Alexandria Burglary Lawyer
Burglary is crime taken quite seriously in Alexandria. Because it involves breaking into another’s home, it is considered an extreme violation of the rights of others and is typically punished with severity.
An Alexandria burglary lawyer could help a person charged with a burglary-related offense in a number of ways. A dedicated theft attorney could fight to prove innocence or, if necessary, mitigate the consequences of a conviction.
Many burglary-related offenses have mandatory minimum sentences and potentially long maximum prison sentences. In certain circumstances, it is even possible to receive a life sentence for burglary. If you find yourself facing a charge for burglary in Alexandria, contact an attorney to schedule a consultation and learn more.
Burglary Defined
Burglary, defined in the Code of Virginia § 18.2-89, is the entering of another’s dwelling at night with the intent to commit a felony or larceny therein. Burglary is a Class 3 felony in Alexandria and is punishable by a minimum of 5 years in prison and up to 20 years of imprisonment. If a person is armed with a deadly weapon while committing a burglary, the crime is raised to a Class 2 felony. A Class 2 felony carries a minimum 20-year prison sentence with the possibility of a life sentence. This is why it is critical for a defendant to obtain an experienced burglary attorney in Alexandria.
If the felony which a person intends to commit inside a dwelling at night is rape, murder, robbery, or arson, that person could be convicted of burglary if they enter the dwelling during the day. A dwelling, for the purposes of Alexandria burglary law, could include any building, ship, vessel, automobile, or trailer so long as it is used for human habitation.
Intent to Commit a Misdemeanor
Unlawfully entering the dwelling-house of another with the intent to commit a misdemeanor other than assault or battery is a Class 6 felony. If a person commits this crime while armed with a deadly weapon, however, they will be charged with a Class 2 felony.
Possession of Burglarious Tools
It is a Class 5 felony in Alexandria to possess tools, implements, or clothing of burglary with the intent to commit a burglary, larceny, or robbery. According to § 18.2-94 of the Code of Virginia, the possession of such items without a license establishes the necessary evidence of intent required to charge a person with a violation. An Alexandria burglary lawyer could work to convince a court that no such intent existed, avoiding a conviction for this offense.
A Class 5 felony carries a minimum of one year in jail and up to 10 years. A conviction for this crime could also result in a $2,500 fine.
How an Alexandria Burglary Attorney Could Help
Given the potential severity of a burglary conviction, the best course of action for a person charged with this offense is to contact an Alexandria burglary lawyer. An attorney could argue for a defendant’s innocence, explain mitigating circumstances, or negotiate a favorable plea arrangement. All of these options could result in a defendant obtaining the best possible outcome in your case, given the circumstances.
Contact an Alexandria burglary lawyer to learn more about your rights and options. The sooner you call, the sooner an attorney could start working for you.
