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Los Angeles Attempted Burglary Defense Lawyers 
Attempted Burglary
Attempted burglary charges in California can be complicated to defend and often carry harsh punishment. Any theft charge is serious and can have a considerable impact on your life. Any type of theft charge can leave a stain on your reputation and may even affect your ability to earn a livelihood. If you have been charged with attempted burglary in California, it is in your best interest to contact a skilled Los Angeles theft defense attorney to discuss your case.
California Penal Code 459 - Burglary
California Penal Code 459 States, "Every person who enters any" structure such as a building, home apartment, store or car, "with intent to commit grand or petit larceny or any felony is guilty of burglary." The words "with intent" are what separate burglary from crimes like petty theft. Someone who enters a building and then decides to commit a crime may not be convicted of burglary charges. Attempted burglary may be even more complicated to prosecute because there will have to be proof beyond reasonable doubt that someone planned to enter a building with the intent to commit a crime and was caught in the act.
Since a burglary is defined as entering a building with the intent of committing a crime, once a person enters the structure, it is no longer an attempted burglary but burglary -- whether or not the planned crime is carried out. Attempted burglary charges often arise when someone is arrested outside a building for looking suspicious. In many cases, attempted burglary could simply be a misunderstanding. You may be facing criminal charges simply for being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Penalties for Attempted Burglary
As in the case of burglary charges, penalties for attempted burglary are dependant upon the circumstances of the incident and the criminal history of the defendant. For example, if someone was hurt or property was damaged there may be harsher penalties and even additional charges. A first-time offender may also face fewer penalties then someone with a prior criminal record. The charges are also relative to where the alleged crime took place.
Burglary charges in California used to be deemed first-degree or second-degree depending on the time of day the alleged crime took place. Now a first-degree burglary is one that takes place at a residence. A second-degree burglary is one that is committed at a non-residential location. Residential attempted burglary convictions may result in three years of incarceration. Attempted burglary convictions that take place at a commercial location may result in 18 months in prison.
If you or a loved one has been charged with attempted burglary, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney who is committed to fighting for your rights. Please contact the Los Angeles burglary defense attorneys at Takakjian & Sitkoff, LLP for a free consultation. Our goal in all attempted burglary cases is to get your charges dismissed and keep you out of jail. Call us today to discuss your case.
If you have been arrested for an attempted burglary offense then please call us immediately for a FREE CONSULTATION at (888) 579-4844
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