What is burglary?
Many people have various misconceptions about the crime of burglary. First, people often think that you must steal something from a person’s home in order to be charged with burglary. This is simply not the case. The critical elements for burglary are merely that you unlawfully enter a person’s home with the intent to commit a theft or another felony crime. Additionally, people mistakenly believe that someone must be home in order for a burglary to occur. This is also a common misconception. So long as the elements of burglary are satisfied, a burglary can occur in an unoccupied house, dwelling place, building, vehicle, railroad car, watercraft, aircraft or other structure designed for use as a dwelling.
What is the punishment for burglary?
Under Georgia law, burglary is a felony. If you’re convicted of a first offense burglary, you’ll be facing one to 20 years imprisonment. If you’re convicted of a second offense burglary, you’ll be facing two to 20 years imprisonment. If you’re convicted of a third or subsequent burglary, you’ll be facing five to 25 years imprisonment.
Since burglary is often an intrusion into someone’s home, prosecutors and judge usually take a harsh stance on burglary. In addition to a hefty prison sentence, you’ll likely also be faced with steep fines, probation, restitution to the victim and lengthy community service hours. Additionally, you’ll have a felony conviction on your permanent criminal record. Anyone who runs a background check on you will be able to discover your criminal history.
Don’t let a burglary charge ransack your future! The experienced criminal defense attorneys of The Turner Firm can help get your life back on track with a vigorous defense strategy designed to reduce or eliminate the consequences you face. Call us today for a free consultation.