define your future—our firm is here to guide you through this complex legal process. Call our attorney at (570) 762-9988 to schedule a consultation.

What Is the Difference Between Burglary & Robbery?

In Pennsylvania, it's important to distinguish between burglary and robbery as they are separate offenses with different legal implications. While burglary involves unlawful entry into a structure with an intent to commit a crime, robbery, according to Title 18, Section 3701 of the Pennsylvania penal code, generally involves the act of taking something of value directly from another person through force, threat, or by inflicting serious bodily harm. Thus, the major distinction lies in the nature of the crime: burglary is an offense against property, whereas robbery is considered a crime against a person.

What Are the Potential Penalties Associated with a Burglary Conviction?

The penalties associated with a burglary conviction in Luzerne County are severe and can significantly impact one's life. These repercussions are dictated by the specifics of the offense and can range from a third-degree felony to a first-degree felony.

For a third-degree felony conviction, generally associated with burglary of an unoccupied building not adapted for overnight accommodation, the potential penalties can include imprisonment up to 7 years and substantial fines.

However, if convicted of first-degree felony burglary, typically involving occupied structures or buildings adapted for overnight stay where an individual is present, the penalties can be even more stringent, with the possibility of up to 20 years in prison.

Moreover, if the defendant is found with a weapon during the offense, the charges and subsequent penalties can escalate. Apart from the legal implications, such convictions can also lead to personal and professional setbacks, including difficulty in finding employment, loss of certain civil rights, and social stigma.

Burglary Defense Lawyer Supporting Clients Throughout Luzerne County

If you find yourself facing a burglary charge, the first and foremost step is to retain legal counsel without delay. It's crucial to understand that anything you say can, and likely will, be used against you in court, therefore, it's advisable to exercise your right to remain silent until you consult with your attorney.

An experienced criminal defense attorney, like ours at Abraham Law can provide invaluable support in several ways:

• Legal advice and guidance: We can explain the charges against you, the potential penalties, and the legal options available. Understanding your situation from a legal perspective is crucial in making informed decisions throughout the process.
• Case preparation: Our legal team can gather and analyze evidence, interview witnesses, and formulate a robust defense strategy tailored to your specific case. We strive to anticipate the prosecution's arguments and prepare counter-arguments.
• Representation in court: Our burglary defense attorney can represent you in court, articulating your defense and challenging the prosecution's case against you. We can also negotiate with the prosecution for the possibility of a plea deal or reduced charges.
• Post-trial services: If convicted, we can negotiate for a lesser sentence and can assist with the appeal process if relevant.

The legal team at the Abraham Law is committed to providing each of these services with tenacity and professionalism, helping you navigate the complexities of your case and striving for the best possible outcome.

Call our Luzerne County burglary defense attorney at (570) 762-9988 to schedule a consultation today!