Long Beach Burglary Lawyer

Long Beach Burglary Attorney

While California experienced a state-wide reduction of burglaries by 6.7% in 2023, Long Beach averaged more burglaries within the region than both the state and national average. Being accused of committing a burglary can be overwhelming and confusing. Hiring a Long Beach burglary lawyer can make a huge difference for both you and your case.

The legal team at Gibbons & Gibbons believes in hearing your side of the story and working with you to create an adequate defense. Whether you are innocent or guilty, you have the right to hire legal representation and receive a fair trial. You do not need to face these charges alone. Having a burglary defense lawyer advocating on your behalf can bring you peace of mind and free you up to focus on pursuing your ideal case resolution.

What Counts as Burglary?

Many terms are used to describe various forms of theft, including breaking and entering, robbery, and burglary. It can be easy to assume they are interchangeable, but this is not the case. Your Long Beach burglary lawyer can help you distinguish between them further, but here is a basic breakdown of what kind of incidents can be qualified as burglaries:

According to Penal Code § 459 PC, burglary involves trying to enter or successfully entering a vehicle, structure, or vessel with the intent to commit theft and/or a felony, regardless of whether your intended crime is completed. Long Beach has a higher rate of burglary than the California crime rate average, and there is a heightened chance of burglarization in Long Beach than in surrounding areas.

Robberies are considered a form of violent crime, and the reported 2023 rate of violent crime in Long Beach was higher than the rest of the state’s average.

What Are Some Potential Factors That Impact Potential Penalties?

In the state of California, fines and sentences for convicted burglars depend on several different factors, such as whether it is your first offense, whether the structure was occupied at the time of the incident, and whether the crime of burglary led to the alleged burglar committing other crimes, such as assault. There are some fundamental elements to understand in order to better determine the crime and its potential penalties.

• What counts as a structure: In the context of a burglary, a structure is any place or property that you have no legal right to enter. This includes a car, a boat, a house, an apartment or apartment complex, a business, a carport, a barn, a tent, a railroad car, an aircraft, a garage, and/or a shop.
• The importance of intention: If you are entering a structure that does not belong to you, you are probably attempting to steal something or commit another crime. However, the intention behind your burglary can play a key part in the penalties you receive in the event of a conviction.
• The significance of occupied structures: When you enter a structure with the intent to commit a crime, you have already committed burglary. If there are individuals within the structure at the time of the burglary, they will factor into the sentencing you receive upon conviction of burglary charges. Their safety is taken seriously by the court, and you may potentially face additional charges because of their presence at the time, such as assault if you threaten them, battery if they are physically harmed, and homicide in the event of fatalities.

When you recount your story to your Long Beach burglary lawyer, it is important that you share every detail with them. This will allow them to help you prepare a thorough and compelling defense to present before your criminal court. It can be difficult to discuss the crime, but a skilled and compassionate lawyer is not trying to make you uncomfortable or to judge you. A thorough knowledge of your unique case can help them determine the most important ways to assist you.

Hiring a burglary defense lawyer can enable you to reduce potential confusion, and it can be a powerful tool when you need to protect yourself. Even if you are innocent, it is always a wise idea to have a defense lawyer with you when speaking to law enforcement and opposing counsel. Your lawyer may be able to help you avoid some of the easier pitfalls during interviews and your trial.

FAQs

What Is the Minimum Prison Sentence for a First-Degree Burglary Conviction in California?

In the state of California, first-degree or “residential” burglary is a felony. This means that, under California law, the minimum prison sentence for someone who has been convicted of first-degree burglary is two years. Additional factors, such as property damage, bodily harm, assault, or use of a deadly weapon, can lead to a greater sentence.

Is Burglary a Wobbler in California?

According to California Code, Penal Code – PEN § 459, burglary charges can be classified as a “wobbler”, meaning that the circumstances surrounding the event could lead to the alleged burglar being charged with either a misdemeanor or a felony. For example, a case may be determined to be a felony due to the fact that it was a repeat offense or a first-degree burglary instead of a second-degree or third-degree one.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Burglary Criminal Defense Lawyer in California?

In the state of California, the final cost of a burglary criminal defense lawyer differs due to several different things, including how complex the case is, how long the case lasts, and what lawyer you choose to hire. The knowledge and experience behind the legal team at Gibbons & Gibbons emphasizes the importance of a skilled lawyer. Having qualified legal assistance during your pursuit of a favorable case outcome is essential.

Which Is Worse: First-Degree Burglary or Third-Degree Burglary?

In the state of California, a first-degree burglary conviction will lead to much steeper penalties than a third-degree burglary conviction. Third-degree burglaries are considered the least severe burglary crimes, as the likelihood of causing physical harm to other individuals is usually less than in first-degree burglary cases. The circumstances of your case

Find Support Today

Being charged with burglary can feel incredibly isolating and like the end of the world, but you do not have to face your charges alone. Gibbons & Gibbons makes it their mission to listen to your story and help you build a case that you feel confident about. Let us share this burden with you, and contact us today to schedule a consultation.