Burglary in Dallas can involve unlawful entry into another person’s habitation, building, or vehicle. These terms have unique definitions under Texas law and according to Tex. Penal Code § 30.01, are as follows:
- A habitation is defined as any structure or vehicle that is made or used for overnight accommodations of a person, including any separately secured or occupied portion of a structure or vehicle and any type of structure attached or connected to another structure or vehicle.
- A building is defined as any enclosed structure intended to be used or occupied as a person’s home or to be used for trade or manufacture.
- A vehicle is defined as any device in, on, or by which a person or property may be moved for transportation.
Offenses commonly associated with offenses can include robbery, theft, or breaking and entering. Burglary crimes can result in severe penalties in Texas depending on the degree of the offense. Therefore, it is important to contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer to help you identify your best legal strategy.
Burglary Defense Lawyer in Irving, Dallas, Carrolton, Richardson, TX
Contact the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy today for a consultation about your alleged burglary offense in Irving, Dallas, Carrolton, Richardson, and surrounding areas of Dallas County, Texas.
Dallas criminal defense attorney Richard McConathy is an aggressive property crime attorney who will make every effort to fight the allegations against you. Call the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy for a free consultation at (972) 233-5700 about your burglary charges.
Burglary Offenses in Dallas
Texas law provides for a variety of burglary offenses, ranging from misdemeanor to felony offenses, these can include any of the crimes listed below.
According to Tex. Penal Code § 30.02, an individual can be charged with burglary if they:
- Enter a habitation, home, or a building without the consent of the owner that is not open to the public at the time of the offense with the intent to commit a felony, theft, or assault in the building;
- Remain hidden or concealed in a building, home, or habitation without the consent of the owner with the intent to commit a felony, theft, or assault in the building; or
- Enter a habitation, home, or building without the consent of the owner and commit or attempt to commit a felony, theft, or assault in the building.
Under Tex. Penal Code § 30.03, an individual can be charged with burglary of coin-operated or coin collection machines if they break into or enter any coin-operated machine, coin collection machine or other coin-operated or coin collection equipment without the consent of the owner and with the intent to take property or items of value.
An individual can be charged with burglary of vehicles under Tex. Penal Code § 30.04 if, without the consent of the owner, they break into or enter any vehicle, including railroad cars, motor vehicles, and cars, with the intent to commit a felony or theft.
Dallas Penalties for Burglary Crimes
Chapter 12 of the Texas Penal Code lists the penalties for Texas misdemeanor and felony burglary offenses, which can vary depending on the burglary offense and the degree of the burglary. Punishments for a burglary conviction are as follows:
Criminal charges for burglary can result in a state jail felony conviction if the offense was committed in any other building besides a home. This degree of offense can result in jail sentence ranging from 180 days to two years and/or a fine up to $10,000.
Criminal charges for burglary can result in a felony of the second-degree conviction if the offense was committed in a home or habitation. This degree of offense can result in a prison sentence ranging from two to 20 years and/or a fine up to $10,000.
Criminal charges for burglary can result in a felony of the first degree conviction if the offense was committed in a home or habitation and the alleged offender entered the home or habitation with the intent to commit, committed or attempted to commit any other felony besides felony theft. This degree of offense can result in a prison sentence ranging from five to 99 years or life imprisonment and/or a fine up to $10,000.
Criminal charges for burglary of coin-operated or coin collection machines can result in a class A misdemeanor conviction, which is punishable by a jail sentence up to one year and/or a fine up to $4,000.
Criminal charges for burglary of a vehicle can result in a state jail felony conviction if the alleged offender has previously been convicted of two or more vehicle burglary offenses or the vehicle broken into was a railroad car. This degree of offense can result in jail sentence ranging from 180 days to two years and/or a fine up to $10,000.
Criminal charges for burglary of a vehicle can result in a class A misdemeanor conviction, which is punishable by a jail sentence up to one year and/or a fine up to $4,000. If the alleged offender has previously been convicted of another burglary of a vehicle offense, they can be sentenced to a minimum mandatory term of six months in jail.
Find A Dallas County Defense Attorney for Burglary Charges | Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy
Contact us today for a consultation about your burglary crime charges throughout Dallas County in Texas. Richard McConathy is an experienced Dallas property crime attorney who will make every effort to help you avoid the most serious penalties and repercussions to your burglary allegations.
Contact the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy at (972) 233-5700 for a free consultation about your alleged burglary offense throughout Dallas County in Texas and the surrounding counties of Denton County, Collin County, and Tarrant County.