Denton Criminal Lawyer

Burglary in Texas

Under Texas law, property owners and occupants should have an expectation of safety when they are in the confines of their home or place of business. Crimes which involve the violation of these boundaries are regarded as quite serious. Burglary charges may be brought against an individual who enters or remains in a structure beyond the point of welcome to commit a “felony, theft, or assault,” pursuant to Chapter 30 of the Texas Penal Code.

A burglary conviction can lead to a substantial jail sentence and other consequences which may affect the rest of your life. Contact the Denton criminal defense lawyers of Alexander & Associates at 972-420-6560 to learn about protecting your legal rights.

Degrees of Burglary Charges

Burglary may be classified as follows:

• State jail felony – when the crime occurs in a structure other than a dwelling
• Second degree felony – when the crime occurs in any sort of home
• First degree felony – when the crime occurs in a “habitation” and the accused entered with the intention to “commit a felony other than theft” or accomplished such a crime

The penalties for burglary can vary depending on the degree of the charges and other relevant factors. However, even a relatively minor burglary charge can end in jail time and other penalties.

Burglary and Criminal Trespass

Criminal trespass and burglary are closely related charges, with burglary being the more severe of the two. This is because each involves wrongful entry or continued presence in an inappropriate structure, but burglary rests upon the intent to commit or the commission of a further felonious criminal act. Criminal trespass is a misdemeanor, but burglary is a felony.

Contact Us

Let a skilled and experienced criminal defense attorney help you to present the strongest defense available. Contact the Denton criminal lawyers of Alexander & Associates at 972-420-6560 to protect your freedom.