In Northville, burglary is a home invasion. Those convicted of first, second or third-degree home invasion may face serious penalties that could impact the rest of their lives. If you are facing burglary charges, you may need to call a Northville burglary lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner you retain the services of an experienced defense attorney, the sooner you can begin establishing your defense. Read on to learn more about how a dedicated Northville burglary lawyer could work to make a difference in your case.
Common Defenses for BurglaryThough each case is different, several defenses are commonly used in burglary trials. If a property is abandoned, it is often difficult to track down an owner who cares enough to press charges. Even if they find the owner, they may face legal penalties for evading property taxes or not maintaining the property. To prove a burglary occurred, prosecutors must show the accused did not have permission to enter a building. If a reasonable individual expected a hospital or convenience store to be open or mistakenly believed they had permission to enter, an attorney may be able to get the charges dismissed.
An experienced defense lawyer will conduct their own thorough investigation into the defendant’s case and look to see if the evidence proves beyond a reasonable doubt that someone committed a crime. If no such evidence exists, they can argue for the prosecution to drop the charges. There are many other useful defenses attorneys can employ to defend those accused of burglary. Because every case is different, it is important that individuals charged with burglary speak to an attorney about their specific situation.
Potential PenaltiesThose facing a burglary offense in Northville may face serious penalties. First-degree home invasion applies when someone entered a home with the intent to commit a felony while armed when a resident is present on the property. Those facing such an offense may spend up to 20 years in prison and $5,000 in fines upon conviction.
Home invasion in the second-degree also carries serious consequences. If someone is facing allegations of breaking and entering with the intent to commit a felony, they are subject to 15 years in prison and $3,000 in fines, even if they are unsuccessful in their attempts to break in.
Home invasion in the third-degree applies to those attempting to break into a home with the intent to commit a misdemeanor. They may face up to five years in prison and $2,000 in fines. Even possession of burglary tools can land someone in prison for up to 10 years.
How a Northville Burglary Lawyer can HelpThe consequences for a home invasion offense are harsh in Northville, which is why it is so crucial that you do whatever you can to fight for the best possible outcome. No matter the details surrounding your case, the first step towards justice is speaking with a dedicated Northville burglary lawyer. With so much at stake, there is no time to wait. Do not let your future rest in the hands of just any attorney. Reach out to a skilled Northville burglary lawyer today to schedule your initial consultation.