Burglary is a crime that is often confused with robbery, or the forceable taking of property from another person, and theft, the simple removal of property without consent.

This article has been provided for informational and educational purposes only, contact a Dallas Criminal lawyer for additional information.

Burglary, dating back to its original common law definition, is defined as breaking in or gaining unlawful access to a property with the intent of committing a crime, whether the crime is committed or not. However, the definition of these terms has expanded throughout the years, leading to a more inclusive definition of the crime in many jurisdictions. In some cases, no physical break-in has to occur for a burglary to be committed; access to property gained by threat or fraud could still be burglary. In some jurisdictions, there does not even have to be an intent to commit a crime in order for burglary to occur; in Maryland, for example, the simple act of breaking into a residence or other structure, even without intending to commit a crime, is still treated as fourth-degree burglary. The definition of this crime, therefore, varies according to what jurisdiction one is in, which is why residents of states are responsible for knowing how state laws could apply to them.

United States Burglary Definitions

In the United States, burglary generally refers to trespassing and theft, breaking into a building or vehicle such as a car, or unlawfully remaining in a location in order to commit a crime. While this crime is often theft, burglary can also be a component in crimes such as vandalism and kidnapping. Even when nothing is physically taken, burglary can still be prosecuted as a misdemeanor or felony, although state laws vary as to what constitutes burglary. In some states like California, burglaries committed at night are punishable with heavier consequences than daytime burglaries, and burglaries of residences are more harshly prosecuted than commercial burglaries; generally, this is in terms of constituting different degrees of felonies.

Other states make other distinction as to degrees of burglary. In Kentucky, burglary itself is always a felony, regardless of the degree of the intended crime. Third-degree burglary in Kentucky refers to breaking into any building, breaking into a residence constitutes a second-degree burglary, and first-degree burglary occurs when the perpetrator is armed or intends to cause bodily harm to someone in a residence. In New Hampshire and Florida, burglary occurs when a person enters either a structure, or a secured section of one, with the intent to commit a crime, unless the structure was open to the public at the time, or if the person was allowed or privileged to enter the structure.

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