What constitutes burglary in New Jersey?
Burglary in New Jersey involves entering a facility without permission during a time when it is not open to the public, with the intention to commit a crime inside.
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One of the most common criminal charges in New Jersey is burglary. It is a very serious offense that carries severe penalties. According to the FBI, there were 31,710 burglaries reported by law enforcement in New Jersey in 2014, which means that there were 354.8 burglaries per 100,000 residents. In Jersey City alone, there were 887 burglaries during the same year.
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Under New Jersey statute, a burglary involves all of the following elements:
Often, people think of burglary as a crime that is similar to theft. While it is true that you can commit a burglary if you break into a building with the intent to commit theft inside, burglary also occurs if you break into a building with the intent to commit other crimes inside as well. It is also burglary to remain in that place surreptitiously with the knowledge that you don’t have permission to do so.
The statute also defines burglary as trespassing on property owned by a utility company where there is a publicly-posted notice that prohibits trespassing, even though you don’t intend to commit any other crimes on that property.
Normally, burglary is considered a third-degree felony, punishable by three to five years of jail time and up to a $15,000 fine. However, the statute defines certain aggravated circumstances that upgrade the offense to a second-degree felony punishable by up to 10 years of imprisonment and up to a $150,000 fine. These aggravating circumstances include:
Bhatt Law Group has a group of veteran Jersey City burglary defense attorneys with decades of combined experience serving the people of Jersey City. We will take the time to examine the circumstances of your case and determine whether there is enough evidence to support the burglary charges and whether there are any viable defenses. We will make sure you have the information you need to make the right decisions regarding your case, such as whether to reach a plea agreement or defend against the charges at trial.
Burglary in New Jersey involves entering a facility without permission during a time when it is not open to the public, with the intention to commit a crime inside.
Burglary is typically a third-degree felony, punishable by 3 to 5 years in prison and up to a $15,000 fine. Certain aggravated circumstances can elevate it to a second-degree felony, with penalties of up to 10 years in prison and a $150,000 fine.
Aggravated circumstances include attempting or threatening bodily injury or being armed with a weapon or explosives, which can elevate the charge to a second-degree felony.
No, while burglary can involve theft, it also includes the intent to commit other crimes inside a building.
Yes, remaining on a property surreptitiously without permission can also constitute burglary.
Bhatt Law Group offers experienced defense attorneys who will examine your case, evaluate the evidence, and help you make informed decisions regarding plea agreements or trial.
Contact Bhatt Law Group immediately at (201) 798-8000 for a free consultation to discuss your options.
Bhatt Law Group proudly represents clients throughout New Jersey, specifically in Jersey City.
Yes, the initial consultation with Bhatt Law Group is free.
You can call Bhatt Law Group at (201) 798-8000 to schedule a consultation.