If you have been charged with burglary in Berks County, PA, you face an extremely serious felony charge. You face up to 20 years in state prison, and fines as high as $25,000 depending on your situation. However, it is important to remember that just because you are charged with this crime, does not mean that you are guilty. With a skilled defense attorney at your side, you can defend yourself against these serious penalties.
With the help of an experienced Berks County Burglary Attorney by your side, you can ensure that your constitutional rights are protected, as well as protect yourself against improper charges.
Burglary Offenses in Berks County, PA
Burglary is a felony-level charge in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Because of this, it comes with very high prison sentences and high fines. With the potential penalties involved, you cannot afford to take this charge lightly.
Burglary is defined by 18 Pa. C.S. § 3502 as an unauthorized entry into certain premises with the intent to commit a crime therein. However, the alleged offense is not a burglary if certain conditions are true at the time of the alleged incident:
- the defendant possessed a license or privilege to enter the premises at the time of the alleged offense
- the premises were open to the public at the time of the alleged offense
- the building was abandoned at the time of the alleged offense
Your lawyer can use these exceptions to earn a not guilty verdict to burglary on your behalf if they apply.
Penalties for a Conviction of Burglary
Under Pennsylvania law, a burglary charge can be either a first or second-degree felony. It is a second-degree, felony-level offense if the no individual was present at the time of the incident and the building was no adapted for overnight accommodation (a residence). With a second-degree felony charge, the potential penalties are as follows:
- up to 10 years in state prison
- up to $25,000 in fines
In all other cases, a burglary is a first-degree felony. With it, the following possible penalties apply:
- up to 20 years in state prison
- up to $25,000 in fines
Why Do I Need an Attorney in My Case?
Without an attorney to help you through the complex legal process, you are at high risk of being sentenced to the highest possible penalties possible under the law. In many cases, unrepresented defendants plead guilty when they are not actually guilty of the offense, simply because they had no legal advice to tell them differently.
The prosecutor is required to prove the charge against you beyond a reasonable doubt. This is a very high burden on the state, and an experienced Berks County Burglary lawyer can defend your case and make sure your constitutional rights are protected.
Consult an Experienced Berks County Burglary Attorney
You deserve to have the best legal defense available to protect your rights. An experienced Berks County Burglary attorney can defend your case to protect your rights, so call (888) 535-3686 or contact us online today to schedule a consultation.
