Reliable Annapolis Burglary Defense Attorney for Serious Charges
Aggressively fighting for burglary defendants in Maryland courts
Individuals view their homes as a safe haven from the outside world, so the criminal justice system is particularly harsh on allegations involving illegal entry into houses and buildings. Burglary charges are some of the most serious accusations you can face in the Maryland courts, with potentially severe penalties for a conviction.
My name is Gill Andrew Cochran, and I am a knowledgeable Annapolis burglary defense attorney who understands the seriousness of these charges. If you are facing burglary charges, contact Drew Cochran, Attorney at Law as soon as possible to begin an aggressive defense.
Understanding burglary under Maryland law
The general definition of burglary involves entering a structure without a legal right, for the purpose of committing a crime. To secure a conviction, the state must prove that each of these elements occurred in your case:
- That you entered a structure without a legal right to do so. If you never physically entered the structure or entered with the permission of the owner, this element is not satisfied.
- That you entered the structure with the intention of committing a crime. If you did not enter the building for the purpose of engaging in illegal activity, this element is not met.
As a skilled Annapolis burglary defense attorney, it is my job to refute the state’s arguments and aggressively fight for you. To do this, I look at each individual element to determine whether it is accurately applied to the event in question.
What are the penalties of a burglary conviction?
Penalties for a burglary conviction vary, depending on the details and classification of the crime. The state of Maryland categorizes burglary charges as follows:
- First-degree burglary. This is the most serious of burglary charges, and it applies when the structure entered was another person’s dwelling. In other words, someone used the building in question as his or her residence. For a conviction, the state must also prove that you intended to commit theft or a violent crime. First-degree burglary carries a potential sentence of 20 years in prison.
- Second-degree burglary. The second-degree charge applies to storehouses, such as a person’s garage or backyard shed. You must have entered with the intention of theft, a violent crime, arson, or to steal a firearm. The potential sentence for a second-degree conviction is also up to 20 years in prison, depending on the circumstance of the case.
- Third-degree burglary. This charge applies when breaking into a person’s dwelling with the intention of committing any crime. For example, entering with the intention to vandalize could result in a third-degree charge. The potential penalty is up to 10 years in prison.
- Fourth-degree burglary. A fourth-degree charge may involve breaking in without the intent to commit any crime or entering an area surrounding a dwelling, like a garden, with the intent to steal. This misdemeanor carries a potential penalty of three years in prison.
The potential consequences of a conviction are serious, so it is vital that you secure representation from an experienced Annapolis burglary lawyer.
Put a proven track record to work in your Annapolis burglary case
At Drew Cochran, Attorney at Law, I vigorously defend clients throughout Maryland against burglary charges. Let me put my knowledge and skill to work for you. If you were charged with burglary, call my office today at 410-271-1892 or fill out my contact form to learn more about how I can help your case.
And remember: Keep Calm – and Call Drew.
