Burglary is the crime of entering another person's property (a building, vehicle or other structure) without permission, with the intent to commit a crime there. You can be charged with burglary for:

• Breaking and entering into a structure not open to the public
• Remaining in a structure open to the public, or to which you were invited, without permission, after permission was revoked or in secret

All crimes are included in the intent requirement of burglary -- not just theft. In fact, the seriousness of the penalties you face depends on the alleged crime committed after entering the structure. First-degree burglary, a life felony, is charged against people accused of committing an assault during the course of the burglary, carrying a dangerous weapon, using a car in the crime or causing $1,000 or more in damage. Second-degree burglary is charged whenever the structure entered was a dwelling or emergency vehicle, or when there was someone inside the structure, regardless of its type. It is penalized by up to 15 years in prison. Other burglaries are third-degree felonies carrying up to five years in prison.

Because burglary requires invasion of someone else's property, Florida courts take it very seriously. If other charges, such as assault or robbery, are added, those accused could face decades in prison. If you're accused of burglary in Florida, you should call Balliro as soon as possible. Our experienced West Palm Beach burglary criminal defense lawyers can find multiple potential avenues of defense in a burglary case. To convict someone on any burglary charge, prosecutors must prove the defendant's intent to commit a crime, which isn't always easy. If there's physical evidence, it must be airtight to convince a jury. Balliro will exploit these weak points and flaws in the cases against our clients whenever possible.

Formed by former public defenders and prosecutors, Balliro has represented many Floridians accused of serious crimes. With so many years of experience, our Miami-Dade burglary criminal defense attorneys understand how catastrophic a criminal charge can be for our clients and their loved ones. That's why we make ourselves available to clients and potential clients at all times -- 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year. Unlike many other criminal defense firms in South Florida, we are never reluctant to go to trial, when it gets justice for our clients. And we offer free, confidential consultations, so potential clients and their loved ones can speak to us without fear of judgment or commitment.

If you or a loved one is facing burglary charges in Florida, you need a smart, experienced Fort Lauderdale burglary criminal defense lawyer. To set up a free consultation with Balliro P.A., you can contact us via email or call toll-free at 1-866-ARRESTED from anywhere in Florida.