Accused Of Burglary? Understand Your Rights And Options

Being accused of burglary is overwhelming and frightening. You may be worried about what this means for your future, your family and your freedom. I understand that stress, and I want you to know that while burglary charges are serious, they don’t have to define the rest of your life.

At my firm, Terri Daniel, Attorney at Law, PLLC, I bring over two decades of trial experience and board certification in criminal law to every case by the Texas Board of Legal Certification. I know how prosecutors build their cases and how to fight back effectively. My focus goes beyond resolving your criminal charge. I’m here to protect your future and connect you with resources for long-term success.

Understanding Burglary Charges In Texas

Texas law defines burglary as entering or remaining in a building, home or vehicle without permission with the intent to commit a felony, theft or assault. The key is unlawful entry combined with criminal intent. Even if no crime actually happens inside, the intent at the time of entry is enough for a burglary charge.

Texas recognizes three main types of burglary:

• Burglary of a habitation: Entering someone’s home or any place where people live. This is the most serious type because it involves invading private living space.
• Burglary of a building: Unlawfully entering a commercial building, office or any structure that isn’t a residence with intent to commit a crime inside.
• Vehicle burglary: Entering a car, truck or other vehicle without permission with intent to commit theft or another crime.

The type of burglary you’re charged with directly affects your penalties and defense options.

Potential Penalties Of Burglary Charges

Burglary is always a felony in Texas, but the penalties depend on what you’re accused of entering. Entering a home is a second-degree felony with two to 20 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. Entering a building or vehicle is usually a state jail felony with 180 days to two years in jail and fines up to $10,000. Prior convictions can increase your sentence.

Certain factors make penalties worse. Using a weapon, injuring someone or entering with intent to commit a serious crime like sexual assault can result in a first-degree felony with five to 99 years or life in prison. Even a first offense can mean years behind bars and a permanent record that affects your job prospects and housing. That’s why you need to call me right away. I’m a trial attorney with over 20 years of experience defending clients throughout Collin County.

The Possibility Of The Reduction Or Dismissal Of A Burglary Charge

With the right defense strategy, burglary charges can result in reduction or dismissal. At Terri Daniel, Attorney at Law, PLLC, I challenge whether prosecutors can prove intent, question illegal searches and negotiate to reduce charges when the facts support it. Sometimes I can show my client had permission to enter, that there was no criminal intent or that evidence was obtained illegally.

Other times, I work to reduce felony charges to lesser offenses, which can mean avoiding prison and protecting your record. Don’t assume the worst. You have options, and I’m here to fight for you as your criminal defense advocate.

Protect Your Future — Call A McKinney Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

I formed Terri Daniel, Attorney at Law, PLLC, in 2003 to provide individuals in North Texas with a quality legal resource to fight the power of the government in criminal court. After serving for six years as an assistant district attorney, including serving as a chief felony prosecutor, I gained substantial insight into how prosecutors evaluate evidence and criminal charges.

That firsthand knowledge of how the government thinks is a clear strength of my criminal defense practice. I draw on decades of trial experience in criminal law to tenaciously fight for the rights of my clients.

If you want to speak with a board-certified* criminal defense lawyer you can count on to look at your burglary charges critically – rather than simply recommending a guilty plea – please send me an email or call 469-845-9951 to arrange a free consultation. Based in McKinney, I serve clients throughout Collin County including Plano and Frisco.

*Defense lawyer Terri Daniel is board-certified in criminal law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.