Denver Burglary Lawyer

Burglary is an incredibly serious crime in Colorado, particularly if the defendant entered a building or dwelling where people may have been inhabiting, and/or if the defendant used or threatened to use violence. Because burglary can be classified as a crime of violence, there are also strict minimum sentencing guidelines that may be imposed. For these reasons, it is vital that you speak to an experienced Denver burglary lawyer before you take any further actions. Here at DeChant Law, we have handled all types of burglary cases and achieved desirable outcomes for our past clients.

Three Degrees of Burglary in Colorado

Aside from third degree burglary, burglary is defined as knowingly breaking in, entering unlawfully in, or remaining unlawfully after a lawful or unlawful entry in a building or occupied structure. As such, it is the same crime to enter via breaking a window or picking a lock as it is to go through an open or unlocked door. There are three degrees of burglary:

• First Degree Burglary—Unlawfully entering a structure and assaulting, menacing, or threatening physical violence against another person. Additionally, having a deadly weapon during the commission of burglary, even without using it, is also first degree burglary.
• Second Degree Burglary—Unlawfully entering a structure with the intent to commit a crime. The crime does not need to be committed, however. Simply having intent is enough to be charged with second degree burglary.
• Third Degree Burglary—Unlawfully breaking into, or attempting to break into, a vault, safe, cash register, coin vending machine, product dispenser, money depository, safety deposit box, coin telephone, or coin box.

The Penalties for Burglary Vary in Colorado

• First Degree Burglary:
  • First degree burglary (Class 3 felony): Four to 12 years in prison, with three to five years mandatory parole. Fines range from $2,000 to $750,000
  • Burglary of a controlled substance (class 2 felony)—16 to 48 years in prison with a maximum fine of $1,000,000.
• Second Degree Burglary:
  • Burglary of a dwelling or burglary of a controlled substance or firearm (class 3 felony): Four to 12 years in prison, with three to five years mandatory parole. Fines range from $2,000 to $750,000
  • Burglary of a non dwelling (class 4 felony): Two to six years in prison, with two to five years mandatory parole. Fines range from $1,000 to $500,000
• Third Degree Burglary:
  • Burglary of a controlled substance (class 1 misdemeanor): Up to one year in jail and a fine of $1,000.
  • Class 2 misdemeanor: Up to 120 days in jail and fine of up to $750.

Call a Denver Burglary Lawyer Today for Help

There are many defenses and partial defenses to burglary charges, including not knowing that you were unlawfully entering a building and not having intent to commit a crime. An experienced Denver burglary defense lawyer should be able to scrutinize the prosecution’s case for potential inconsistencies and weaknesses and come up with a solid defense plan. Call Denver burglary lawyer Reid DeChant at DeChant Law today at 303-409-7500 for a free consultation.