Burglary
SERVING HAMPTON ROADS & THE SURROUNDING AREAS
Hampton Roads Burglary Lawyer
Experienced Defense for Burglary Charges in Virginia
When facing charges related to burglary in Hampton Roads, you need a dedicated and experienced legal team on your side. At the Law Office of Shawn M. Cline, PC, we specialize in providing expert legal defense for individuals accused of burglary in Virginia. With a deep understanding of the state's laws and a commitment to protecting your rights, we are here to guide you through the legal process.
What sets us apart:
Extensive knowledge of Virginia's burglary laws and legal procedures
Years of experience defending clients in burglary cases
Personalized approach to each case, tailored to your specific circumstances
Strong negotiation skills to potentially reduce charges or penalties
Strategic defense strategies to challenge evidence, witness testimonies, and police procedures
Call the Law Office of Shawn M. Cline, PC, today at (757) 209-2328 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our burglary attorney in Hampton Roads!
What is Burglary in Virginia?
Burglary is a severe criminal offense in Virginia, and understanding its legal definition is essential. In Virginia, burglary is defined as the unlawful entry into a dwelling, house, or other structure intending to commit a theft, assault, or any other felony inside. It is important to note that even if you do not commit the intended felony once inside, breaking with the intent to do so is sufficient for a burglary charge.
Burglary can take various forms, such as breaking into someone's home, entering a business with unlawful intent, or even entering a structure without the owner's permission with the intent to commit a crime. Being convicted of burglary can have severe consequences, including imprisonment, fines, and a permanent criminal record.
What are the Penalties for Burglary in Virginia?
In Virginia, burglary is classified into two main categories: first-degree and second-degree.
First-Degree Burglary:
First-degree burglary is considered a Class 2 felony in Virginia.
If convicted, you could face imprisonment for 20 years to life.
In cases where the offender was armed with a deadly weapon during the burglary or caused physical harm to another person, the penalties can be even more severe.
Second-Degree Burglary:
Second-degree burglary is classified as a Class 3 felony.
If found guilty, you may be imprisoned for 5 to 20 years.
This charge typically applies when the offender was not armed with a deadly weapon and did not cause physical harm to anyone during the burglary.
In addition to imprisonment, a burglary conviction can result in substantial fines and the long-term consequences of having a felony on your record. A felony conviction can impact employment opportunities, housing prospects, and civil rights.
Defenses Against Burglary Charges
At the Law Office of Shawn M. Cline, PC, our criminal defense lawyers understand the importance of developing a solid defense strategy to protect your rights and future. Our experienced Hampton Roads burglary lawyers will explore all potential defenses to help you achieve the best possible outcome in your case. Some common defenses against burglary charges include:
Lack of Intent: If it can be proven that you did not intend to commit a felony when entering the premises, it may be possible to have the charges reduced or dismissed.
Mistaken Identity: We will investigate whether you were mistakenly identified as the perpetrator, challenging eyewitness accounts or other evidence that may not be reliable.
Illegal Search and Seizure: If law enforcement violated your Fourth Amendment rights during the investigation, evidence acquired through an illegal search and seizure may be suppressed in court.
Alibi: If you have a solid alibi that places you at a different location during the alleged burglary, we will use this evidence to support your defense.
Consent: If you had permission or lawful authority to enter the property, we will present evidence to prove this fact.
Our goal is to protect your rights, preserve your freedom, and achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Whether you are facing burglary charges for the first time or have prior convictions, our Hampton Roads burglary attorney is prepared to fight for you.
Contact Our Hampton Roads Burglary Attorney Today
Burglary charges in Hampton Roads are a severe matter, and the consequences of a conviction can be life-altering. When facing such charges, having a skilled and dedicated legal team is crucial to protecting your rights and fighting for your best interests.
At the Law Office of Shawn M. Cline, PC, we have a proven track record of successfully defending clients against burglary charges in Virginia. Our attorneys are dedicated to providing you with effective legal representation, and we will explore all available defenses to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
