Maryland Burglary Lawyer

Defense for Theft & Property Crimes

If you or a loved one has been charged with burglary, you could be facing very serious penalties. Many burglary charges can be classified as felonies. Having the help of a seasoned Charles County criminal defense attorney can develop an aggressive legal strategy. At The Law Office of Robert R. Castro, our team and lawyer has helped thousands of client with successful representation.

What Constitutes Burglary in Maryland?

In the State of Maryland, burglary incorporates a few different aspects. For it to be considered a burglary, it must involving the entering of a building, structure, or vehicle. It must also include entering the building with the intent to commit a crime. Aside from these aspects, it is also illegal to be in possession of tools that used specifically with burglary.

Degrees of Burglary & Possible Penalties

Key Information You Should Know About Burglary Defense in Maryland

Legal Definitions and Elements of Burglary Offenses

Under Maryland law, burglary charges center around unlawful entry into a building or structure intending to commit a crime inside. Unlike robbery, burglary does not require direct confrontation with another person. Instead, the focus lies on the unauthorized access and its purpose. Even if no theft ultimately occurs, the intent alone can lead to a burglary conviction.

The law applies to homes, businesses, storage facilities, and even vehicles in certain circumstances. Tools commonly associated with forced entry, such as crowbars or lock picks, can further enhance charges if found in possession during an arrest. Our Maryland burglary attorney understands how prosecutors build these cases and how to challenge weaknesses in their arguments.

Common Situations That Can Lead to Burglary Charges

Burglary allegations often arise from misunderstandings, mistaken identity, or circumstantial evidence. Typical scenarios include being found near a property without explicit permission, entering a vacant structure believed to be abandoned, or disputes involving access rights. Sometimes, individuals face charges when accompanying others without realizing that a crime was planned.

Electronic surveillance footage, eyewitness testimony, and forensic evidence such as fingerprints or DNA often play significant roles in these cases. A well-prepared Maryland burglary defense lawyer will scrutinize each piece of evidence for inconsistencies or errors that could shift the outcome in the defendant’s favor.

Consequences Beyond Prison Time

Although Maryland’s degrees of burglary outline prison terms ranging from three to twenty years, the consequences extend beyond incarceration. A felony conviction can affect employment, housing, and professional licensing. Even a misdemeanor fourth-degree burglary conviction can impact a person’s record permanently.

Prosecutors may also seek restitution for property damage related to the alleged crime. Civil lawsuits filed by property owners can create additional financial burdens. A strong defense by a Maryland Burglary defense lawyer focuses on minimizing criminal penalties and these lasting effects.

The Role of Intent in Burglary Cases

Proving criminal intent at the time of entry is critical in burglary prosecutions. Simply entering a property unlawfully is not enough; there must be evidence of planning to commit a crime. For example, entering an unlocked structure without plans to steal or damage would not qualify as burglary.

Intent is sometimes inferred from facts like carrying tools or behavior when discovered, but inference is not proof. A skilled burglary defense lawyer in Maryland works to expose gaps in the prosecution’s claims about the accused’s true intent.

Critical Mistakes to Avoid After an Arrest

Inevitable mistakes after a burglary arrest can hurt the defense. Speaking to police without an attorney often results in damaging statements. Sharing details with others or posting on social media can also create evidence for the prosecution.

Violating no-contact orders or returning to the property can lead to additional charges. A Maryland burglary attorney will advise clients to comply strictly with bail conditions and avoid actions that could complicate the case.

How Long Burglary Cases Typically Take to Resolve

The time it takes to resolve a burglary case in Maryland depends on the charge’s degree and the evidence’s complexity. Misdemeanor cases may conclude in a few months, while felony cases often take longer due to pretrial motions, discovery, and trial scheduling.

Prosecutors sometimes offer plea agreements to resolve cases sooner. However, every offer should be reviewed carefully with a Maryland Burglary defense lawyer to ensure it protects the client’s best interests immediately and in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between burglary and robbery in Maryland?
Burglary involves unlawful entry with intent to commit a crime; robbery involves taking property through force or intimidation.

Can I be charged with burglary even if I didn’t steal anything?
Yes, the law focuses on the intent at entry, not whether a theft or crime occurred.

What penalties do I face for first-degree burglary?
First-degree burglary carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison, especially if the property entered was a dwelling.

Can we reduce burglary charges or dismiss them?
Depending on the evidence, a skilled Maryland burglary attorney may negotiate a reduction or fight for dismissal.

How important is proving intent in a burglary case?
Proving criminal intent is essential; without it, the state cannot secure a burglary conviction.

Can juveniles be charged with burglary in Maryland?
Yes, and in some cases, juveniles may be charged as adults depending on the severity and circumstances of the alleged offense.

Contact Us at (301) 870-1200 to learn How Our Firm Can Help You

Our attorney at The Law Office of Robert R. Castro can provide our clients with detailed and assertive legal counsel. With every case we take, we work to try to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients. Whether you are facing a misdemeanor fourth-degree burglary charge or a felony charge, our Waldorf burglary defense lawyer can make sure your rights are protected.