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Burglary Defense

ORANGE COUNTY BURGLARY ATTORNEY

Aggressive Defense Representation For Burglary Charges 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 a free initial consultation by calling (714) 266-3945 or filling out an online contact form today.

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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.

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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) 266-3945 or filling out an online contact form.

REAL PEOPLE. REAL RESULTS.

  • CASE DISMISSED
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    CHILD ENDANGERMENT / CRUELTY

    Penal Code 273a(b) Child endangerment/cruelty.

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    CHILD MOLESTATION

    Child molestation: Felony.

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    PROBATION VIOLATION

    PC 1203.2 Committing a new crime or violating any term or condition of probation.

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    ATTEMPTED MURDER OF POLICE OFFICER

    Los Angeles Arrest Pre-filing representation on Attempted murder of police officer, assault with a deadly weapon upon a police officer.

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    CASE DISMISSED

    CONTEMPT OF COURT ORDER

    Contempt of court order by a gang member.

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    CASE DISMISSED

    CHILD SEX ABUSE CASE

    Child Sex Abuse case dismissed.

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  • State Bar Certified Specialist
  • CA Criminal Trial Lawyer of the Year
  • Past President of CA Attorneys for Criminal Justice
  • National Co-Chair Sex Crimes Defense
  • National Chair of Decarceration

Contact Us Today

If you’re facing criminal charges in Orange County, Los Angeles, or throughout California. Call (714) 266-3945; For After-Hours, You Will Be Redirected To Her Cellphone

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