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Charged with Burglary in New York?

Get the legal help you need before it is too late!

New York law enforcement officials take burglary charges very seriously. If you are arrested for an offense like this, you have every right to be scared of the potential outcome. You could be spending years in prison if convicted. Fortunately, there are options available to you.

A local defense lawyer will help to ensure your rights are protected at every stage of the process. Whether you admit guilt and are hoping for a lenient sentence or if you maintain your innocence, we may be able to help.

New York Burglary Laws and Penalties

Under New York laws, burglary is classified into three different degrees. What charge you face and ultimately the penalty you are given will depend on the facts of your case, the evidence against you, and a variety of other factors.

Third Degree Burglary

Burglary in the 3rd degree is defined as “knowingly entering or remaining unlawfully in a building with the intent to commit a crime.”

This offense is classified as a Class D Felony, which carries up to 7 years in prison upon conviction.

Second Degree Burglary

You could be facing charges of burglary in the second degree if you commit burglary on a building and during the commission of the act, you or another participant in the crime do any of the following:

Are armed with an explosive or deadly weapon,
Cause physical injury to another person,
Use or threaten the use of a dangerous instrument,
Display what appears to be a firearm, or
If the building in question is a dwelling (where someone lives).

This charge is a Class C Felony which carries up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

First Degree Burglary

First degree burglary charges apply only to buildings that are dwellings (where someone lives). This is the charge you will face if you commit a burglary on a dwelling and during the commission of the act, you or another participant in the crime do any of the following:

Carry an explosive or deadly weapon,
Cause physical injury to another person,
Use or threaten the use of a dangerous instrument, or
Display what appears to be a firearm.

This offense is classified as a Class B Felony, which carries up to 25 years in prison if convicted.

Prison time and hefty fines are only part of the serious consequences of a conviction like this.

For more details on Felony Charge Criminal Classes, see our Criminal Sentencing Guidelines page.

Free Consultation on New York Criminal Felony Laws & Penalties

If you've been arrested for a serious criminal charge in New York State, call anytime for a legal consultation and case evaluation. We'll answer your questions about what you are facing, let you know exactly what we can do to help you, talk about possible penalties if you are found guilty, and exactly what it will cost to hire us to defend you in court. There's no obligation, so contact us right away.

(888) 435-4744

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