Phoenix Burglary Defense Attorney

Burglary is the crime of entering a building, business, residence or property with the intent to commit theft or any felony therein. The penalties associated with a burglary conviction can vary depending on the circumstances of the incident and can substantially increase if a weapon was used or another felony was committed during the course of the burglary.

If you have been arrested and charged with burglary, contact an experienced Phoenix criminal defense attorney to discuss your legal options. The Law Offices of Trent R. Buckallew, PC is committed to defending individuals accused of all types of crimes, including burglary and will vigorously defend you against these charges.

First degree burglary is a class 2 felony if committed in a residential structure and a class 3 felony if committed in a non-residential structure, or a fenced commercial or residential yard.  This is the most serious level of burglary which involves violating the provisions in a second or third-degree burglary -- entering a non-residential building, residence, fenced commercial or residential yard, while knowingly possessing a deadly weapon, explosives or dangerous instrument, in the course of committing any theft or felony. Penalties can include incarceration for a presumptive term of 5 years in state prison for a class 2 felony and a presumptive term of 3.5 years for a class 3 felony for a first offense. Penalties can become more severe for subsequent offenses. 

Second degree burglary is a class 3 felony and involves entering a residential property with the intent to commit theft or any other felony and carries a presumptive prison term of 2.5 years for a first offense. Subsequent offenses can result in more harsh penalties.

Third degree burglary is a class 4 felony and involves unlawfully entering a non-residential building, or a fenced commercial or residential yard to steal or commit other felonies and carries a presumptive prison term of 1.5 years for a first offense and can be harsher for subsequent offenses.

Possession of burglary tools is a class 6 felony and involves the possessing of any tool, instrument, explosive, or other instrument used to commit any form of burglary and intending to use this item in the commission of a burglary. The penalty for a first offense can include a presumptive prison term of 1 year, with more harsh penalties for repeat offenses. 

Facing a burglary charge can be very stressful given the serious consequences if convicted of this type of crime. This Firm will work diligently with you throughout the criminal justice process, keep you informed throughout the case progression, and discuss options regarding the best course of action towards case resolution.

Attorney Trent Buckallew is a Board Certified Criminal Defense Lawyer with extensive experience defending individuals accused of burglary and other property crimes and will vigorously defend your case in court. From identifying deficiencies that may be present in the prosecution’s case, to challenging procedural or factual defects in the case, he will fight aggressively on your behalf to achieve the best possible outcome in your case. Mr. Buckallew prides himself in personally handling his cases from start to finish to ensure case continuity and consistency throughout the entire process of case resolution. 

Contact a Phoenix burglary lawyer for an evaluation of your case involving any pending burglary or other criminal charges.