Burglary of a vehicle is any breaking or entering of a vehicle with the intent to commit theft or a felony. Entering would be defined as intruding on a person within the vehicle.
As opposed to traditional property theft, when a home or vehicle is broken into, the punishments do not depend on the value of the property but on the number of times the offense has been committed (and convicted).
Whether or not real property is taken from the vehicle or if no felony is committed, the prosecution may seek to charge you with the intent to commit theft or the intent to commit a felony. Conversely, your defense lawyer will show the court how you had no such intention.
Burglary of a Vehicle Defense Lawyer in Irving, Dallas, Carrolton, Richardson, TX
If you have been implicated or charged with vehicle burglary, you are at risk of a lasting criminal record. From procedural to evidentiary knowledge, a practiced lawyer brings invaluable aid to your defense.
Schedule your free consultation with the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy by reaching us today. We will begin immediately reviewing your property crime charges.
Penalties for Burglary of a Vehicle in Texas
The Texas Penal Code § 30.04 defines the minimum penalty for a vehicle burglary as a Class A misdemeanor. Class A misdemeanors can be punished by up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $4,000, or both. If you have one prior conviction for vehicle burglary, the sentence is a Class A misdemeanor, but with no less than six months in jail.
If there are two prior convictions under this offense, the accused will be sentenced to a state jail felony. The jail term is set anywhere from 180 days to two years with a fine of up to $10,000. Felony convictions will remain on your permanent record, affect various state licenses, and bar you from voting, serving on a jury, and owning a firearm, among other drawbacks.
Find A Dallas County Defense Attorney for Burglary Charges | Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy
The Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy can represent those in Dallas, Garland, Richardson, Grand Prairie, Arlington, and nearby regions who find themselves facing charges for burglary of a vehicle. The circumstances of crimes can be murky. Richard McConathy is a criminal defense attorney in Dallas, TX will ensure your story is told and the facts are not misrepresented.
Call us today at (972) 233-5700 to schedule a free, confidential consultation. This is the first step to resolving the case and moving forward with your life