Chandler Burglary Attorney
Burglary charges can lead to high fines and long prison sentences. As a type of theft offense, burglary is taken seriously by state prosecutors. It is often a felony charge that can permanently affect your criminal record. This can have a major impact on your life in addition to the potential prison time and financial sanctions.
If you face burglary charges, reach out to a skilled Chandler theft lawyer as soon as possible to begin building your defense. A Chandler burglary lawyer at the Grand Canyon Law Group can assess your case and determine an effective strategy to protect your freedom and way of life.
For a free legal consultation with a burglary lawyer serving Chandler, call 480-400-5555
DEFINITION OF BURGLARY
Burglar is defined by Chapter Thirteen of the Arizona Revised Statutes. A person commits burglary when they unlawfully enter or remain in a property or structure with the purpose to commit a theft or other felony. As a knowledgeable Chandler burglary lawyer can explain, there are three degrees of burglary, each with their own unique elements and potential punishments.
FIRST DEGREE BURGLARY
A first-degree burglary is accomplished with explosives, a deadly weapon, or a deadly instrument in the course of the act. If the property in question is a nonresidential structure, the offense is a Class Three felony, with a potential prison sentence of between two to 8.75 years in prison for a first-time offense. For residential structures, it is a Class Two felony with a prison sentence range of three to 12.5 years.
SECOND DEGREE BURGLARY
A second-degree burglary occurs when the act is committed while in a residential structure. This is considered a Class three felony for a first offense, which may result in between two to 8.75 years in prison.
THIRD DEGREE BURGLARY
A third-degree burglary occurs when a person commits the offense in a nonresidential structure or fenced commercial or residential yard. It may also occur by making entry into a motor vehicle using a manipulation key or master key. This is considered a Class Four felony, and a person could face between one and 3.75 years in prison for a first-time offense.
Chandler Burglary Lawyer Near Me 480-400-5555
IMPACT OF PRIOR CONVICTIONS ON BURGLARY SENTENCING RANGES
When a person has prior felony convictions, they may face more serious potential penalties than they would for a first-time offense. State law creates separate classifications of repetitive offenders. The more prior felonies a person has, the higher the potential penalty ranges are likely to be.
It is critical for a defendant and their attorney to challenge every charge the prosecutor levies against them. A proper defense strategy with help from a Chandler burglary attorney could help mitigate the potential penalties.
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DEFENDING BURGLARY CHARGES IN CHANDLER
A prosecutor must prove every aspect of the burglary offense in order to get a conviction. A local burglary attorney could challenge these elements to seek a reduction or dismissal of the charges. Defense strategies may include:
- Casting doubt on the prosecutor’s case
- Showing lack of intent
- Filing a suppression motion
- Negotiating plea bargains
- Presenting reasonable doubt
- Showing mistaken identity
These defenses and many others may be available, depending on the circumstances. A hardworking Chandler criminal defense lawyer at our firm can assess a case and determine an appropriate strategy.
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DEFEND YOUR CASE WITH A CHANDLER BURGLARY LAWYER
Regardless of the circumstances that led to your burglary charge, you deserve experienced representation and a strong defense. These types of allegations cannot be taken lightly, as you could face years in prison if convicted.
Let an experienced Chandler burglary lawyer fight to protect your best interests. Contact the team at the Grand Canyon Law Group today to begin building your defense.
Call or text 480-400-5555 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form