If you’re facing a burglary charge, you need to contact a criminal defense lawyer in Oklahoma City as soon as possible. Facing this charge without a lawyer puts you at risk of incriminating yourself, and you won’t be able to defend yourself against the charges on your own.
Burglary Charges in Oklahoma
Third-Degree Burglary
A person can be charged with third-degree burglary after breaking into one of the following with the intent to steal property:
- Automobile
- Truck
- Trailer
- Other vessels
Anybody who uses a jackstand to lift a vehicle with the intent to steal property can also be charged with third-degree burglary. Anyone found guilty of committing burglary in the third degree may face a fine of up to $5,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 5 years. First, second, and third-degree burglary are felonies.
Second-Degree Burglary
Burglary in the second degree is where an individual breaks into one of the following with the intent to steal property:
- Building
- Room
- Booth
- Tent
- Railroad car
- Any other type of structure
The area broken into must be unoccupied for the crime to be charged as second-degree burglary. An individual can also be charged with second-degree burglary if they forcibly open a coin-operated vending machine or similar machinery while intending to steal property. Burglary in the second degree is punishable by up to 7 years in prison.
First-Degree Burglary
When an individual breaks into an occupied home, they can be charged with burglary in the first degree. This applies even if the dwelling only has one person in it during the break-in. The individual committing the crime doesn’t have to break in by force to be charged with burglary in the first degree. Even unlocking one of the doors with a false key counts.
What to Do If You’ve Been Charged with Burglary
Remain Silent
As you can see from the explanations of the crimes above, being charged with burglary is very serious. This is why it’s vital to apply your Fifth Amendment right to avoid incriminating yourself and remain silent. Anything you say can be held against you, so avoid talking until you have legal counsel.
Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Oklahoma City
Invoke your Sixth Amendment right to legal counsel. You can and should hire an attorney if you’ve been charged. You need somebody who can investigate the case and who’ll attempt to get the charges dropped or get you the least severe punishment possible.
Visit jpcannonlawfirm.com to get in contact with qualified criminal defense lawyers as soon as you can.
Possible Defense Strategies for Burglary Charges
Defense strategies for burglary charges include arguing misinterpreted evidence, mistaken identity, and for the suppression of evidence obtained illegally. If there’s an overwhelming amount of evidence suggesting you’re guilty of the crime, then your attorney may suggest negotiating and accepting a plea bargain to try and avoid the worst penalties.
If you’ve been charged with burglary, then remain silent unless you have a lawyer present. Hire an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as you can and take their advice going forward.