Best Burglary Defense Attorney in Lancaster, PA
If you’re facing criminal charges for burglary, you have no time to wait. You need an experienced, reliable, and aggressive burglary defense attorney in Lancaster, PA, to defend your rights. Otherwise, you may face a first-degree felony conviction and up to 20 years in prison, probation, restitution, or community service.
Since 1994, the burglary defense lawyer at Marinaro Law Firm, Attorney Michael Marinaro, has provided an effective and strong defense to clients facing a wide range of charges. Burglary is a serious crime often associated with breaking and entering, robbery, or theft. Don’t face these charges alone. Get the help you deserve from the best burglary attorney in Lancaster County at Marinaro Law!
The Issue of Intent, Addressed by a Burglary Lawyer
If a person enters a building with the intention of committing a crime (unless the premises are open to the public at the time of entry), that person can be charged with burglary. Since intent is a decisive factor in a burglary charge, you must have an experienced burglary lawyer on your side who can develop a strong defense that protects your freedom.
A burglary charge in Pennsylvania means you have unlawfully entered a property that isn’t your own. It doesn’t mean that you necessarily entered through forceful means or committed aggravated burglary. You could simply walk through an unlocked door intending to commit a crime, which could constitute burglary (and the need for a burglary criminal lawyer).
In fact, you don’t even need to steal anything for the crime to be considered burglary. It differs from other theft forms because nothing needs to be taken. Crimes like robbery and larceny have charges that depend on the number of goods stolen or their worth, while most burglary cases are determined by intent.
You need a burglary attorney in Lancaster, PA, who understands the intricacies of the law and can provide you with the legal representation you deserve. You need Attorney Marinaro to defend your rights and prevent unthinkable consequences.
Factors that Can Influence the Burglary Charge in a Criminal Case
A theft and burglary defense attorney will tell you that several factors can lead to different penalties. For instance, depending on the type of building—home, business, or abandoned property—there can be significant differences. Additionally, if anyone was present in the structure at the time of the entry, it could impact the consequences.
Another factor influencing the burglary charge is whether you had the property’s owner’s consent to enter it. These minute details can mean the difference between a first-degree felony and 20 years in prison and a second-degree felony and 10 years in prison. For example, if the building or structure is not meant for overnight accommodations and no one was inside at the time of entry, it may only be a second-degree felony.
Don’t leave nuances like 1/2/3 degree burglary to chance. You need a strong, experienced burglary defense lawyer in Lancaster with a detailed understanding of Pennsylvania property crime statutes. Contact our firm for a free consultation to discuss your situation in greater detail.
Let a Burglary Defense Lawyer Help You Decide What to Do Next
Burglary is a felony, which will seriously damage your reputation if you’re convicted. That’s why you need a burglary defense lawyer with a specialty practice area of criminal law, like Attorney Marinaro. His history as a forensic chemist for the Maryland State Police gives him a unique ability to analyze evidence such as fingerprints and DNA testing.
That means you’ll get the best burglary lawyer for your case. If you have questions regarding a burglary charge, contact Marinaro Law by calling 717-397-7055 or toll-free 866-614-6520 or by completing our online contact form.
A Burglary Lawyer Answers Your Questions
When you’re searching for a robust defense strategy against burglary charges, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney to answer your questions. Theft crime accusations shouldn’t be taken lightly. Learn the essentials of what you need to know about burglary and how to protect your rights.
What counts as burglary?
In general, burglary involves the unlawful entry into a building or structure with the intent to commit a crime, usually theft or a felony. It’s not just about breaking in. The key element is the intent to commit a crime once inside.
Is burglary a felony?
Yes, burglary is generally considered a felony offense. In Pennsylvania, burglary is classified as either a first or second-degree felony, depending on the circumstances.
What is the difference between robbery and burglary?
The primary difference between robbery and burglary lies in the elements of force, fear, or unlawful entry. Robbery involves stealing property through the use of force or the threat of force, while burglary involves unlawfully entering a structure with the intent to commit a crime, typically theft or a felony.
How does burglary differ from larceny?
Burglary is defined as the unlawful entry into a structure with the intent to commit a crime (often theft, but not necessarily). Larceny, also known as theft, is the unlawful taking of another person’s property with the intent to deprive them of it permanently. The key difference is that burglary focuses on the unlawful entry, while larceny focuses on the unlawful taking.
What is aggravated burglary?
Aggravated burglary is a more serious form of burglary, typically involving the use of a weapon or the infliction of harm during the unlawful entry into a building or structure. It generally involves burglary plus one or more aggravating factors, such as the offender being armed with a dangerous weapon or committing a battery while inside.
Is burglary a violent crime?
No, burglary is not inherently a violent crime. It is classified as a property crime in many jurisdictions. However, burglary can escalate into a violent crime if physical force or the threat of force is used during the commission of the offense.
Need a Lawyer for a Burglary Case?
If you’re facing a burglary charge—or you’re hearing terms like “breaking and entering charge,” “aggravated burglary,” “theft,” “larceny,” or others, it’s time to get in touch with the burglary defense attorney at Marinaro Law—a criminal defense firm in Lancaster, PA.
With a Spanish interpreter on staff and more than 30 years of criminal defense experience, you can be sure that Attorney Marinaro will meticulously prepare your case with close attention to all applicable Pennsylvania burglary laws. In fact, you can expect our experienced trial attorney to prepare your case with the diligence and focus required for a courtroom showdown.
Don’t hesitate—get in touch with our burglary lawyer today.
