In Florida, burglary is a serious crime, and the penalties can be severe. Burglary is always charged as a felony. A conviction can result in multiple years of imprisonment. Furthermore, having a felony conviction on your permanent record can have adverse consequences on your ability to find employment and housing after you have served your sentence.
With so much at stake, it is essential to consult with an experienced and skilled Panama City burglary defense attorney who can protect you from the harshest consequences of conviction. The knowledgeable criminal defense team at The Sombathy Law Firm can give you the guidance, support, and advocacy you need at this challenging time. Contact us today for a confidential consultation with a Panama City criminal defense attorney.
Why Choose The Sombathy Law Firm?
There is no shortage of choice criminal defense attorneys in Bay County, but your choice of legal representation can completely transform your case’s chances of success. When you choose The Sombathy Law Firm, you will profit from the more than 30 years of experience that Lead Criminal Trial Attorney Bob Sombathy brings to the table. The Florida Bar Association has recognized him with Board Certification in Criminal Trial Law, meaning that he is among the less than one percent of Florida attorneys who can call themselves specialists.
With Bob on your side, you will have access to the insights his former experience as a criminal prosecutor can offer, allowing you to effectively anticipate and rebut the prosecution’s tactics. Furthermore, we are always committed to giving our full attention and care to each client who chooses to entrust their future to our firm.
What Is Burglary?
Florida law describes burglary as entering a dwelling, structure, or conveyance or remaining inside with the intent to commit a crime therein except when the defendant is invited or licensed to enter or the premises are open to the public. It is crucial to note that the crime of burglary is separate from any other offenses that may be committed once inside the property. The act of unlawful entry or remaining in the property with criminal intent is sufficient to constitute burglary.
What Is the Difference Between Burglary and Theft?
While burglary and theft are often associated, they are distinct crimes under Florida law. Burglary happens when a person unlawfully enters into a property with the intent to commit a crime, while theft is the actual taking of someone else’s property intending to permanently deprive them of it. In many cases, burglary charges are accompanied by theft charges if the perpetrator steals items from the property they have illegally entered. However, it is possible to commit burglary without committing theft, and vice versa.
What Are the Three Degrees of Burglary?
Florida categorizes burglary into three degrees based on the severity of the offense:
- Burglary in the third degree – This is the least serious form of burglary, involving unlawful entry into an unoccupied structure or conveyance. It is a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison.
- Burglary in the second degree – Second-degree burglary happens when the defendant enters or remains in a dwelling, occupied structure, or conveyance or if they cause damage in excess of $1,000. It is a second-degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
- Burglary in the first degree – This is the most serious form of burglary, involving assault or battery on any person, being armed, or using a motor vehicle to damage the property during the commission of the crime. It is a first-degree felony, and carries a penalty of up to life in prison.
Considering the severity of these charges, it is essential to enlist the services of a skilled Panama City criminal defense attorney who can fight for your future.
What Defense Strategies Are Available for Burglary Charges?
An experienced criminal defense attorney can employ various strategies to defend against burglary charges, depending on the case’s specific circumstances. Some common defenses include:
- Lack of intent – The defendant did not intend to commit a crime upon entering the property.
- Consent – The defendant had permission or was invited to enter the property.
- Mistaken identity – The defendant was wrongly identified as the perpetrator.
- Insufficient evidence – The prosecution lacks sufficient evidence to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Violation of constitutional rights – Law enforcement agents obtained evidence through an illegal search or seizure or violated the defendant’s rights during the arrest or interrogation process.
Your Panama City criminal defense attorney will thoroughly investigate your case and develop a tailored defense strategy to fight for the most favorable outcome possible.
The Importance of a Competent Defense
The immediate aftermath of being charged with burglary in Panama City can be one of the most overwhelming and anxiety-inducing times in your life. Imagining the criminal penalties and possible consequences for your life can almost be paralyzing. Yet it is crucial to remember that being arrested does not mean that a conviction is inevitable.
However, it is imperative to take action to defend yourself as soon as possible by enlisting the services of an experienced Panama City criminal defense attorney who can protect your rights and fight for your future.
Contact Our Experienced Panama City Burglary Defense Attorney
The criminal defense team at The Sombathy Law Firm has represented thousands of clients in felony cases. We will use our experience and specialized skillset to work diligently to get your charges dismissed or reduced, to secure an acquittal, or to reduce your penalties to the least severe possible under Florida law. Call us today or contact us via our online form for a confidential consultation to learn more about how our experienced Panama City criminal defense attorneys can help you.
