Burglary is a criminal offense that you should not take lightly because a conviction could result in lengthy prison time and costly monetary fines. If you are facing burglary charges, you need to protect yourself. That’s what I’m here to do.
A qualified Lancaster burglary lawyer like me could help you stand up for your rights, safeguard your interests, and offer a vigorous defense to these charges. With my years of criminal defense experience, I could help you understand how to navigate the intricacies of the criminal justice system. Call me now and learn why so many people have placed their trust in me to handle their defense.
According to Ohio Revised Code § 2911.12, a burglary occurs when someone by force, deception, or stealth, trespasses into an occupied structure for the purposes of committing a criminal offense. Although state law classifies burglary as a type of theft crime, you could face burglary charges even if nothing was actually stolen. In addition, the police could classify a structure as occupied even if nobody was actually in the building at the time of the alleged crime. The fact that it is maintained as a dwelling, occupied as someone’s dwelling, and someone is likely to be present in it, is sufficient to make a property an occupied structure, as outlined in ORC § 2909.01.
Although the crimes are similar in nature, burglary differs from simple breaking and entering charges because it occurs in a potentially occupied structure, whereas breaking and entering occurs in an unoccupied structure, as stated in ORC § 2911.13. Because a burglary occurs in a potentially occupied structure, that crime carries significantly higher penalties than simple breaking and entering. Additionally, the crime would be elevated to a more serious aggravated burglary charge if the alleged offender enters an occupied structure while armed with a deadly weapon or if they actually harm someone or threaten or attempt to harm someone.
Trying to understand the various laws regarding burglary and their potential penalties can be confusing, which is why consulting with a knowledgeable attorney like me is crucial. I could review the charges with you and devise the best plan for your defense.
As an experienced burglary defense attorney in Lancaster, I could review the facts of your case and help you construct a defense strategy that is individualized to your particular case.
To obtain a conviction, the prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt every element of the case. With my advanced training in forensics and background as a graduate of the National Criminal Defense College, I know how to challenge DNA and other evidence when it is relevant to a case, and search for prosecution weaknesses.
If the evidence against you was improperly seized or obtained, I could argue to exclude the tainted evidence and potentially for a dismissal of the charges.
For a burglary conviction, the prosecution must prove that you intended to commit a crime when you unlawfully entered the building. If you can show that you entered for a lawful purpose, the prosecution cannot prove intent.
I could interview witnesses to the crime to see if they could have mistakenly identified you, and work alongside an experienced private investigator to prove there is not enough evidence to identify you. You may even be able to prove a solid alibi from the time of the burglary.
Facing burglary charges can be intimidating, and you may have no idea how to properly defend yourself. Working alongside a seasoned and trusted Lancaster burglary lawyer can help. I make myself available to you at all times to help you get through the intimidating legal process. Reach out to my office to begin working on your defense as soon as possible.