st louis criminal defense lawyer
Theft crimes | burglary
Burglary is often confused and misunderstood by most people and is often interchanged with robbery or theft. However, burglary, robbery and theft are all separate matters. While most people think of burglary as a crime involving a person’s home, it can occur in any building or just about any type inhabitable structure (even a railroad car or aircraft).
Burglary Defined
Burglary occurs when a person knowingly enters unlawfully or knowingly remains unlawfully in a building or inhabitable structure for the purpose of committing theft.
If a person enters a building without the intent of theft or committing the act of theft, he or she has committed criminal trespass, not burglary. If that person does commit or intends to commit theft, the criminal trespass becomes a burglary. The person may then be charged with burglary as well as theft.
All burglaries are Felony Crimes and carry severe punishments. In the example of above, the person will likely be charged with Burglary as well as either Misdemeanor Theft or Felony Theft, depending on the value of the property or services stolen.
In Missouri, burglary has two degrees of severity:
Burglary, Second Degree
A person commits the crime of burglary in the second degree when he/she knowingly enters unlawfully or knowingly remains unlawfully in a building or inhabitable structure for the purpose of committing a crime therein. This is a class C felony in Missouri.
Burglary, First Degree
A person may be charged with burglary in the first degree if he/she commits the crime of burglary in the second degree and additionally:
- The person is armed with a weapon; or
- The person causes or threatens injury to another person; or
- Another person is present in the building or inhabitable structure.
This is a class B felony in Missouri.
If you or a loved one has been charged with burglary, it is important to contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer immediately. All burglary cases are felony crimes and carry substantial penalties, if found guilty.
Our St. Louis criminal defense attorneys have unique experience that can make the difference in your case. As former police officers and a prosecuting attorney, the attorneys at Millikan Wright LLC know how to ensure your rights have not been violated and afford you the best possible outcome.
Contact us online or call 314.621.0622 (877.621.0622 Toll Free) for a FREE consultation and learn how the law applies to your specific situation. As former police officers and a former prosecuting attorney, we know potential pitfalls in the investigative process. As criminal defense attorneys, we know how to afford you protection under the law. Our education and experience mak a difference.
The Missouri Criminal Defense Attorneys of Millikan Wright LLC focus serving the needs of the greater St. Louis Metropolitan area. On the Missouri side, our criminal lawyers defend people in St. Louis city, St. Louis county, Jefferson county, Franklin county, St. Charles county, and Lincoln county. On the Illinois side, our attorneys represent people hurt in Madison county, St. Clair county and Monroe county.
