Burglary Defense Attorney in Harrisburg, PA
Arrested for Burglary in Harrisburg? Contact Us Today
At The Hoover Firm, LLC, our Harrisburg burglary defense lawyer is a skilled, knowledgeable, and aggressive advocate for justice. Burglary is a felony offense in Pennsylvania. A conviction can carry life-altering consequences, including the risk of a lengthy prison sentence. If you or your loved one was arrested and charged with burglary, we are here to help. Contact us today for a fully confidential consultation with a top Pennsylvania burglary defense lawyer.
Know the Law: Burglary in Pennsylvania
What is burglary? It is a serious offense in Harrisburg. In Pennsylvania, it falls under 18 Pa. C.S. § 3502. It is defined as unlawfully entering a building or occupied structure with the intent to commit a crime inside. To be clear, unlike trespassing, burglary requires criminal intent upon entry. The severity of the charge depends on factors like whether the building was a home, whether it was occupied, and whether a crime was committed. With that being said, burglary is generally classified as a felony offense in the Commonwealth. Here is an overview:
- First-degree felony: If the burglary occurs in a residential building or an occupied structure, the penalty is a maximum of 20 years in prison.
- Second-Degree Felony: If the burglary occurs in a non-residential, unoccupied structure, it can carry a maximum of ten years in prison.
You Have the Right to Defend Yourself Against a Burglary Charge in Harrisburg
A burglary charge is certainly not the same thing as a burglary conviction. An arrest is an allegation. Any person arrested for burglary in Harrisburg has a right to defend themselves in court. You may have been arrested due to mistaken identity. Alternatively, the prosecution may not have sufficient evidence to obtain a conviction. They always have the burden of proof. In some cases, burglary may not be the appropriate charge. For example, a key defense is lack of intent—burglary requires proof that you intended to commit a crime upon entry. Trespassing is still a crime, but it is usually a relatively minor misdemeanor. An experienced Harrisburg burglary defense lawyer can help you evaluate every potential option to defend the charge.
Why Rely on Our Harrisburg Burglary Defense Attorney
Facing a burglary charge in Pennsylvania? It is imperative that you have an experienced advocate on your side. David M. Hoover is a top criminal defense lawyer. Attorney Hoover invests the time and resources to help clients find the best solution. Along with other things, our Harrisburg burglary defense attorney is prepared to:
- Hear your story and answer questions about your legal case;
- Investigate the burglary charges—gathering all relevant evidence;
- Represent you before police and prosecutors; and
- Develop a personalized defense strategy focused on true justice.
Contact Our Harrisburg Burglary Defense Lawyer Today
At The Hoover Firm, LLC, our Harrisburg burglary defense attorney has the experience that you trust when it matters most. Arrested for burglary? We are here to help. Contact us today for a fully confidential, no obligation initial consultation. We defend burglary charges in Harrisburg and throughout the surrounding region in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.