FREE Virtual Lawyer ConsultationOffice: (205) 871-8838Cell: (205) 401-3171
Phone in hand
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
National college for DUI Defense
Lead Counsel
Super Lawyers
Martindalle-Hubbell
Best Law Firms
DUI Defense
ABA

Burglary in Birmingham

The Alabama Code says that a person commits the crime of burglary “if they knowingly enter or remain unlawfully in a building with intent to commit a crime therein.” Such crimes typically include theft, assault, or destruction of property, among others.

Burglary is a serious crime, and a burglary conviction can carry harsh penalties. If you or a loved one are facing burglary charges, you need to get advice from experienced theft attorneys who have a strong track record of defending their clients’ rights. A Birmingham burglary lawyer can work hard to maintain a positive outcome in your case.

Types of Burglary

Burglary in the third degree is a Class C felony, which means it is punishable by as much as seven years in prison. But even more serious sanctions can be imposed by the court if the burglar:

  • Is armed with explosives
  • Causes physical injury to any person who is not a participant in the crime
  • Is armed with a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument or, while in the building or in immediate flight from the building, uses or threatens the immediate use of a deadly weapon.

In cases involving these exacerbating factors, courts can impose sentences as long as 20 years in prison making it extremely important that a burglary attorney in Birmingham is consulted.

How Charges Vary

Even if no property is taken or damaged, merely entering a home, business, or abandoned property without permission is illegal. The actual charge will depend on the type of structure an individual enters, and what happens once the individual has entered.

Understanding the various subsections of the Alabama Criminal Code is important in putting together a defense, as the potential penalties and burdens of proof vary depending on the circumstances of the burglary. That is why it is so critical to consult with Birmingham burglary lawyers experienced in criminal law who can explain to the accused what kind of charge they are facing and how to best prepare a defense.

A burglary charge can even arise from a civil dispute between two people who know each other, or a simple disagreement. Anytime a person is on someone else’s property and cannot prove they had permission to be there, the potential for a burglary charge is there.

Rights of a Defendant

But the good news is that criminal defendants have certain rights that the courts must respect. The suspect is presumed innocent, the burden of proof is on the prosecutors, and they must prove their case “ beyond a reasonable doubt .”

Any search of an individual’s home must be carried in compliance with the requirements of the U.S. Constitution. The Fourth Amendment says that searches must be done in accordance with a warrant that “particularly describes the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”

Birmingham burglary attorneys will challenge any evidence that the government tries to use, requiring them to explain how that evidence was obtained and how it is relevant to the charges. With their experience and thorough understanding of the criminal law, they can judge whether to seek a plea bargain or whether to fight in court.

Talk to a Birmingham Burglary Attorney Today

If you have been charged with burglary, it is important to have an attorney familiar with the prosecutors and judges in the jurisdiction where you have been charged. A burglary attorney in Birmingham’s understanding of those factors can determine the outcome of the case.

That is why, if you are facing burglary charges, you should not waste another day before getting the advice you need by a Birmingham burglary lawyer.

Client Reviews
★★★★★
Whitney Polson is a no-nonsense attorney who delivered exactly what he said he would on my case...thank you so much sir...I would definitely recommend anyone facing a DUI to retain this man. D.B.
★★★★★
If you are looking for an attorney I must recommend Mark Polson of Polson & Polson. My case was successfully moved from a February to a December court date and was dismissed. I am extremely please with the way this firm handled the case and was able to secure the dismissal. Thank you again to Polson & Polson for your professionalism and knowledge that we needed for this situation. Best Regards to all. Julie C.
★★★★★
Wow! I never could have hoped for our lawyer to work as fast as he did but Whitney was lightning fast! Very attentive to the details, never left me hanging along the journey-I used online reviews in choosing him and now I want to pass that on-if you need a lawyer (ours was a traffic court case with complications), I HIGHLY recommend this firm! Claire B.