When people think of a burglary offense, they typically imagine an individual who enters a home for the purpose of committing a crime. Under California's penal code, burglary may involve a home invasion, but it may also involve the burglary of a commercial building. The California Penal Code makes a significant distinction between residential burglary and commercial burglary. A residential burglary carries significantly greater penalties and is also a strike offense.
Contact a Los Angeles Burglery Defense Lawyer Today!
If you have been arrested for burglary, it is critical that you protect your rights by retaining an experienced Los Angeles burglary defense attorney. For a vigorous defense, contact the Law Offices of Daniel R. Perlman in Los Angeles. We handle all burglary charges and related offenses, including:
- Residential burglary
- Commercial burglary
- Possession of burglary tools
- Burglary of an automobile
Call 877-814-7586 or contact us by e-mail.
Residential and Commercial Burglary Charges in Los Angeles
A residential burglary occurs when a person enters a home, apartment or other inhabited dwelling with the intent to commit theft or another criminal offense. The crime of burglary does not require that you enter the home by breaking and entering or otherwise gain entry by illegal means. Even if you lawfully entered another person's home, you could be guilty of burglary if you entered with the intent of committing a crime.
One of the key issues in a residential burglary case is whether the defendant had the intent of committing a crime at the moment he or she entered the home or other inhabited dwelling. If the intent to commit a crime formed after the defendant entered the home, the defendant is not guilty of burglary.
Commercial burglary is the burglary of a commercial structure such as retail store or other business. As with residential burglary, a defendant must have had the intent to commit a crime at the time he or she entered the commercial building.
Defenses to a Burglary Charges in Los Angeles
There are a number of defenses our attorneys may raise on your behalf if you have been charged with burglary, including:
- Lack of intent at time of entry: If you did not have an intent to commit a crime at the time you entered a residential dwelling or commercial building, you are not guilty of burglary.
- No intent to commit a crime: If you entered a home to retrieve personal property that you own or to engage in other lawful activity, you are not guilty of burglary.
- Mistaken identity: You may have been arrested because you were falsely identified.
Contact Us
We are ready to provide a strong defense on your behalf if you have been charged with burglary. To schedule a free consultation with one of our Los Angeles burglary lawyers, call 877-814-7586 or contact us by e-mail.
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