Burglary is a serious felony offense with potentially severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and significant fines. If you are facing these charges, securing experienced legal representation is absolutely critical. As a Logan burglary lawyer with over 25 years of criminal defense experience, I work to protect your legal rights, challenge the state’s case, and build a strategic defense aimed at reducing or dismissing charges whenever possible.
Hiring a defense lawyer for burglary charges in Ohio is not simply about having someone speak for you in court. I help clients navigate complex legal procedures, negotiate with prosecutors, and prepare fact-driven defenses that address both legal and evidentiary issues.
Burglary is more common than many people realize, and it is not limited to nighttime break-ins. In Ohio, a burglary charge can be filed even if nothing is taken, since the law says burglary occurs when a person trespasses in an occupied structure with the intent to commit a crime. Domestic disputes, disagreements between friends, or attempts to retrieve personal property can unexpectedly lead to burglary allegations if someone refuses to leave after being asked.
These cases often hinge on intent and circumstances, not just whether property was stolen. For youthful offenders or individuals caught in family conflicts, misunderstanding the legal definition of burglary can create confusion with criminal charges. If you have been accused of burglary in Logan, it’s essential to get legal help immediately to understand your charges and prepare for the next steps in the legal process.
Ohio classifies burglary offenses by degree, depending on the circumstances. Generally, burglary involves trespassing into a structure with the intent to commit a criminal offense inside. The penalties range from fifth-degree felonies (such as breaking and entering) up to first-degree felonies (aggravated burglary).
Aggravated burglary, defined under Ohio Revised Code § 2911.11 , involves force, stealth, or deception to enter an occupied structure with intent to commit a criminal offense, often while armed or causing harm. Breaking and entering, defined under O.R.C. § 2911.13, applies to entering an unoccupied structure to commit a theft or felony. Burglary in an occupied structure generally carries harsher penalties, and the presence of a deadly weapon can elevate the offense to aggravated burglary.
Prior convictions for burglary, robbery, or aggravated robbery can also result in enhanced penalties for future offenses. A conviction may lead to long prison terms, thousands of dollars in fines, and a permanent felony record that can affect employment, housing, and professional opportunities.
As I often show to Logan defendants, a key element in any burglary case is intent. If it can be shown that there was no intent to commit a crime upon entry, this can serve as a strong defense. For example, entering a property with permission or for a lawful reason will undermine the prosecution’s case.
Other potential defenses include providing an alibi to demonstrate you were not at the scene, or challenging identification evidence if descriptions are vague or multiple individuals match the alleged suspect. Mistaken identity can be a powerful defense in burglary cases.
With more than 25 years of criminal defense experience, a Ph.D. in criminology, and a strong background in forensic evidence, I provide clients with thorough and strategic legal defense. Working alongside investigators and forensic experts, I gather the facts necessary to effectively challenge the prosecution’s case.
As a Logan burglary lawyer, I protect my clients’ constitutional rights and fight aggressively in court. Whether through pre-trial motions, plea negotiations, or trial advocacy, I bring preparation and precision to every stage of the case. If you are facing burglary charges in Logan, call my office today to discuss your legal options as soon as possible.