Some of the most serious criminal accusations involve alleged invasions of others’ property. Burglary involves entering a building without the owner’s consent with the intent of committing a crime while inside. However, there are many versions of burglary under state law, each with its own elements that a prosecutor must demonstrate to secure a conviction.

A New Haven burglary lawyer could help build a tailored defense to the specific charges you face. At Ruane Attorneys, our legal team works to explain the legal concept of burglary, determine the legality of police work, discover evidence that could help your defense, and protect your rights throughout the process.

Illegal Entry in a Burglary Case

Every burglary case centers around a few key elements. A prosecutor must prove each of these elements to secure a conviction. In all burglary cases, a prosecutor must prove that a defendant entered or remained in a building without permission to do so.

Third-Degree Charges

The type of building involved in the alleged incident determines the severity of a burglary charge. For example, Connecticut General Statute § 53a-103 defines burglary in the third degree as entering any building without the owner’s consent with the intent to commit a crime. It further states that a first conviction is a class D felony with a five-year maximum sentence.

Second-Degree Charges

A person who illegally enters a dwelling commits burglary in the second degree under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-102. Convictions under these charges bring sentences of up to ten years. Regardless of the specific burglary charges a person faces, a New Haven attorney could help contest the idea that they entered a building of any kind without the owner’s permission.

Proving Intent During a Burglary Case

The other key element of all burglary cases is whether a prosecutor can prove the defendant entered the structure with the intention to commit a crime. Merely entering a building without the owner’s permission is usually an instance of trespassing. The intent to commit another offense makes the incident a felony.

Prosecutors can attempt to prove intent in many ways. They can point to a crime that occurred while a defendant was in the building. They could also present evidence that a defendant was carrying a weapon or some sort of tool to aid in their entrance.

In fact, what a defendant was allegedly carrying can play a major role in a burglary case. Having a weapon in one’s possession automatically allows a prosecutor to pursue a first-degree burglary charge. In these cases, convictions will bring a mandatory five-year prison term. A burglary lawyer at our New Haven office could provide more information about the various versions of burglary charges and potential consequences upon conviction.

Reach Out to a New Haven Burglary Attorney Now

Burglary charges allege that you entered a building without the owner’s permission with the intent to commit a crime. Merely entering the property can be enough for a conviction, even if you never committed the alleged crime.

You may feel stressed or hopeless after an arrest for burglary. However, a New Haven burglary lawyer could walk you through your options and fight for your best interests. At Ruane Attorneys, we work with you to explain the laws that control your case and evaluate the evidence available for your defense. Contact our team today and let us defend you and your rights.