Santa Ana Burglary Attorney
Explore Your Options with the Law Offices of Benjamin Arsenian
Burglary is considered a serious offense in California and those charged with this crime can find themselves exposed to serious penalties. If you or a loved one have been accused of burglary, it is essential that you seek an aggressive defense attorney who knows how to navigate these cases. In many cases, proactive, vigilant counsel can result in a favorable outcome for the defendant.
At the Law Offices of Benjamin Arsenian, Attorney Benjamin Arsenian is a former prosecutor who has now dedicated much of his practice to defending the rights of California’s accused. With his intimate understanding of our laws and court system, our clients can rest assured that every viable avenue toward a reduction or dismissal will be exhaustively pursued on their behalf.
Do not proceed with your case without first examining your defense options with a trusted Santa Ana burglary lawyer. Call 714-400-2000 today.
Burglary Charges in California
California Penal Code 459 PC describes burglary as the act of unlawfully entering a property with the intent to commit theft or any other felony. While we often associate burglary with theft, it can be associated with other crimes as well, due to this broad definition.
California defines two degrees of burglary:
- Second-degree burglary can be considered a misdemeanor or a felony.
- First-degree burglary is considered a felony.
First-degree burglary is any burglary of a residence. Second-degree burglary is the burglary of any other kind of property. Contact our firm today to learn more about the specifics of your case, possible penalties, and what we can do to defend against these charges.
Defending against Burglary Charges
Due to the broad definition of burglary in California, a criminal defendant in these cases may have several viable defense options. A common circumstance in these cases is that a defendant may be guilty of trespassing (a far less serious charge) but is charged with burglary instead. This is because law enforcement and prosecutors can charge burglary when they believe the defendant was on the property to commit another type of crime. Often, these assumptions can be challenged in court.
Burglary charges are also often substantiated by use of video surveillance footage, which is not always clear and can lead to cases of mistaken identity. Every case is different and our firm is prepared to assess the details of your charge and identify any shortcomings in the state’s case against you.
The time to start exploring your defense options is now. Contact us today to request a free case evaluation.