Burglary in Denver, Aurora, and Lakewood occurs when someone unlawfully enters or remains somewhere intending to commit a crime. When the location is a building, dwelling, or occupied structure of some type, 2nd degree burglary charges can result. While this charge does apply to many calculated break-ins, walking directly through the front door of a building without permission with the intent to commit a crime is burglary as well. A conviction for burglary can lead to prison time, parole, and steep fines. If you’re facing a burglary charge in Colorado, it doesn’t mean you’re guilty. Contact a Denver burglary attorney to confidentially discuss your unique case and learn ways we can help.
Second-Degree Burglary Law in Denver
Denver’s second-degree burglary law prohibits unlawful entrance into buildings or structures intending to commit an offense. CRS 18-4-203 speaks specifically to 2nd degree burglary throughout the state of Colorado. You commit this crime in Denver, Aurora, or Lakewood if you:
- knowingly break into,
- enter unlawfully,
- or unlawfully remain after lawful / unlawful entry,
- in a building or occupied structure,
- intending to commit a crime against someone or property
An interesting element to burglary is unlawfully remaining after lawful entry. This sometimes occurs in stores where a person enters and hides in a restroom, changing room, or storage closet intending to steal or damage property or goods after hours. While theft is often the crime associated with burglary, criminal mischief or assault can occur as well.
How Bad is 2nd Degree Burglary in Denver?
Each burglary case in Colorado is different. Therefore, ramifications are specific to each situation. Burglary in the second-degree is usually a class 4 felony, possibly resulting in:
- a prison sentence of 2 – 6 years,
- fines of $2K – $500K,
- 3 years of parole
However, if burglary occurs in a dwelling or the target was obtaining controlled substances, a class 3 felony applies. This can substantially increase the fine amounts and potentially double the time in prison. Additionally, a burglary conviction shows up on background checks and will hinder many employment opportunities moving forward.
Denver Burglary Attorney
Any burglary charges in Denver, Arapahoe, or Jefferson County require skilled representation in court. Our Denver burglary lawyers have decades of combined experience, as defense attorneys, former prosecutors, and public defenders. We know how to successfully navigate serious charges and our reviews speak for themselves. Perhaps you didn’t know you were on the property unlawfully, the location wasn’t a dwelling, or you didn’t intend to commit a crime upon entry. Nevertheless, contact our office for a free, confidential consultation.
We will carefully analyze your burglary case, as well as recommend next steps in your defense. Our affordable fees and flexible payment plans make strategic representation a reality in uncertain times.
don’t talk to police about burglary charges – talk to us. Sawyer Legal Group, LLC 303-830-0880
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