Burglary Attorney In Orange County, CA
Burglary is a serious property crime that involves entering someone else’s property or a locked vehicle with the intent to commit theft or any felony offense. Depending on the type of building entered in connection with the alleged offense, a defendant can be charged with a misdemeanor or felony. In the most severe scenarios, you could be looking at multiple years of prison time, which is why you need an experienced Orange County burglary lawyer on your side.
Attorney Jacqueline Goodman is a Certified Criminal Law Specialist who understands how to successfully defend individuals charged with burglary and other theft crimes. She fights for the underdog, so no matter your circumstances, she can review your rights and legal options. With so much at stake, you need strong legal representation you can count on, and when you choose The Law Office of Jacqueline Goodman, you can trust your defense will be in capable hands.
Contact Us Now to Discuss Your Burglary Defense Strategy
If you have been arrested for this crime or are under investigation for burglary, you need a qualified, experienced, and aggressive Orange County burglary lawyer on your side. The Law Office of Jacqueline Goodman can provide you with the aggressive representation you need to protect your rights and freedom.
Get legal advice right away if you have been charged with burglary. Schedule an initial consultation by calling 714-879-5770 or filling out an online contact form today.
Renowned Success Rate
Criminal cases are often complicated. There are two sides to every story, and it is important that the court sees the situation clearly. We can help defend you in your criminal case and make sure your perspective is heard.
WHAT IS CONSIDERED BURGLARY IN CALIFORNIA?
Some people interchangeably use the terms “burglary” and “robbery,” and while these offenses can in some cases be interrelated, they are two distinct crimes with entirely separate criteria. Robbery involves theft using force. Burglary involves entering someone else’s residential building, commercial building, or locked vehicle with criminal intent. Burglary does not necessarily involve theft.
Someone can be charged with and convicted of burglary even if they do not actually carry out a crime after entering a building or locked vehicle. Simply entering the building or locked vehicle with criminal intent is enough to meet the offense’s criteria and trigger charges. With that said, a person has not committed burglary if they carry out a crime after entering a building if they did not enter the building with criminal intent.
“Criminal intent” applies to all felony crimes, including those that do not involve theft. This means that someone can be charged with burglary if they enter someone else’s building with the intent to commit murder, for example. An Orange County burglary attorney can evaluate the specific charges brought against you and look for weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
It is with tremendous thanks and a grateful heart that we let you know how much we appreciated your expertise, advice and phone calls on [client's name] behalf. You are a person of service and dedication.
- Former client’s parents
I don't know where to start. Honestly, I don't think I could possibly write anything that would come close to describing Mrs. Goodman's Skill as a Lawyer , she truly is remarkable at what she does. Do yourself a favor, if your in a bind, and are looking for a well respected lawyer that can produce results.... Call Jacqueline! I…
- Sharif A.
Ms Goodman and her staff were beyond helpful. I was in an extremely difficult situation that I hadn’t been in before and needed help. I was referred to Jackie and her office who were extremely helpful. Jackie and her team were extremely empathetic and knowledgeable. They were quick to respond, took action, and kept me informed. Thank you Ms Goodman…
- Nick K.
Ms.Goodman has been an amazing and thorough lawyer representing my family. She has shown up to each court date, being prepared and ready to speak to the judge. She has been a great communicator with my family and kept us informed along the way. She is authentic, and will go the long mile on your case. Choose her to represent…
- Elizabeth E.
I needed an appointment with Ms. Jacqueline Goodman and it was urgent. The best part was that she called me back immediately and I did not have to drive an hour to see her. The first meeting is free and she spoke with me for a lengthy time and she made me feel like for the first time in seeking…
- Mary P.
Ms Goodman was excellent an very professional. She took the time to understand our concerns an worries. I had 2 really bad cases facing 10+ years for trafficking, sales, an distribution between the both ... she was able to get me the best deal an walked away with probation an a new look at life. I will always recommend her…
- Joe G.
Ms. Goodman and her team is by far the best in Southern California. I literally had zero hope of getting anything but prison time on my current case and Ms. Goodman somehow got me an interview for probation. I can say it hasn’t been easy and she’s been doing a lot out of love more than any other attorney would…
- Former Client
The court was offering 9 years for 459pc. After retaining her I got the deal I wanted and even better I was free after serving just 2 years. She's an amazing attorney that you can count on.
- Aliya J.
I can't even begin to express how amazing Jacqueline was when I worked with her for a close friend's case. She was always a quick text away, and when we worried she was the vote of confidence we needed to keep going. Her office staff was also SO easy to work with. Her closing statement moved me, the family, and…
- Caleigha C.
Best lawyer! Jacqueline Goodman is an amazing lawyer, she knows her law well. She helped my brother out of a messy situation and she was always easy to contact and gave me all the information that came her way.
- Rosie C.
Jacqueline, was very professional, and knowledgeable. She listened closely, as we discussed my case. I could tell She truly cared about me. I was very pleased the outcome, and would strongly recommend Her. Honest, hard working, and compassion, would describe, Jacquie.
- Dorian C.
Ms. Jacqueline Goodman was a beacon of hope to my daughter at a time when options and hope seemed limited. Her hard work and dedication was an outcome of Excellence. Ms. Goodman’s attention to detail and knowledge of laws are truly unsurpassed. Thank you.
- Ralph S.
Jacqueline is the best! If any of my friends or family found themselves in a situation where they needed a Criminal Defense attorney I would highly recommend her. She and her staff are extremely professional and they know their stuff. I can't say enough good things!
- Travis H.
She was carring and attentive, always up front with information. She truly cares about her clients and works diligently to achieve the best possible outcome. My family and I truly admire and respect this amazing and talented lawyer. She is definitely someone you can count on for the best advice and outcome.
- Chip E.
Great attorney to work with. She's a boss and has some serious attorney swagger. When I walked into the court room with her, everybody stopped and starred. I felt like I was getting represented by a superstar attorney. She'll run circles around any DA.
- Marcus W.
HOW IS BURGLARY CHARGED IN CALIFORNIA?
In California, burglary can be a first-degree or second-degree offense. The classification will depend on the type of building the defendant allegedly entered with criminal intent.
A person can be charged with first-degree burglary if they enter a residential, or “inhabited,” structure, such as a:
- Home
- Hotel room
- Apartment
- Tent
- Trailer
Someone can be charged with first-degree burglary even if no one is “inhabiting” the residential building at the time the alleged offense occurred. If the defendant entered a home with criminal intent while its inhabitants were at work, for example, they can still face first-degree burglary charges.
Someone can be charged with second-degree burglary if they enter a commercial, or “non-inhabited,” structure, such as a:
- Store
- Office
- Warehouse
- Barn
- Storage container
Note that burglary charges are separate from shoplifting charges. In California, a person will only be charged with shoplifting (instead of burglary) if they enter an open business intending to steal merchandise valued at $950 or less.
WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES FOR BURGLARY IN CALIFORNIA?
The potential penalties for burglary will depend on whether you are charged with a first-degree or second-degree offense. First-degree burglary is a felony and the more serious of the two classifications, carrying a maximum prison sentence of 6 years. Other aggravating factors, including the defendant’s criminal history and the presence of others in an inhabited building at the time the act was committed, can lead to additional prison time.
Second-degree burglary can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. Penalties for misdemeanor second-degree burglary include up to a year of jail time as well as fines. Punishments for felony second-degree burglary include up to three years of prison time.
These punishments only specifically apply to burglary charges. If someone commits another crime in connection with burglary, they may face additional penalties associated with those offenses if convicted.
Start exploring your defense options with Attorney Goodman by calling 714-879-5770 or filling out an online contact form.