Click for free consultation

Phoenix Burglary Lawyer

Burglary in Arizona

In the movies, burglary in Phoenix is often glamorized with the criminals setting up an elaborate plan, complete with disguises and/or sophisticated gadgets to penetrate a seemingly secure target. In the real world, burglars do not often have such grand schemes. It is no longer limited to breaking in a house in the cover of night. More often than not, burglary constitutes plain and simple unlawful entry in a property, regardless of time of day or night, with the intent to commit theft or felony. Our Arizona criminal defense attorneys understand what you are going through and how it is affecting your daily life. We are here and we can get you through this case.

How to Find the Phoenix Burglary Defense Lawyer

If you have been arrested for burglary in Arizona, you can take your chances with the public defender or cheap criminal lawyer in Phoenix. You might enjoy spending a few of years on an all expenses paid vacation behind bars. But, if want a room with a better view than concrete walls, you may want to hire the best Phoenix criminal defense attorney. Where do you find the Best Phoenix Burglary Lawyer? Look for one that:

  • Has 30 years of experience as a Phoenix burglary attorney
  • Is a former prosecutor so he knows how it works in the inside
  • Has a perfect “10” rating on avvo.com
  • Is highly recommended by former clients and other Phoenix burglary lawyers

You can find that Phoenix Burglary Attorney at the Law Office of Howard A. Snader. Call us today to schedule your free legal defense strategy consultation.

What are the various degrees and penalties of burglary in Arizona?

In Arizona, burglary is classified according to the type of offense. Burglary in Arizona is charged when a person unlawfully enters and/or remains in a yard, structure, or vehicle with the intent to commit any theft or felony inside. To enter or remain unlawfully means that a person’s intent upon entering or remaining on the premises is not one that is licensed, authorized, or otherwise privileged. That being said, burglary in Arizona has various level of degrees: first, second, and third degrees, with the first degree describing the worst offense and the second and third degrees describing lesser severity but still with grave consequences.

Burglary in the Third Degree

When the accused has entered or unlawfully remained on a non-residential structure or fenced yard, or has unlawfully gained entry into any part of a vehicle with the intent to commit theft or felony, it is considered third-degree burglary.  This is recognized as a class 4 felony in Arizona and a minimum of 1 year to a maximum of 3 years jail time.

Burglary in the Second Degree

Second-degree burglary is defined as unlawfully entering or remaining in or on a residential structure (e.g. house, apartment building, attached condominium structure) with the intent of committing a theft or other felony. Second-degree burglary is a Class 3 felony and carries 2 years to 7 years in prison.

Burglary in the First Degree

Burglary in the first degree is the most serious burglary offense. It is described as second or third-degree burglary with the use of a firearm, explosive, or another deadly weapon. First-degree burglary is deemed an even more serious offense (a class 2 felony) if it is committed in a residential structure, and carries with it a possible sentence of 4 to 10 years prison time. If first-degree burglary is committed in a non-residential structure or fenced commercial or residential yard, it is considered a class 3 felony with a penalty of 2 to 7 years jail time.

In addition to jail time and fines, felonies in Arizona come with consequences like ineligibility to pursue certain education or professional opportunities or government assistance and loss of certain civil rights.

Help With Arizona Burglary Charges

So you or a loved one is facing Arizona burglary charges? You may be looking at some time behind bars. That doesn’t mean you should plead guilty. Most cheap criminal defense attorneys in Phoenix and public defenders will push you to take the first plea deal that the prosecutor hands them. Why? For cheap criminal defense attorneys in Phoenix, pushing you to take a fast plea deal is all about money. If your case drags on, they make less money. The faster they can dispose of your Phoenix burglary case, the faster they can pocket your money and move on to the next case. Public defenders, on the other hand, are often good criminal defense attorneys but they have a huge caseload. Most will have little time to review your case or even discuss the burglary charges with you. Encouraging you to take a quick plea deal means they can cross you off their case list and move on to the next burglary case.

The experienced Phoenix burglary lawyers at the Law Office of Howard A. Snader, LLC are different. We take the time to develop a criminal defense strategy that is personized for you. We take the time to listen and understand you and circumstances that resulted in the Arizona burglary charges against you. We never push you to take a plea deal unless it is truly the best possible outcome for your case. We don’t believe that anyone should be forced to wear horizontal stripes of a prison uniform unless they have had the possible criminal defense and were given their best chance at freedom.

Don’t roll the dice with a public defender or cheap criminal defense attorney in Phoenix unless you look good in horizontal stripes. The Law Office of Howard A. Snader, LLC may be your best chance at freedom. Call us today to schedule your free personalized criminal defense strategy session.