Burglary Attorney in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

This offense involves entering or attempting to enter a building with the intent to commit a crime once inside of the dwelling, structure, or conveyance.

If you have been arrested for burglary, you are facing serious criminal charges. Burglary is the act of entering a building with the intent of committing a crime inside the structure. It doesn’t matter if, once inside the building, the crime actually took place. If the prosecution can prove that you intended to commit a theft or other felony after entering the premises, you can be convicted of burglary.

Prosecutors usually seek incarceration on burglary charges. After serving your sentence, your criminal record will impact you the rest of your life, limiting employment options and other opportunities. As a convicted felon, you will also lose your right to vote and own a gun.

It takes skilled legal representation to properly prepare and execute a successful defense against burglary charges. DiRenzo Defense has extensive experience in burglary case defense, both as defense attorneys and prosecutors. An experienced Fort Lauderdale criminal attorney can protect your constitutional rights, ensure a fair trial and the best possible outcome for your case. Contact us immediately if you have been arrested for burglary.

Types of Burglary & Penalties

You can be charged for burglary in the state of Florida if you enter any dwelling, structure, or conveyance with the intention of committing a crime. This includes a home, mobile home, RV, truck, car, warehouse, tent, garage, boat, or airplane to name a few. Depending on the circumstances of your case, the prosecution may seek to increase your charges and advocate for heavy penalties, which is why it is crucial to have an aggressive defense attorney on your side. Typically, the offense of burglary occurs in one of three main locations:

• Dwelling. The law defines a dwelling as a building that is meant for habitation and has a roof. There does not have to be anyone currently dwelling in the building for this type of burglary to be charged.

  • Sentencing can include 21 months to 15 years in prison, 15 years of probation, and as much as $10,000 of fines.

• Structure. This is defined as any type of building with a roof over it and can be either permanent or temporary. The penalties for this offense depend upon whether the structure was occupied or unoccupied.

  • Occupied: sentencing can include up to 15 years in prison, up to 15 years of probation, and as much as $10,000 in fines.

  • Unoccupied: sentencing can include up to 5 years in prison, up to 5 years of probation, and as much as $5,000 in fines.

• Conveyance. A conveyance is a structure meant to transport, such as a motor vehicle, railroad vehicle or car, trailer, plane, ship, or another vessel.

  • Sentencing can include up to 5 years in prison, up to 5 years of probation, and as much as $5,000 in fines.