Santa Ana Burglary Defense Lawyer

Are you currently facing burglary charges in or around Santa Ana? Discussing your legal rights with an experienced legal professional is one of the most important steps you can take in the face of a serious situation such as this. You may be at risk of facing felony charges and a "strike" on your record if you are convicted. You need a competent Santa Ana burglary defense lawyer to represent your interests and protect your legal rights.

In California, burglary is defined as unlawfully entering a structure with the intent to commit theft or any felony offense. Burglary may be referred to as breaking and entering and is typically associated with some form of theft, but entering another's property with the intention of committing any felony crime may be considered burglary. Depending on the circumstances of the offense, you may face misdemeanor or felony charges for burglary. This will apply whether you actually committed the allegedly intended crime or not - the prosecution need only prove that you entered the property with the intent of committing the offense.

Sentencing for Burglary Convictions in Santa Ana

A defendant convicted of burglary in Santa Ana, California may face the following penalties under CA Penal Code section 459.

First degree residential burglary - felony punishable by 2, 4 or 6 years in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Second degree burglary (of an unoccupied dwelling) - misdemeanor or felony offense, punishable by up to 1 year in county jail and a fine of up to $1,000 if charged as a misdemeanor and 16 months, 2 or 3 years in state prison if charged as a felony.

Enhanced penalties may apply in some situations, if the defendant has prior convictions on his or her record, causes great bodily injury to a victim, or is in possession of or uses a deadly weapon or explosive in the commission of the offense.

For the aggressive defense you need in the face of breaking and entering charges, contact a Santa Ana Burglary Attorney at our law offices.