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An experienced, aggressive, and affordable Orange County burglary defense attorney can represent you and get your charges reduced or dropped.
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Orange County burglary
Burglary in Orange County is a crime that is prosecuted under Section 459 of the California Penal Code.
It is defined as entering a room/structure or locked vehicle with the intent to commit a theft or felony once inside.
Entering a home, hotel room, garage, or other place inhabited by people is known as “residential burglary” and is a first-degree offense while entering a commercial building, store, or office is considered a second-degree “commercial burglary.”
Please speak with an Orange County burglary lawyer to learn more about the penal code.
Proving burglary
Proving an Orange county burglary charges involve proving incontrovertibly that:
- The accused entered the building, room, or locked vehicle
- The accused intended to commit a felony after entering
The definition of a building can include popcorn stands, telephone booths, wire chicken-coops, enclosures, loading docks bordered with a chain fence, etc, or in short, anything that has four walls and a roof.
“Entering” can also include penetrating the building’s outer boundary with any part of the body or a tool/object and can also be applied to windows and outer perimeters like balconies and patios. The definition may be extended when required, to include entering a Bank of America branch with the intention of cashing a check that you know to be fraudulent.
Break & entering penalty in OC
In California, First-degree burglary convictions are punishable with up to six years imprisonment, fines and it is considered a “strike” under California law. Second-degree offenses invite imprisonment up to three years and are not considered strikes.
These are known as “wobbler” offenses since charges may be filed under felony or misdemeanor, based on circumstances, criminal record, etc.
If the victim of a burglary is seriously injured or is “vulnerable” – i.e. above 65, under 14, mentally/physically challenged, etc the charges are compounded.
As you can see breaking and entering is not a small matter so make sure to hire an experienced burglary attorney to help defend you on OC court.
Call now to speak with Orange County burglary lawyer
It is essential that you retain the services of an experienced, qualified, and successful attorney/law firm if you’re charged with burglary, as several excellent defenses are available.
Get a free consultation with an Orange County burglary lawyer by calling today!