In the golden state of California, the summer sun brings more than just outdoor adventures and beach days; it also heralds an increase in burglary incidents. Surprisingly, burglary rates spike by over 10% during these warmer months.
California’s legal landscape categorizes theft crimes under various umbrellas, with burglary being a prominent one. Interestingly, burglary splits into two main branches: home and commercial burglary. Both have distinct legal ramifications and are prosecuted differently. Contact Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088 if you are facing theft charges and require a free legal consultation.
Home Burglary: A First-Degree Felony
Home burglary, or residential burglary, is a serious offense. This crime involves entering an inhabited home or room with the intent to commit theft or another felony. Classified as first-degree burglary, it’s invariably charged as a felony. For a conviction, two critical elements must be established:
- The defendant must have entered an inhabited dwelling – a home or any room within it.
- At the time of entry, the defendant intended to commit theft or another felony.
The consequences of a first-degree burglary conviction are severe. They can include up to six years in prison, fines reaching $10,000, and a strike under California’s Three Strikes Law. Aggravating circumstances like possessing a firearm or causing injury can escalate these penalties further.
Commercial Burglary: The Wobbler Offense
On the other side of the coin is commercial burglary, also known as second-degree burglary. This involves entering a commercial establishment – like a store, office building, or similar structure – with the intent to commit theft or any other felony. To secure a conviction for commercial burglary, the prosecution must prove that:
- The defendant entered an enclosed commercial space, which could be a building, vehicle, cargo container, or room.
- The intent to commit theft or another felony was present at the time of entry.
Commercial burglary is a ‘wobbler’ offense in California, meaning it can be charged either as a misdemeanor or a felony. The decision hinges on various factors, including the defendant’s criminal history and the specifics of the incident. A misdemeanor conviction might lead to up to 364 days in county jail and a fine of up to $1,000. A felony, however, can result in up to three years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Legal Assistance: A Crucial Step
Facing a burglary charge, be it residential or commercial, is a daunting experience. It’s a situation that calls for immediate legal intervention. Chambers Law Firm offers free legal consultations for those accused or charged with any theft crime. Just call us at 714-760-4088 to get started.
Dealing with burglary charges is not a journey to embark on alone. Chambers Law Firm is committed to offering comprehensive legal assistance. Whether it’s fighting the case in court, negotiating a plea deal, or striving to have the charges dropped, their dedication to their clients is unwavering.
