Collin County, Texas Burglary Defense Lawyer

Law Firm Representing Clients Accused of Property Crimes in Plano, Forth Worth, and Dallas 

Many people do not know the difference between the crimes of theft and burglary. However, the specific crime you are charged with could mean the difference between serving time in prison and only a probation or community service sentence. If you have been charged with one of these crimes or another property crime in Texas, you could face criminal consequences that will affect the rest of your life.

The Crowder Law Firm P.C. offers aggressive, responsible representation for Texas residents accused of burglary. Our team has more than 20 years of criminal defense experience, and we have secured more than 300 acquittals and not-guilty verdicts for our clients. We are equipped to help you build the best possible defense allegations of burglary.

Understanding Texas Burglary Law

The crime of burglary is often referred to as "breaking and entering." This is because charges of burglary do not require you to have stolen anything. In order for a prosecutor to convict you of burglary, he or she must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you entered a property intending to commit a theft, assault, or another felony crime. Even if you did not commit a crime while unlawfully in the property, you can still be charged with burglary if you intended to do so.

Burglary is a state jail felony if the offender entered a non-residential building like a business or store with the intent to commit a crime. Burglary is a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison if it is committed in a habitation (residences or vehicle that people use to sleep in) or dwelling. This type of burglary is sometimes called a "home invasion." Lastly, the crime of burglary is considered a first-degree felony offense if the offender entered a habitation with the intent to commit a felony crime other than felony theft such as aggravated assault or aggravated sexual assault. First-degree felony burglary is punishable by five years to life in prison.

Criminal Trespass Defense in Garland and McKinney

An individual commits criminal trespass if he or she enters the property of another without the property owner's consent. This property can include residential property, agricultural land, a building, a recreational vehicle park, an aircraft, car, or another vehicle. Criminal trespass is similar to burglary in that both offenses involve being on another person's property without permission. Unlike burglary, however, criminal trespass does not involve the intent to commit theft, assault, or another felony crime.

In order to be convicted of criminal trespass, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant was on somebody else's property after being notified that entry was not allowed. This notification can be directly from the property owner or in the form of signs or other structures. For example, if a person enters a property which is clearly marked with a "private property" sign, he or she may be charged with criminal trespass. Texas law considers a fence to be enough notice to warrant a criminal trespass charge.

Criminal trespass is most often charged as a Class B misdemeanor offense, punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $2,000. The offense may be considered a Class A misdemeanor if the trespasser was in possession of a deadly weapon. A Class A misdemeanor criminal trespass offense is punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Having a conviction for burglary on your record can negatively affect the rest of your life. To speak with a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney in Plano , contact Attorney Darlina Crowder at The Crowder Law Firm P.C. Call 214-544-0061 to schedule your free, confidential consultation today. Our team serves clients in Plano, Dallas, Fort Worth, Garland, McKinney, Denton, Frisco, Grayson County, and the surrounding areas. Se habla Español.