Facing Burglary Charges?
The courts in our area take charges of burglary seriously, and it is a felony offense in our state. If you are convicted, you can be fined and sent to prison, and you will have a criminal record which can make it extremely difficult to find suitable housing or employment. To avoid such a dire outcome, you need to take immediate action to defend yourself by calling The Law Office of John M. Cromwell for a consultation. I have more than 24 years of experience, and will inform you of your legal rights and your options for fighting the charge. By retaining a White Plains criminal lawyer early, you can greatly increase your chances of exonerating yourself or having the charges dismissed or reduced to a less serious crime.
Class D Felony Penalties
Burglary occurs when the perpetrator unlawfully enters or remains in a building, with the intent to commit a crime. It is a Class D felony, punishable by 7 years in prison, but the sentence can be increased to as much as 25 years in cases where the defendant is accused of carrying explosives, a deadly weapon or of causing physical injury to someone who was not a participant in the crime. Possible defenses include the fact that you were erroneously named the suspect or that you did not have intent to commit a crime.
A conviction for a theft crime could cause major problems in your future. Many employers and landlords refuse to accept an applicant who has a criminal record which includes burglary, and you may find that your opportunities in life are seriously limited. I have dedicated my entire professional career to defending people accused of crimes, and I take a sincere interest in the well-being of each client I represent. If you want an attorney who cares about you and will always treat you with dignity and respect, come to my firm. I am fluent in Spanish and can meet with you at your earliest convenience.