A 17-year-old boy has been arrested for burglary after allegedly breaking into a local Walgreens. The shoplifting incident occurred at the Walgreens at Dublin and Union boulevards in Colorado Springs. Officials say the boy was acting suspiciously about half a block away from where a burglar alarm was going off and they gave chase. The boy was arrested after allegedly discarding several stolen items as he ran. Police said he’d broken a glass door, entered the store, and took the items.
A burglary charge is different from shoplifting and robbery. Burglary under Colorado law involves illegal entry into a building with the intent to commit a crime. Criminal acts commonly linked to burglary include theft or assault. The location of the burglary and the type of crime committed will usually affect the severity of the burglary charges.
In Colorado, there are three degrees when it comes to burglary charges:
Third-degree burglary: This is when someone breaks into a locked container such as a vault or safe with the intent to commit a crime. Since third-degree burglary simply involves the intent to commit a crime, it usually appeared along with theft. It is a class five felony punishable by one to three years unless the theft involves drugs, in which case the charges may increase to class four felonies.
Second-degree burglary: This is when someone unlawfully enters a building with the intent to commit a crime. Entering a building unlawfully, or entering lawfully and remaining until it is unlawful with the intent to commit a theft or assault is a class four felony. If the building is a residence, the charges increase to class three felony.
First-degree burglary: This is more or less similar to second-degree burglary with the added element of assault or menace to a person. Unlawfully entering a building, threatening someone while inside and committing a crime can result in class three or class two felony charges.
If you are facing burglary charges, it is crucial that you receive a solid legal defense. The penalties for burglary are severe even when the accused is a minor. It is crucial to contact an experienced Colorado Springs criminal defense attorney who will ensure that the defendant’s legal rights are protected.
The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. can help. You can reach us at (719) 475-2555.