Murfreesboro Burglary Defense Lawyer
Aggressively Defending Against Burglary Charges in Tennessee Criminal Court
While burglary is commonly associated with theft, it is a separate criminal offense with its own elements under Tennessee law. The laws regarding burglary can vary significantly from state to state, so you want to ensure you have the help of an experienced Murfreesboro burglary defense lawyer if you are facing possible charges. Contact Taylor Law Group for help right away.
Burglary Laws in TN
Tennessee law defines burglary as:
- Unlawfully entering or remaining in a dwelling or structure
- With the intention of committing theft, assault, or another felony therein
When the burglary takes place at a dwelling or habitation, the charge escalates to aggravated burglary, sometimes called home invasion. If someone who is lawfully on the premises sustains serious injuries, the offense is called “especially aggravated burglary.”
These offenses are charged as follows in Tennessee, depending on the circumstances of a particular case:
- Burglary of a motor vehicle, including cars, train cars, boats, and planes - Class E felony
- Burglary of a private or public building that is not a habitation - Class D felony
- Aggravated burglary of a dwelling - Class C felony
- Especially aggravated burglary causing injuries - Class B felony
Burglary is different from criminal trespass, which involves entering or remaining on a property without permission, but there is no intent to commit a crime with trespass. It is important to remember that burglary charges may apply even if someone does not commit the crime inside the building, as the prosecutor must only prove the intent to commit a crime.
Defending Against Serious Burglary Charges
Burglary convictions can result in many different penalties, which can include:
- Probation
- Time in state prison
- Fines
- Restitution
In addition, having a felony conviction on your permanent record can result in serious personal and professional consequences. For these reasons, it is important to prevent a conviction whenever you can. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help in many ways.
Our legal team can identify possible defenses in your case, including one or more of the following:
- You had consent to be on the premises
- The prosecutor has insufficient evidence that you intended to commit a crime
- Mistaken identity and/or an alibi
- Violations of your constitutional rights by law enforcement officers
The right attorney can work to have your charges dismissed or reduced whenever possible, seeking the minimum possible penalties based on your specific situation.
Burglary is a complex crime to understand, and it is critical to seek legal assistance as soon as you are arrested. Remember that you have the right to remain silent and call a lawyer, and you should always do so.
Find Out How Our Experienced TN Burglary Defense Attorneys Can Help in Your Case
It is important to fight against burglary charges to protect your future. At Taylor Law Group, we represent defendants in criminal court all across Middle Tennessee. Call 615-890-1982 or contact us online to learn about your legal rights and options for your defense.