What is First Degree Burglary in Arizona?

First-degree burglary is the most severe form of burglary in Arizona.  If you are charged with first degree burglary in Arizona, it is essential to have an experienced attorney on your side. Our dedicated attorneys are committed to providing aggressive and effective representation.

Do not let burglary charges jeopardize your future. Contact our Phoenix burglary defense lawyer today for a confidential consultation.

First-Degree Burglary in Arizona

First-degree burglary is classified as a serious offense carrying significant legal consequences as it is prosecuted as a felony. This charge is typically reserved for cases involving the most egregious circumstances, such as:

• Residential burglaries: Entering a residential structure intending to commit a crime.
• Commercial burglaries: Entering a non-residential structure, such as a business or commercial building, with the intent to commit a crime.
• Use of force or threats: Using force or threats of violence to gain entry or subdue occupants.
• Possession of weapons: Being armed with a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument during the burglary.
• Presence of occupants: If occupants are present in the structure at the time of the burglary.

The Arizona legislature regards burglary in the first degree as a class 2 or 3 felony, which comes with more severe sentences if convicted. If you are facing first-degree burglary charges, it is crucial to have a criminal defense attorney on your side. At Suzuki Law Offices, our attorneys can help you understand the charges against you, explore potential defenses, and negotiate for the best possible outcome.

Penalties for First-Degree Burglary

If you are facing first-degree burglary charges in Arizona, you may have questions about the differences between felonies vs. misdemeanors. Burglary charges are tried at a felony level, which includes more severe crimes such as murder, rape, and robbery. The penalties for first-degree burglary can be severe, including prison time of up to 21 years for residential burglaries and up to 10 years for commercial burglaries.

According to Arizona’s Criminal Law Authorities, sentencing for first-degree burglaries also includes significant fines of up to $100,000. This does not include the restitution you may be ordered to pay. The court may also impose probation as an alternative to incarceration in some cases.

In addition to these possible sentences, the consequences of a first-degree burglary conviction can extend far beyond prison time and fines. A criminal record can have a lasting impact on your life and severely limit future opportunities for employment, housing, and education. Give your case the best foot forward by contacting an experienced burglary defense attorney at Suzuki Law Offices today for a free, confidential consultation.

Strategic Defenses Possible For a First-Degree Burglary Case

Facing burglary charges can be a daunting experience. At Suzuki Law Offices, our dedicated Phoenix burglary defense attorneys are committed to providing aggressive and effective legal representation. We understand the complexities of Arizona burglary law and are dedicated to protecting your rights.

When you choose Suzuki Law Offices, you can expect a comprehensive and personalized approach to your case. Our team will meticulously analyze every piece of evidence, identify potential vulnerabilities in the prosecution’s case, and develop a tailored defense strategy. Some of the potential defense strategies we may employ include:

• Alibi: Establishing your whereabouts during the alleged crime can prove your innocence.
• Duress: If you were coerced or forced into committing the crime, we may argue that your actions were not voluntary.
• Lack of intent: Demonstrating that you did not intend to commit a crime can be a powerful defense.
• Justified use of force: If the defendant entered the property to protect themselves or others from harm.
• Mental health issues: If the defendant was suffering from a mental illness or impairment at the time of the crime, this could potentially excuse or mitigate their criminal liability.
• Mistaken identity: If you were mistakenly identified as the perpetrator, we will work to prove your innocence using witness testimony, physical evidence, or surveillance footage.
• Necessity: In rare cases, the defendant may argue that they were compelled to enter the property due to extreme circumstances to prevent imminent harm.
• Permission from the property owner or implied consent: If the defendant had permission to enter the property, this could negate the burglary charge. In certain circumstances, implied consent may be argued, such as if the defendant was a guest or had a prior relationship with the property owner.
• Violated rights: If law enforcement violated your rights during the investigation, we may be able to challenge the admissibility of evidence.

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Mitigating First-Degree Burglary Charges

If the evidence against you is too strong, your attorney may switch to a strategy of mitigating your Arizona first-degree burglary charges. This may mean employing various strategies to lessen your charges, such as negotiating a plea deal, which exchanges your cooperation in admitting guilt with reduced charges. An example might be the severity of the charges being dropped from first-degree to third-degree burglary, which comes with a lesser fine and shorter prison sentence.

Other mitigating factors could include introducing character references or testimonials that help humanize you. In addition, your attorney may highlight personal hardships, such as financial difficulties or family responsibilities, to mitigate the severity of your offense. The more you cooperate with authorities during the investigation, the more your charges may be mitigated.

Alternative sentencing options are also a possibility. Your burglary defense lawyer may argue for probation as an alternative to incarceration, with conditions like community service, drug testing, or counseling. While these reduced charges can still seem like a burden, they may be the best chance to avoid the full weight of a first-degree burglary conviction.

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Trust Suzuki Law Offices For Your Arizona Burglary Case

Our team of experienced trial attorneys will offer support and strategy during your case. Our client reviews, and testimonials speak to the quality of our services and case results we provide to all our clients. Contact us for a free case consultation to discuss the next steps for your first-degree burglary charge.

Call or text 602-682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form