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Burglary Charges
Charged with a criminal offense? We can help you. Our team of criminal defense lawyers, including former public defenders and prosecutors, have successfully helped thousands of clients fight their criminal charges. We proudly represent clients throughout New Jersey.
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We proudly represent clients throughout New Jersey
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.
Call our knowledgeable Jersey City criminal defense attorneys today at (201) 798-8000 for a free initial consultation.
What is Burglary in New Jersey?
Under New Jersey statute, a burglary involves all of the following elements:
- Entering a facility, structure, or separately secured or occupied part of a structure
- During a time when it is not open to the public
- Without permission
- With the intention to commit a crime inside
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.
Penalties for Burglary
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:
- If the offender purposefully, knowingly, or recklessly attempted or threatened to inflict bodily injury. Making a simple threat to hit or otherwise harm a building occupant would be enough.
- If the offender was armed with or displayed what seemed to be explosives or a deadly weapon. It doesn’t matter if the offender displayed a weapon – if a witness or a victim perceived it to be so, it is enough for a second-degree felony charge.
Speak with Bhatt Law Group Right Away
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.
Call Bhatt Law Group immediately at (201) 798-8000 so we can discuss your options with you.
Your Personal Injury Team
When someone’s negligence causes you or a loved one serious injury, you deserve justice. Our team of personal injury lawyers at Bhatt Law Group is here to help you obtain the maximum available compensation for your medical costs, lost income, and other losses. We’re dedicated to fighting for the rights of injured people throughout New Jersey.
Your Criminal Defense Team
When you’ve been charged with a crime or a traffic offense in New Jersey, you need a dedicated team of lawyers who will fight your charge aggressively. At Bhatt Law Group, our criminal defense team is made up of skilled and experienced trial attorneys, including a former prosecutor, who will work hard to get you the best possible outcome for your case.
Your Family Law Team
Domestic matters can be incredibly complicated and emotional. Our team of New Jersey family lawyers at Bhatt Law Group are dedicated to protecting your best interests in family law matters, from divorce to custody disputes to DYFS investigations. Let us help you through this challenging time in your life.
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No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. To read the standard by which Thomson Reuters, AVVO, Lead Counsel, National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys, and National Association of Distinguished Counsel provides accolades, please visit bhattlawgroup.com/accolades.
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