Long Island Defense Lawyer Helping Clients Fight Burglary Charges Throughout Nassau
Authorities on Long Island take burglary crimes very seriously. These crimes are aggressively prosecuted, and if you’re convicted, the court can impose harsh penalties on you. The only way to minimize or avoid the penalties associated with a conviction is to fight your charges with the help of a skilled burglary attorney.
If you’ve been charged with burglary, contact Law Firm of Gianni Karmily, PLLC as soon as possible. Let criminal defense lawyer Gianni Karmily protect your rights and fight for your freedom.
What Are the Different Degrees of Burglary in New York?
There are three different degrees of burglary offenses in the state of New York. The least serious of the three offenses is third-degree burglary, which occurs when someone illegally enters or remains in a building with the intent to commit a crime while inside. Even though this is the least serious of burglary offenses, it is still a class D felony.
Second-degree burglary is a class C felony in New York. Third-degree burglary becomes second-degree burglary if:
- The defendant was armed with explosives or a deadly weapon, or
- Someone who was not participating in the crime was injured as a result of the burglary, or
- The defendant used or threatened to use a dangerous weapon, or
- The defendant displays what seems to be a firearm, or
- The building was a dwelling, which is a building that is usually occupied by a person at night.
The most serious burglary charge is first-degree burglary, which is a class B felony. Second-degree burglary may or may not occur within a dwelling, but first-degree burglary always occurs within a dwelling. Second-degree burglary becomes first-degree burglary if the crime occurs within a dwelling and one of these conditions is met:
- The defendant was armed with explosives or a deadly weapon, or
- Someone who was not participating in the crime was injured as a result of the burglary, or
- The defendant used or threatened to use a dangerous weapon, or
- The defendant displays what seems to be a firearm.
All three degrees of burglary offenses are felonies, which means a conviction can lead to serious penalties with long-term consequences.
What Are the Penalties For A Burglary Conviction in Nassau County?
The penalties for a conviction will vary depending on a number of factors, including the degree of the crime. A conviction for third-degree burglary, which is a class D felony, can lead to up to seven years in prison. A conviction for second-degree burglary, which is a class C felony, can lead to up to 15 years in prison. The most serious offense, first-degree burglary, is a class B felony that carries a maximum penalty of up to 25 years in prison.
Prison time isn’t the only penalty you could face if you are convicted of burglary. The court can also impose fines of up to $5,000.
How Can You Beat Burglary Charges?
A burglary conviction can follow you for the rest of your life, which is why it’s in your best interest to hire an attorney to help you fight the charges. Attorney Gianni Karmily will review the details of your case to determine the best way to defend you against the charges.
The outcome of many burglary cases will depend on the state’s ability to prove intent. If the state cannot prove intent, the charges may be reduced to trespass or criminal trespass, which is the crime of illegally entering or remaining in a building or property. Trespass and criminal trespass carry lighter penalties than burglary. In fact, trespass is a violation and most criminal trespass charges are misdemeanors.
Gianni Karmily’s goal is to reach the best possible outcome in your case. Sometimes, getting burglary charges reduced to trespass or criminal trespass is the best possible outcome. But in other cases, Gianni may be able to clear your name or fight to have your charges completely dismissed. If you’ve been accused of committing burglary, let Gianni analyze your case and begin working towards a favorable outcome.
Schedule A Case Evaluation With Our Burglary Attorney on Long Island
Have you been charged with burglary? If so, you need to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney who is committed to fighting for you. Gianni Karmily understands the importance of avoiding a burglary conviction, which is why he will work tirelessly to help you reach the best possible outcome in your case. To schedule a case evaluation with Law Firm of Gianni Karmily, PLLC, call 516-630-3405 or fill out the form on this website.