Colorado Springs Burglary Defense Attorneys
Take a Stand Against Felony Theft Charges
Burglary is a specific type of crime in which an individual enters a property unlawfully with the intent of committing a crime, usually stealing something that belongs to the owner of the house, car or commercial building.
The key word in the definition of burglary is intent. The individual does not have to actually take anything once he or she has entered a property; just being inside the property unlawfully is enough for police to charge him or her with burglary.
Since burglary is a felony in Colorado, it is a very serious legal matter. If you must go to court to defend yourself against a burglary charge, getting a good lawyer should be at the top of your list of priorities. For assistance from a Colorado Springs burglary defense lawyer, contact Timothy Bussey at The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. With experience as both a District Attorney and a defense lawyer, he has knowledge of both sides of the law, which may benefit you in your attempt to convince the court to reduce or drop your burglary charges.
Burglary Case Results
- Second Degree Burglary - No Conviction, No Jail Time
- Multiple Cases Including Felony Charges - Received a Deferred Sentence and Had One Case Dismissed Altogether
- Domestic Violence Felony First Degree Burglary - Case Dismissed
- Second-Degree Burglary Felony - Dismissed
View more case results.
Burglary Charges and Sentences in Colorado
While a burglary charge in Colorado is always serious since it is a felony, there are three different degrees of burglary that typically carry light, moderate or harsh sentences:
Third Degree Burglary
If you forcefully opened a vending machine to steal goods or money or broke into another type of locked container, it is a third degree burglary. In Colorado, potential prison sentences are modest, ranging between one and three years.
As with other types of burglary, third degree burglary is considered a felony charge whose class and penalties change upon the involvement of controlled substances. On its own, it is considered a class 5 felony. With controlled substances, it becomes a class 4 felony.
Second Degree Burglary
If police charge you with this offense, it means you broke into a building for the purposes of committing a crime. Those who break into a private home will usually receive tougher sentences than those who break into an office, store or other commercial building.
Second degree burglary is considered a class 4 felony, unless it involves controlled substances or a dwelling, in which case it is considered a class 3 felony.
First Degree Burglary
This is the most serious burglary charge. Police will charge you with this if you used violence or planned to use violence against another individual once you gained entry to the premises. If the courts find you guilty of this crime in Colorado, prison time is a mandatory part of the sentence.
First degree burglary is considered a class 3 felony, unless it involves a controlled substance. A first degree burglary of controlled substances is considered a class 2 felony.
Possession of Burglary Tools
A person has committed the crime of possession of burglary tools if he or she possesses any object, tool, or instrument with the intention of using it to facilitate an offense involving the unlawful or forcible entry into a premises or apparatus. This is considered a class 5 felony.
How (and Why) to Ensure You Have the Best Legal Defense Possible in Colorado Springs
Plea bargains, reduced charges and even acquittals are all possibilities if you have a strong defense strategy; however, developing one is very difficult if you don't have detailed knowledge of the burglary laws in Colorado. That is why you need to hire a Colorado Springs criminal defense attorney before you ever arrive in court. The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. can help increase the chances that the outcome of your trial will be favorable. We offer free initial consultations to all prospective clients. Contact us at (719) 475-2555 immediately to find out how we can help you.
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