One of the more serious types of criminal charges you could be accused of is burglary. More serious than a theft offense, if you are found guilty of burglary, the consequences could be harsh and have a lasting impact on your future. Working with a reputable Tucson burglary defense lawyer from Suzuki Law Offices may be your best option if you hope to minimize the fallout.
As a team of former prosecutors, we have insight into how the district attorney may approach your case. Your Tucson theft crime defense lawyer and our firm will do everything possible to avoid prison time and other serious penalties.
Contact our legal team to schedule your confidential consultation today and learn more about whether you are facing misdemeanor or felony charges, what will happen if you are convicted, and which defenses are most likely to return a verdict in your favor.
There Are Multiple Types of Burglary Charges
There are multiple degrees of burglary charges. The classification of your burglary crime will determine the severity of the charges you are facing. The four different types of burglary crimes a Tucson criminal defense lawyer can help you with include:
- First-Degree Burglary – Under ARS §13-1508, if you are in possession of an explosive device or weapon when you enter a business or home with the intent of committing a theft, you can be charged with first-degree burglary. There may be a mandatory sentence of between five and 15 years in prison for non-residential properties and up to 21 years in prison for residential properties.
- Second-Degree Burglary – if you enter a residential building illegally to commit a felony or theft, you could spend up to seven years in prison for this class three felony as described under ARS §13-1507.
- Third-Degree Burglary – Entering an automobile, fenced property, or non-residential building with the intent to commit a theft or steal is considered a class four felony, punishable by up to three years in an Arizona state prison under ARS §13-1506.
You could also be charged with possession of burglary tools under ARS §13-1505. If you are found with instruments that lead law enforcement officials to believe you were intending to commit burglary, you may face additional criminal charges. Examples of such tools could include screwdrivers, torches, explosives, crowbars, master keys, or even ropes.
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Get StartedTucson Burglary Defense FAQ
What Is the Difference Between Burglary and Robbery?
Although robbery and burglary are similar charges, they are two completely separate criminal offenses. A burglary occurs when you enter someone else’s property to steal, whereas robbery occurs when you steal someone else’s property with the threat or use of force.
Your Tucson armed robbery defense lawyer will do everything possible to get your charges reduced to a lesser offense, as armed robbery is generally considered a felony under ARS §13-1904.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Burglary Charges in Tucson?
Under ARS §13-107, the statute of limitations for a burglary charge in Arizona is generally seven years from the date of the offense since burglary is typically tried at the class three felony level.
Different types of crimes have different statutes of limitation. For instance, if you were facing a misdemeanor offense, the prosecutor would only have one year from the date of the crime to file charges.
However, there are limited circumstances under which the statute of limitations could temporarily pause. For instance, if the alleged perpetrator flees the state, the statute of limitations would toll until you were taken into custody or returned to Arizona.
Can a Burglary Conviction Be Expunged from My Record?
Under ARS §13-911, certain criminal records are eligible for expungement. The ability to expunge or seal your record is relatively new, as the state previously only allowed individuals with criminal convictions to get their records “set aside.” With a full expungement, your record could be completely erased and removed from public view. A burglary conviction may qualify for expungement after the waiting period has passed.
Under ARS §13-911(G), the waiting period varies depending on the level of your criminal offense. If you were convicted of a misdemeanor burglary offense, the waiting period would be three years from the date of your conviction.
If you were convicted of a class two or three felony burglary offense, the waiting period would be 10 years from the date of your conviction. There are also other requirements that you will need to meet to get your expungement petition granted, including:
- Having no pending criminal charges
- Not having been charged with a crime since your previous conviction
- Completing the terms of your sentence
What does It Cost to Hire a Tucson Burglary Defense Attorney?
The cost of hiring a Tucson burglary defense lawyer varies widely on a case-by-case basis. You may be able to put down a retainer so we can start working on your defense strategy sooner. However, in some cases, we may charge a flat fee or require payment at an hourly rate, depending on the complexity of your case.
While the cost of hiring a Tucson violent crimes lawyer may be intimidating, trusting your case to a public defender may not be in your best interest. Public defenders have overwhelming caseloads and may not be able to give your defense the attention it deserves. With our private criminal defenders on your side, you can access additional resources and legal experience that the public defender may be unable to offer.
Abogado cerca de míContact a Trial-Tested Burglary Defense Lawyer in Tucson
Although being arrested and taken into police custody can be a jarring experience, with the right legal representative on your side, you can get through this difficult situation.
Your reputable burglary defense attorney in Tucson from Suzuki Law Offices will provide you with the legal guidance and support you need to present an aggressive defense strategy. We may even be able to avoid putting you through a lengthy trial by working out a plea agreement with the district attorney.
However, if the prosecutor refuses to work with you to protect your future, we are not afraid to defend your rights at trial. Let us build a plausible defense strategy so you can avoid the severe consequences that come with a conviction. Schedule your first defense strategy session as soon as today when you call our office or complete our secured contact form.
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