Burglary Tampa

A burglary conviction under Florida law can result in severe penalties, including jail time.

This makes it essential to speak with a seasoned burglary defense attorney that can prepare strong evidence and arguments in your favor and use the fullest extent of the law to thwart the prosecution’s case against you. The experienced burglary defense lawyers at Carlson Meissner & Hayslett have what it takes to get your burglary charges dismissed or reduced as far as possible.

What is Burglary Offense in Florida?

Burglary is defined under Florida Statutes § 810.02 as entering a structure, dwelling, or conveyance with the express intent to steal property or commit an offense. In most cases, a person with permission to enter the dwelling or those entering public premises are not guilty of burglary.

Concerning this, the State may have a conviction if they can prove the following:

You entered the premises intending to commit a crime under surreptitious circumstances
You remained on the premises long after you no longer had permission to stay on the property and committed a crime
You attempted to commit or committed a forcible felony

A forcible felony for this statute includes:

Manslaughter
Murder
Sexual battery
Kidnapping
Arson
Robbery
Aggravated assault

Penalty for a Burglary Conviction in Florida

It’s fundamental to understand that all burglary charges in Florida are tried as felonies. The circumstances surrounding the crime determine the severity of the penalty and punishment. For example, there are harsher sentences if:

Someone got injured during the burglary
A weapon was involved
A child was present
The property sustained damages

Additionally, the charges may be enhanced if the town, county, or state were in a state of emergency when the event occurred. For instance, entering a vacant home during or following a hurricane is considered a burglary. Burglary convictions in Florida carry steep convictions making it essential to work with a capable burglary defense attorney.

Potential Consequences for Burglary Charges in Florida

A Florida felony conviction will have a lasting impact on your life. For example:

Job options are limited for convicted felons
Many employers don’t prefer hiring felons
Your conviction will appear on your background check unless you have it expunged, which
can severely reduce the quality of your life and the money you make
In most cases, convicted felons are also denied housing in respectable neighborhoods

Hiring a burglary attorney to represent your interests in court is essential. The skilled criminal defense attorneys at Carlson Meissner & Hayslett realize these repercussions and their impact on a client’s life and family. You can count on us to prepare the best defense for your circumstances to help you beat a conviction.

Our Capable and Resourceful Burglary Defense Lawyers are Ready to Fight for You

If you have been arrested on burglary charges, your best bet is to get our qualified criminal defense attorneys at Carlson Meissner & Hayslett on your side. Our experienced burglary defense lawyers in Florida understand how the system works and will do everything possible to achieve an acquittal, dismissal, or the most favorable plea bargain. To schedule your free consultation, call us at 877-728-9653 or fill out this online contact form.

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