Chicago, IL Burglary Defense Attorney

Dedicated Lawyer Helping to Defend Against Charges of Burglary in Chicago, Illinois

While people may have a certain type of person in mind when they hear the word "burglary," these cases do not always involve a person in a mask sneaking into a heavily-guarded location to steal valuable items. Burglary may involve a variety of other situations where people are accused of breaking and entering and attempting to commit theft or other crimes. Those who are arrested and charged with burglary may face severe penalties, and they will need to understand what steps they can take to protect their rights as they defend against these charges.

A skilled criminal defense lawyer can provide legal representation for those who have been arrested for burglary, working to ensure that they will be able to respond to these accusations and defend against a conviction. At Miranda Law Office, LTD, we have over 20 years of legal experience in cases involving serious criminal charges. Our attorney can review the details of a case and identify the ideal defense strategies. We work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for each client we represent.

What Is Burglary?

Under 720 ILCS 5/19-1, a person may be charged with burglary if they are accused of entering or remaining in certain locations without authorization and with the intent to commit theft or a felony offense. Burglary may take place in a home, a retail store, a warehouse, or another type of building. Charges may also apply when a person breaks into a motor vehicle, aircraft, boat, or railroad car.

Examples of Situations That Could Lead to Burglary Charges

A person could face accusations of burglary in a variety of circumstances, including:

• Entering a neighbor's home without permission to take money or valuables.
• Breaking into a business after hours with the intent to steal merchandise or cash.
• Breaking into a locked vehicle to take electronics or other property.
• Gaining access to a pharmacy, warehouse, or commercial truck to attempt to steal prescription drugs.
• Hiding in a store and remaining inside after closing to commit theft.
• Entering an unlocked apartment with plans to take something, even if nothing was stolen.
• Entering a residence with the intent of engaging in violence against someone or damaging property.

Related Charges That May Accompany Burglary

When a person is accused of burglary, they may also face other allegations related to offenses that they supposedly attempted to commit. This could lead to additional criminal charges, including:

• Arson (720 ILCS 5/20-1): This charge may apply if a person allegedly intended to set fire to a building after entering it unlawfully.
• Sexual Assault (720 ILCS 5/11-1.20): Prosecutors may claim that a person entered a residence with the intent of engaging in sexual conduct with someone inside.
• Murder (720 ILCS 5/9-1): An attempt to kill someone during a burglary could lead to homicide charges. Murder charges may also apply if someone was accidentally killed during the commission of a burglary, even if the death was unintentional.

Penalties for Burglary in Illinois

Burglary is typically charged as a Class 2 felony. A person who is convicted may be sentenced to prison for three to seven years. If a person allegedly committed burglary in a school, daycare center, or place of worship, they may face Class 1 felony charges, and they could be sentenced to between four and 15 years in prison. Felony convictions may also result in fines that could be as much as $25,000.

Residential burglary is a more serious offense than burglary committed in other locations. Entering someone's home with the intent to commit a felony offense or theft is a Class 1 felony. Because of the potential harm that could be caused to people and families in these situations, prosecutors are more likely to seek convictions and impose severe penalties.

Strategies for Defending Against Burglary Charges

Every criminal case is unique, and the strategies that may be used to defend against a conviction for burglary will be based on the facts and the available evidence. Our lawyer works with our clients to develop strong defenses, demonstrate their innocence, and help avoid convictions. Some of the defense strategies that may be used in these cases include:

• Lack of Intent: Burglary charges require an intent to commit a crime after entering or remaining in a location. We may argue that the accused did not intend to commit a felony or theft.
• Consent or Authority to Enter: We may be able to demonstrate that the accused had permission to be on the premises.
• Mistaken Identity: Burglary charges may depend on the identification of a suspect through methods such as security camera footage or the testimony of witnesses. We may be able to show that these methods were inconclusive and that there is reasonable doubt about the identity of the perpetrator.
• Insufficient Evidence: We will work to highlight weaknesses in the prosecution's case, pointing out the absence of physical evidence connecting the accused to the alleged crime.

Attorney Miranda's experience as a former prosecutor provides him with valuable insights into how these cases are handled. He can anticipate and counter the prosecution's arguments while advocating for his client's innocence.

Contact Our Chicago, IL Burglary Defense Lawyer

At Miranda Law Office, LTD, we are ready to provide you with an aggressive defense as you address charges of burglary and other related crimes. We will work to minimize the penalties you may face, and we will fight to make sure you can resolve your case successfully. Contact our Chicago burglary defense attorney by calling 773-588-3822 and setting up a confidential consultation. We provide bilingual legal services for clients who speak English or Spanish.