A conviction for burglary in Colorado carries severe penalties that can impact your life and ability to make a living. Burglary and other theft-related offenses can be complex, so it is crucial to rely on the experience of a legal professional.

A Denver burglary lawyer could advocate for you and help you obtain a favorable outcome in your case. The experienced criminal defense attorney at our firm, Mike Petrash, could help you build a strong defense to fight these charges. The state must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt to obtain a conviction. Be sure to contact our office to discuss your legal rights and options.

Classifications of Burglary

When someone unlawfully enters a structure, home, or business, with the intent to commit a felony or theft, they can be charged with burglary. Burglary charges differ from theft and robbery in many important ways. Theft involves taking someone else’s property, while robbery involves taking property from someone by force. 

On the other hand, burglary refers to the crime of unlawfully entering a structure with the intent to commit a crime. This crime does not need to involve theft or robbery, and force may not be needed to enter a structure. The common classifications of burglary charges include:

First-Degree Burglary

When someone enters a building or structure with the intent to commit a felony, and the building is occupied or the offender is armed with a deadly weapon.

Second-Degree Burglary

Involves entering a building or structure with the intent to commit a felony, but the building is unoccupied and the offender is not armed with a deadly weapon. The intended crime need not be committed in order to be charged with second-degree burglary.

Third-Degree Burglary

This is when an individual enters a building or structure with the intent to commit a misdemeanor or unlawfully breach equipment or lock containers, such as vending machines, cash registers, vaults, and ATMs. 

An experienced attorney could advocate for your rights and help develop an effective defense strategy to mitigate the potential consequences of burglary in Denver. 

Potential Defenses to Burglary Charges

Those facing burglary charges may have several defenses available to them, depending on the circumstances of the offense. Some common strategies when defending against burglary charges include proving someone:

  • Was not there at the time of the crime
  • Entered a building to defend self or others
  • Demonstrated lack of intent to commit burglary
  • Mistakenly believed they had a legal right to enter a property
  • Had permission from the property owner to enter the property or structure

With certain burglary charges, the prosecution must show a crime was actually committed inside the structure or property. A Denver burglary attorney could help build a defense strategy based on the details of the case.

Hire a Denver Burglary Lawyer

Burglary is a serious offense and should not be taken lightly. Not only could a criminal conviction lead to a significant prison sentence, fines, and other costs, it can impact where you can live or work and strain your relationships. It is crucial to work with a Denver burglary lawyer to mitigate the potential harm of a criminal conviction. 

Experienced criminal defense attorney Mike Petrash could negotiate with prosecutors to secure a plea deal or have charges reduced or dropped. If you were arrested and facing criminal charges or your case goes to trial, Petrash Law is ready to defend you. Contact our office to set up a consultation.