Burglary is a form of theft that is more complicated than people realize. You can face regular or aggravated burglary charges, as defined in Utah Code § 76-6-202. As your Salt Lake City burglary defense lawyer, we’ll discuss your charges and the consequences that may follow in greater detail during our first appointment.

If you’ve been charged with burglary, you’ll want to do a few things:

• Remain calm
• Do not admit guilt
• Speak to an attorney ASAP

We can help fight your charges, which comes with unique defenses that we can build.

For example, the prosecution must prove that you entered or remained in a building unlawfully. If we can show that your entry was not unlawful, the charges may be lessened or dismissed.

We know how to:

• Defend against burglary charges
• Shed doubt on the prosecution
• Win at trial

Our team is ready to help defend you against burglary charges.

Contact us to schedule an appointment to discuss your legal matters.

 

What are Burglary Related Offenses in Utah?

You may face burglary charges if you remain in or enter a building with the intent to commit any of the following:

• Theft
• A felony
• Assault
• Lewdness
• Voyeurism
• Assault on a person
• Sexual battery

While many people assume burglary must include theft, it does not. You may be charged with burglary and multiple other charges at the same time, depending on the nature of the crime.

Aggravated burglary is another possible charge that you may face.

What is Aggravated Burglary?

Charges may be increased to aggravated burglary, which involves:

• Bodily harm to someone while fleeing or committing the crime, or
• Use of or threaten the use a weapon against any person not participating in the crime, or
• Possession of a dangerous weapon or explosive

If the charges are increased to aggravated burglary, you’ll face a first-degree felony, which comes with 5 years to life in prison and fines of up to $10,000.

What is the Difference Between Burglary and Robbery in Utah?

A Salt Lake City burglary defense lawyer knows that there are key differences between a burglary vs robbery, which, while often confused for being the same, are drastically different.

• Robbery is when a person commits a crime against another person, in their presence, and takes their property.
• Burglary involves entering a premises to commit a crime—regardless if a person is present. A burglary may occur when no one is in the building, and it may not include theft at all.

The consequences and penalties that you face will also vary between robbery and burglary.

What are the Consequences of a Burglary Conviction in Utah?

Burglary is a felony offense in Utah, but whether it’s a third-degree, second-degree or first-degree felony will depend on:

• The type of building you entered
• Whether a dangerous weapon was involved
• If victims were injured during the burglary

If the crime was committed in a residential building, or dwelling, then it is a second-degree felony. A dwelling may be a home, condo, dormitory, apartment or other housing unit. A second-degree felony is punishable by:

• 1-15 years in prison
• Up to $10,000 in fines

When burglaries occur in buildings that are not dwellings, they are typically charged as third-degree felonies. Penalties include up to five years in prison and fines of up to $5,000. Because there is no minimum jail time required by law, your attorney may argue for probation or other penalties that do not involve incarceration.

What if a weapon was involved or victims were injured? In this case, the charge would be aggravated burglary, which is a first-degree felony.

A first-degree felony is punishable by:

• 5 years to life in prison
• Up to $10,000 in fines

Depending on the circumstances of the case, other charges may be involved if there was an intent to commit other crimes. It’s important to remember that you don’t have to succeed in taking any property to be charged with burglary. You can be charged with attempted burglary as well.

You may be facing additional charges for attempted crimes or even multiple completed crimes in some cases. Each additional charge will have its own penalties, and they may be a mixture of misdemeanors and felonies.

A burglary conviction can impact your life in many ways. You may be facing time in prison, hefty fines, and other consequences.

But not all hope is lost. A Salt Lake City burglary defense lawyer will explain the charges you face and fight to reduce them or negotiate a plea deal that will work in your best interest.

How Can an Experienced Salt Lake City Attorney Help You with the Burglary Related Charges You Face?

Burglary is a serious crime, but you don’t have to face the charges alone. An attorney can serve as your advocate and guide to help you through this difficult and overwhelming time.

An attorney can:

Build a Tailored Defense Strategy for Your Case

Once your attorney has all the facts, they will leverage their experience and expertise to build a solid defense strategy based on the unique details of your case.

They may be able to argue that there was no intent to commit a crime, that you entered the property to retrieve your own property, or the accusations were false. A skilled attorney can challenge the evidence presented and explore every possible avenue to build your defense.

Help You Understand the Charges and Their Impact

When you’re charged with a crime like burglary, you may not know exactly what that means or the penalties that you face. Laws are complex, but an experienced attorney can explain them in a way that’s easy to understand. Your attorney can also explain the true impact of the penalties you face and the potential outcomes of your case.

Help You Navigate the Complex Legal System

The legal system can be complex and overwhelming for anyone who isn’t familiar with its inner workings. An attorney will help you navigate each step and understand what to expect at every stage.

Additionally, your attorney will provide you full legal support, whether it’s filing motions or attending court hearings.

An attorney will give you peace of mind that your case is in capable hands and that someone is advocating for your best interests throughout the process.

Negotiate to Achieve a More Favorable Outcome

Negotiations can lead to more favorable outcomes in a burglary case. If your attorney is a skilled negotiator, they may be able to reduce the charges to a lesser crime, reduce the penalties you face, or even have the charges dismissed.

Contact a Salt Lake City Burglary Defense Attorney Near You

If you’re facing burglary charges in Utah, you need a skilled Salt Lake City burglary defense lawyer on your side to advocate for your rights and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.

Our attorneys have over a decade of experience and have represented thousands of clients. No matter what scenario you may face, we’ll be there every step of the way, advising you and building a strategy for your defense.

Contact us today to discuss the details of your case and see how we can assist with your burglary charges.