Burglary is a serious crime under Virginia law. Burglary is prosecuted harshly and can bring about severe penalties if a conviction is reached.
If you have been charged with burglary, then you should consult a Richmond, Virginia burglary defense lawyer from Portner & Shure, P.A. Our mission is protecting your freedom through the use of a strong, convincing defense. This is what we have been doing for more than 30 years!
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Statutory Burglary Charges
Virginia sorts burglary statutes into three different charges, starting with statutory burglary. The elements of statutory burglary are that an individual used force, coercion, or deception to break into another person’s building.
The possible penalties for statutory burglary charges are:
- 5 years in prison and/or fine up to $2,500: Pursuant to Virginia Code § 18.2-92 – if a person is convicted of breaking into a building with the intent to commit a misdemeanor crime other than assault or trespass.
- 20 years in prison and/or a fine up to $2,500: Pursuant to Virginia Code § 18.2-91 – if a person is convicted of breaking into a building with the intent to commit a larceny, assault, battery, or another felony.
- 20 years in prison and/or a fine up to $100,000: Pursuant to Virginia Code § 18.2-9 – if a person is convicted of breaking into a building with the intent to commit murder, rape, robbery, or arson.
Common Law Burglary Charges
Under Virginia law, common law burglary is classified as a felony, and it involves the act of breaking into another person’s building with the intent to commit a felony at night. Common law burglary is classified as a class 3 felony. An individual convicted of common law burglary faces a potential sentence of 20 years in prison and/or a $100,000 fine. If an individual used a weapon during the burglary, they can be charged with common law armed burglary, which is a class 2 felony. An individual convicted of common law armed burglary faces a potential sentence of 20 years to life in prison and/or a $100,000 fine.
Other Ways of Charging Burglary
Even if an individual did not enter another person’s home or building, Virginia law also allows people to be charged with burglary in other instances. Merely possessing burglary tools can result in result in a person being charged with burglary, for example. If a person is accused of breaking into a vehicle, they can also be charged with burglary despite this not being a building per se.
Defense Against Burglary Starts Here
If you have been charged with burglary, your first objective should be to get experienced representation from a Richmond, Virginia burglary lawyer. At Portner & Shure, P.A., we have just the team for your case! We are dedicated to preserving your freedom, finances, and reputation.
