Maryland Burglary Lawyer

Maryland Burglary Law

Burglary is a criminal offense that is sometimes referred to as trespassing, housebreaking, or B&E (breaking and entering). In the state of Maryland, the criminal offense of burglary is broken down into four different degrees. Fourth-degree burglary is a misdemeanor as noted in Maryland law CR 6-205(a)(b). The other burglary-related violations, degrees one through three, are all felonies. The varying degrees can also be broken into sub-categories, such as second-degree burglary/firearm. Furthermore, there are specific types of burglary which may be classified as a felony or misdemeanor under certain circumstances that must be met. Breaking and entering with explosives is one example of this. Depending on the severity of the crime and which degree of burglary you are accused of committing, the potential jail time will vary greatly if you are in fact convicted.

First Degree

First-degree burglary, as stated in Maryland statute CR 6-202, is the breaking and entering into a “dwelling” with some sort of intent to commit a theft or a violent crime. The intent to commit theft could be a misdemeanor or a felony. This crime is punishable by up to 20 years and is a felony in the state of Maryland.

Second Degree

Second-degree burglary is similar to the first degree, with the main difference being that the crime is committed on a “storehouse” as opposed to a private residence. Generally a storehouse means any building, such as a farm barn, factory, train cart, airplane, helicopter, educational facility, or public building. The law also dictates in CR 6-203(a) that burglary of the second degree must involve a violent crime, robbery (theft), or arson. Second-degree burglary is a felony and punishable up to 15 years in prison.

Second-Degree Firearm

Almost identical to the general second degree burglary statute, CR 6-203(b) explains that one must have the intent to take a firearm. This section also notes that it must be a storehouse that is broken into.

Third Degree

Third-degree burglary is defined by one entering a dwelling with the intent to commit a crime. This is different than the first two statutes of burglary because there aren’t any specific crimes listed. However, CR 6-204 does however show some similarity to the first degree because it involves trespassing into a dwelling. This crime is a felony and punishable by up to ten years in prison.

Fourth Degree

The fourth and final degree of breaking and entering in Maryland is charged as a misdemeanor. This does not mean that one cited with this crime can take the charges lightly. Maryland state law CR 6-205(a)(b) says that one who enters a dwelling or a store house by breaking in may be charged. You do not have to have any intent to commit a crime. Simply breaking in is enough to receive a charge. Fourth-degree burglary is punishable by up to three years in prison.

Fourth-Degree Theft

This particular section of Maryland state law involves breaking and entering in a dwelling, storehouse, backyard, front yard, land or garden. There must be intent to commit theft as stated in CR 6-205(c). This crime is a misdemeanor punishable by up to three years in prison.

Fourth-Degree Tools

Statute CR 6-205(d) describes the possession of tools with the intention of using them for the commission of breaking and entering. Again, this is a misdemeanor with a maximum sentence of three years.

Burglary Tools Motor Vehicle Possession

The law for this particular crime says that one must have possessed burglary tools with the intention of breaking into and entering an automobile or any other motor vehicle. This criminal offense is similar to fourth-degree tools, except it has the specifics of burglary of a motor vehicle. Statute CR 6-206(a) does however carry the same penalties as the above. A subsection of this law, titled Rogue and Vagabond (CR 6-206(b)), carries the same penalty for just being in the motor vehicle.

Burglary With Explosives

This specific statute explains what must be done to be charged with this crime and the potential ramifications. CR 6-207 says one must commit first- through third-degree burglary using explosives to open some sort of lock, safe, or vault to be charged with burglary with explosives. Oftentimes the charge of fourth-degree burglary with tools is accompanied with burglary with explosives. This crime is a felony with a maximum potential jail time of 20 years.

Burglary Research Facility

Breaking into a research facility can be a very serious offense if you are charged. Fines levied can be as much as $5,000 along with a potential sentence of up to five years of jail. A research facility can be classified as many things. Commonly labs are identified as research facilities. Under CR 6-208, if one is to enter a facility without permission and attempt to control, manipulate, or damage any materials, they may be charged with this crime.

Locations

Our attorneys service the state of Maryland and many of the regions, counties, and cities within it. We have office locations around the state to serve clients locally and give them the best possible representation when taking on any criminal defense case. Here are some of the areas in which we handle breaking and entering cases:

Baltimore

The city of Baltimore averages between 50-60 breaking and entering crimes per month. These burglaries range in severity, and as a result the penalties vary in severity. Located on the east coast of Maryland, Baltimore has one of the biggest populations in the state. If charged with burglary in Baltimore, it would be wise to consult with an attorney before moving forward with your case. Our initial case evaluation is free so don’t be concerned about looking for the most affordable lawyer for a consultation.

Besthesda

The city of Bethesda is located just to the northwest of Washington, D.C. Burglaries in Bethesda occur roughly 120 times per year. Understanding your charges thoroughly is something that a local Maryland attorney can help you with. Beating your case can be a challenge, and being well-represented from start to finish may yield the best results.

College Park

College Park is located just to the northeast of Washington, D.C. and is home to the University of Maryland. Within Maryland, more than 92% of communities have less crime than College Park. Burglaries are particularly common in this area. If you are charged with breaking and entering, one of the attorneys with our firm will be able to help craft a defense against the charges you face.

Columbia

Columbia, Maryland is located between Baltimore and Washington, D.C. Crime rates are moderate in this area, which includes crimes involving burglary. Despite that, defending your case alone could be more difficult than you think. Having the representation of a local Maryland burglary attorney is something that can help you work towards a positive result in your case.

Montgomery County

Just to to northwest of Washington, D.C. sits Montgomery County. Crime rates vary throughout the county. Notable cities in Montgomery County include Rockville and Gaithersburg. With office locations available to Montgomery County residents, our firm can give you the best local representation possible.

Prince George’s County

Prince George’s County borders most of Washington, D.C.’s east side. Towns like Hyattsville, Landover, Bowie, and College Park are just a few of the areas we serve. Around 500 burglaries occur each year in Prince George’s County, and having suitable attorneys on your side may help you beat any charges filed against you.

Rockville

The city of Rockville, Maryland is one of the main areas that our attorneys serve. A criminal offense such as burglary is something that should be taken very seriously. A local Rockville criminal lawyer will know the best way to plan out a strategic defense for your case.

Silver Spring

Silver Spring is a very diverse town in Montgomery County, and, as a result, has a wide range of crime patterns. Our attorneys are familiar with this area and understand how the state will handle these crimes. If you are in need of burglary representation in Silver Spring, contact one of our attorneys to find out how they can help you.

Hyattsville

Hyattsville is a large town in Prince George’s County that lies within a few miles of the District of Columbia. Because it is one of the fastest ways to I-95 North, it gets a lot of traffic and, as a result, there are some crimes committed in this area. Let our attorneys in Hyattsville help you obtain the best possible result in your case.