Experienced Burglary Defense Attorney in Portland, ME
For an offense to be classified as burglary, a person must enter or remain in a building with the intent to commit a crime. In this case, the crime is the theft of something inside the building. That building can be a home, place of business, or a school. A person can even be charged with burglary for entering a public park after hours. Forcible entry is also not required.
If you have been charged with burglary, you have the right to defend yourself. Whether you’ve been falsely accused or there is some degree of merit to the charges, a Portland burglary attorney can help you fight them. Even if you feel there is no possibility of dismissal, acquittal, or reduced charges, you have rights that need to be protected. You may also be surprised at the possibilities in your case when you have an experienced advocate in your corner.
Challenging Burglary Charges
Another name for burglary is “breaking and entering.” An important thing to remember about burglary is that something doesn’t have to be stolen for the charge to be filed. According to State Law Title 17-A, §401, Burglary can be a Class A, Class B, or Class C charge. This means that the penalties can range from 5 to 30 years in prison and the fines can range from $5,000 to $25,000.
If there are previous felony convictions, the penalties become even more serious.
Theft charges can also be aggravated. For instance, using a firearm in the commission of the crime can add time to the sentence, if convicted. A criminal record can also have an outcome on the severity of the charge and its corresponding penalties. This means that a Class B or Class C could become a Class A crime.
Aggressive Legal Representation
Aggressive legal representation is important because issues in the case can be identified and used to benefit your case. Richard Berne is well-versed in state law and can use it and the details of the case to construct a strategic criminal defense that is designed to get results. You have rights and you have a future; both need to be protected.
Contact A Portland Burglary Attorney
If you or a family member has been charged with burglary, it’s important to secure the advocacy of an experienced defense attorney. To learn about how the Law Office of Richard Berne can help you, call 207-871-7770 to request a free consultation.