Simi Valley Burglary Lawyer

Los Angeles Burglary Defense: Protecting Your Rights

The crime of burglary in California is defined as unlawful breaking and entering a building or vehicle with the intent of committing theft. Burglary may be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony in CA, depending on the severity of the crime, as well as use of weapons and other circumstances.

Understanding Burglary Charges in California

The prosecution carries the burden of proving, beyond a reasonable doubt that:

1. The defendant entered a building, room within a building, or locked vehicle 

2. When he or she entered a building, room within the building or locked vehicle, he or she intended to commit theft

Under the law of burglary, a person enters a building if some part of his or her body, or some object under his or her control, penetrates the area inside the building’s outer boundary.

A building’s outer boundary includes the area inside a window screen.

Defining Intent in Burglary Cases

The biggest surprise in the burglary statute is this crime is not necessarily a ‘theft’ related offense. The accused is guilty of ‘burglary’ if he or she enters any structure, inhabited or not, with the intent to commit any ‘crime’ inside.

Commercial Burglary Laws in CA: What You Need to Know

A person can be charged with ‘Commercial’ burglary when they enter a store with the specific intent to steal. Typically, ‘commercial’ burglaries is charged as a misdemeanor when the value of the property taken is less than $400.00. However, if the value is over $400.00 the burglary will be charged as a felony. This is commonly referred to as grand theft. Commercial burglary is not a strike.

If you are not a United States citizen, your immigration status or application for citizenship will be in jeopardy if convicted of Burglary.