Burglary

Penalties for Burglary in the Second Degree in Washington:

Burglary in the second degree is a class B felony, which RCW §9A.20.021 defines as punishable by up to ten years in prison, a maximum fine of $20,000, or both. The court may require restitution instead of a fine.

Residential Burglary:

According to RCW §9A.52.025, a person may be charged with residential burglary if a person:

1. Unlawfully enters and/or remains in another person’s dwelling OTHER THAN a vehicle
2. With the intent to commit a crime against a person or his property.

Penalties for Residential Burglary in Washington:

Residential burglary is a class B felony, which RCW §9A.20.021 defines as punishable by up to ten years in prison, a maximum fine of $20,000, or both. The court may require restitution instead of a fine. It is important to note that, even though residential burglary is in the same class as burglary in the second degree, it is considered a more severe offense.

Defending a Burglary Charge:

There are many defenses to a burglary charge. Of course, your defense strategy depends upon the degree of the offense, among other things. However, there are two basic elements involved in all burglary offenses: (1) unlawful entry upon a person’s property and (2) an intent to commit a crime against a person or property. Therefore, one of the basic ways to defend a burglary charge is to challenge either of these elements. For example, you may argue that you did not, in fact, enter another person’s property; that you entered but your entry was lawful; or that you entered, maybe even unlawfully, but that you did not enter with the intent to commit a crime against a person or property. Your defense strategy is crucial, and the help of a skilled criminal defense attorney is strongly advised.

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