What is Commercial Burglary?
(See Also Burglary)
In California, residential burglary and commercial burglary are two separate offenses. When an individual enters a commercial business and intends to commit petty or grand theft, he or she commits commercial burglary. While the penalties vary for those convicted based on criminal history and the circumstances in your individual case, conviction on a first offense will result in imprisonment for up to one year, along with fines and a criminal record. If you are a violent or repeat offender, penalties/punishment will be more severe. It is crucial that you consult with a capable commercial burglary lawyer right away, so that he/she can begin to work on your case in the early stages.
Commercial burglary is considered second degree burglary. When you burglarize a business or car, you may be charged with second degree burglary. As skilled commercial burglary attorneys, we work to have the charges against our clients dismissed or reduced. Some burglaries are charged as a misdemeanor offense, while others may be charged as a felony, which incurs harsher penalties. If you shoplift and are caught with a cutting instrument (such as scissors) that can be used to remove price tags from goods, you may be charged with commercial burglary.
Have you or a loved one been arrested for burglarizing a shop, retail store, warehouse or other business that is considered commercial? At Bay Area Criminal Lawyers, PC our commercial burglary attorneys are dedicated to protecting the right of those charged with burglary. If you are living in the San Farncisco, San Jose, or Oakland areas, you can rely on our firm for unparalleled legal guidance and representation. We know that without skilled legal counsel, you may be facing dire consequences.
What penalties will you face if convicted on charges of commercial burglary? As already mentioned, a misdemeanor charge may result in up to one year in jail. However, if you are charged with a felony offense, you may spend as long as 3 years in state prison. At Bay Area Criminal Lawyers, PC our commercial burglary lawyers realize the negative impact that being convicted can have on all areas of your life. A criminal record will make securing employment difficult; your career and reputation may be ruined. When you are accused of a crime, it can affect relationships as well. Even if you suspect you are under investigation, it is important that you consult with a reputable commercial burglary attorney right away.
What can a commercial burglary lawyer do to protect your legal rights and freedom? It must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt that you are guilty. Your attorney will work to prove that you did not have intentions of stealing or committing a felony. Prosecutors have a very difficult time proving your guilt, particularly when a theft or felony did not occur. If your fingerprints were found at the scene and you have been on the premises in the past, your commercial burglary attorney may use the defense that the prints were left on a previous visit.
At Bay Area Criminal Lawyers, PC our commercial burglary defense lawyers know that innocent people are often accused of crimes they did not commit. Whether innocent or guilty, those who have been charged with this criminal offense you can depend on us for strong and effective legal representation.