As a Pomeroy burglary lawyer, I understand how a misunderstanding or incomplete investigation can lead to an arrest. Burglary charges require the state to prove specific intent, and my role is to ensure that every element of that claim is tested carefully.
Burglary cases are rarely as straightforward as they appear. For example, you may have entered a building with permission, or without any plan to commit a crime. I make it my priority as your criminal defense attorney to prove what truly happened, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence, and build a strategy that protects your rights.
As outlined in Ohio Revised Code § 2911.12, burglary occurs when someone enters or remains in an occupied structure intending to commit a criminal act. The statute covers a range of situations, from breaking into a home, to unlawfully entering a business after hours. Even a brief entry can qualify if prosecutors believe it was done with criminal intent.
Burglary differs from simple trespass or theft because the law focuses on intent, not just entry. The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you entered the property with a specific criminal purpose (such as theft, assault, or vandalism). It is not enough to show that you were on the property without permission. They must connect your presence to a defined criminal objective.
In many situations, the state’s evidence is circumstantial, or based on assumptions about motive rather than concrete proof. Without credible evidence of intent, the accusation cannot satisfy the statutory requirements. A burglary lawyer in Pomeroy can evaluate the facts, challenge how investigators interpreted your actions, and demonstrate that the alleged conduct does not meet the legal definition of burglary.
Many burglary charges begin with incomplete or inaccurate information. Law enforcement often relies on witness statements, surveillance footage, or circumstantial evidence. In many cases, the evidence collected from these sources can be unreliable. I examine each piece of evidence for inconsistencies, including how it was collected and whether it connects you to the alleged event.
Forensic analysis can also play a role. Fingerprints, DNA, or digital evidence may be presented as definitive proof, yet those findings can be challenged when collection or interpretation errors occur. My training in forensic science allows me to review those materials critically and question whether they meet legal standards for reliability. A strong burglary defense in Pomeroy begins with challenging improper evidence.
Ohio law separates burglary from similar offenses such as trespassing, breaking and entering, and robbery. For example, under O.R.C. § 2911.13, breaking and entering involves unlawful access to a structure that is not a dwelling. Burglary, by contrast, centers on entry into occupied structures as defined by O.R.C § 2909.01 and carries greater penalties.
Understanding that difference can be critical to your case. In some situations, the evidence may better fit a lesser charge or no criminal offense at all. My objective as a burglary defense lawyer is to ensure that you are not overcharged based on assumptions rather than facts.
When you are facing allegations as serious as burglary, experience matters. As a Pomeroy burglary lawyer, I draw on years of courtroom experience and advanced training in forensics to protect clients from overreaching prosecution. I believe that every person deserves a defense grounded in facts, not assumptions.
Arrange a private consultation today to discuss your burglary case in detail. I will examine your case, review your options, and begin building a defense strategy that challenges every aspect of the state’s evidence.