Brooklyn Burglary Lawyer
Criminal Defense Attorney in Brooklyn, Ready to Defend You
Burglary is a serious charge and should be taken as such in New York State. It is considered a felony, carries harsh penalties, and calls for the counsel of an effective Brooklyn criminal defense attorney to protect interests of the accused.
The Law Offices of Lowell J. Sidney can provide a unique defense and perspective for these kinds of criminal cases. As a former prosecutor, Lowell J. Sidney can bring a dynamic insight to criminal charges and mount an aggressive defense with the knowledge of a prosecutor's strategies.
Contact his firm today to bring this kind of knowledge and experience to your defense.
What kind of burglary charges am I facing?
New York statutes classify burglary in three different categories, all based on the severity of the circumstances. All involve the intentional, illegal entrance of a property with the intent of committing a crime. Understanding the differences can inform your expectations of the charges you face and equip you to build the best possible defense.
The different kinds of burglary charges are:
- First degree burglary: This crime involves entry to a residence while wielding weapons, perceived weapons, and/or causing physical injury to those not involved in the crime.
- Second degree burglary: This crime involves entry to a building while wielding weapons, perceived weapons, and/or causing physical injury to those not involved in the crime. The illegal entrance of a residence, without instance of weapons or causing injury, is also considered burglary in the second degree.
- Third degree burglary: This crime is simply the illegal entrance to building with the intention of committing a crime.
New York also punishes individuals for simply being found in possession of burglar's tools. In this charge, if the accused is found to have items, or adapted items, commonly found to be specifically used in the act of burglary, they could be facing serious penalties.
Penalties of Burglary
The penalties for a burglary charge can vary. Just as they are organized in a hierarchy of severity, they result in sentences according to their seriousness.
The penalties of different burglary charges are:
- First degree burglary (class B felony): Up to 25 years in prison
- Second degree burglary (class C felony): Up to 15 years in prison
- Third degree burglary (class D felony): Up to 7 years in prison
- Possession of burglar's tools: Up to one year in jail
If you've been charged with burglary, it's critical to seek the counsel of an experienced criminal defense attorney who knows exactly how the prosecution will approach your case. The Law Offices of Lowell J. Sidney is standing by and ready to listen to your needs.
Call the firm for a free consultation today.