Florida law defines burglary as the entering of a building, structure or conveyance with the intent to commit a criminal offense. Burglary may also include a situation in which a person enters a building, structure or conveyance without an intent to commit an offense, but later remains surreptitiously or after consent has been withdrawn for the purpose of committing a forcible felony [Florida Statute § 810.02].
All burglary offenses are felony level offenses, but a conviction for the burglary of a home or other occupied dwelling may result in a longer period of incarceration than the burglary of a business or other commercial building.
If you have been arrested for burglary, contact the Law Offices of Mark L. Horwitz in Orlando, Florida. We are committed to providing the vigorous defense you need.
Defenses to a Burglary Charge
Our experienced defense attorneys are committed to thoroughly reviewing the facts of your case and examining potential defenses that may make a significant difference in your case. There are a variety of ways we can positively impact your case:
- We can raise a mistake of identity defense if you were not arrested during the course of a burglary and a legitimate question can be raised about the identity of the burglar.
- We can negotiate a plea to a lesser offense or pursue an agreement that will significantly reduce the penalties you receive.
- We can argue that you had no intent to commit a criminal offense at the time you entered the building and did not hide in the building or remain past the point that consent was withdrawn to commit an offense. If you entered legally, we can also argue that you did not intend to commit a felony level offense.
- We can argue that you entered a building for a lawful purpose. For example, you may have entered the home of a friend, former spouse, former girlfriend or acquaintance for the purpose of retrieving your personal property.
- We can fight your charges at trial and argue that the prosecution has not established all necessary elements of a burglary offense beyond a reasonable doubt.
Prosecutors are often willing to offer a reasonable plea agreement if they know you have a skilled trial lawyer working for you who has prepared thoroughly for trial and who is willing to take your case to trial if necessary to protect your rights. Attorney Mark Horwitz is a seasoned and skilled trial lawyer with a reputation for being a strong and passionate advocate.
Contact Our Orlando-Tampa-Daytona Beach Criminal Defense Attorneys
We defend clients throughout Florida who have been charged with burglary. To schedule a consultation with one of our Orlando burglary defense attorneys, call 407-401-7224 or 866-784-0023. You may also contact us by e-mail.
