Atlantic City 2nd Degree Burglary Defense Lawyer

Facing a criminal charge in Atlantic City, NJ, can be a challenging experience. This is especially true for those who have never been charged with a crime. Burglary is a crime that is often associated with a lesser criminal offense. However, if charged and convicted, you could face prison time and steep fines.

If you or a loved one was charged with second-degree burglary in Atlantic City, we can help. Our Atlantic City, NJ second degree burglary defense lawyers from the Law Offices of John J. Zarych can help defend you against your criminal charges. To learn more about our legal services in a free, confidential consultation, call our law offices today at (609) 616-4956.

What is 2nd Degree Burglary in Atlantic City?

According to New Jersey law, a person can be charged with burglary if they unlawfully break into another person’s structure with the intent to commit a crime once inside. Typically, there are three ways a person can be charged with burglary in Atlantic City, NJ. You may be charged with burglary if you enter a facility or structure or a separate occupied part of a structure not open to the public. Moreover, you may also face these charges if you enter into such property without permission and with the purpose of committing a criminal offense.

Alternatively, you may be charged with burglary if you enter into private property and remain inside such property knowing you don’t have permission to be there. Moreover, you can also face burglary charges if you break and enter into a private utility property where public notice prohibits trespassing. For some people, burglary may fly under the radar, especially when other criminal offenses may carry severe penalties.

Burglary is a crime, which can lead to severe criminal consequences. Typically, you can face a second-degree indictable crime charge if you enter into another property and attempt or threaten to harm another person or you are armed with a deadly weapon or explosives.

However, burglary charges in Atlantic City, NJ, should not be taken lightly. Depending on your particular circumstances, you may face severe punishment, including jail or prison time and hefty criminal fines. Our Atlantic City, NJ, burglary defense lawyers can help you fight your charges.

Criminal Penalties for a 2nd Degree Burglary in Atlantic City, NJ

Most jurisdictions divide criminal offenses into two major categories: misdemeanors and felonies. Typically, misdemeanors are considered lesser crimes carrying fewer penalties. Conversely, felonies are the most severe types of criminal offenses a person can be charged with. Unlike these jurisdictions, in Atlantic City, you can be charged with a disorderly persons offense or an indictable crime.

Like misdemeanors, a disorderly persons offense conviction can lead to less punishing penalties, which can typically lead up to six months in jail. However, an indictable crime conviction can lead to severe penalties – similar to those related to felonies in other jurisdictions. Typically, an indictable crime conviction can lead to prison time and steep criminal fines.

If you are convicted of a second-degree burglary crime, you can face up to 10 years in prison and up to $150,000 in criminal fines. In addition to your criminal conviction, you will also get a criminal record. This can be particularly damaging, especially after serving your time in prison. Having a criminal record can make it challenging to find a job, apply for a personal loan, or get into college. However, just because you were charged with trespassing doesn’t mean you will be automatically sent to prison. It is always in your best interest to hire an experienced Atlantic City second degree burglary defense attorney.

Defenses to 2nd Degree Burglary Charges in Atlantic City

Despite being a severe charge, you are innocent until proven guilty. There are situations where your Atlantic City second degree burglary defense attorney can build a strategic defense. Different defenses may be available to you, depending on your particular situation. Some of the defenses that may be available in your case include the following:

Lack of Intent

Burglary involves the element of intent. This means that the person must have the express intention of entering into a building without permission in order to commit a crime. The prosecution in your case has to prove this essential element – intent – exists in your case. Without intent, the prosecution cannot satisfy their required standard of proof, and you cannot be convicted for the alleged crime. It is always in your best interest to hire an experienced Atlantic City second degree burglary defense lawyer who can help you fight against your charges.

Alibi

It is possible that you were charged with a crime you did not commit. There have been many situations where a “witness” may say they saw you burglarize a property. However, you may be able to defend against these allegations by showing you could not have possibly committed such a crime because you were somewhere else at the alleged crime date and time. Our Atlantic City second degree burglary defense lawyers can help you with these matters.

Entrapment

As a defendant, you could argue that you were arrested and charged with burglary due to entrapment. This type of defense can be challenging to prove as it often involves a police officer trying to entice somebody to commit a crime that they would otherwise not commit. If you believe you were a victim of entrapment, it is essential to hire a second-degree burglary defense lawyer who can guide you and help you understand what you can expect from your case.

Atlantic City 2nd Degree Burglary Defense Attorney Offering Free Consultations

If you or someone you know has been arrested and charged with second-degree burglary in Atlantic City, we can help. Our Atlantic City, NJ second degree burglary defense lawyers from the Law Offices of John J. Zarych can help you fight against your criminal charges. Thanks to our experience, skill, and dedication, we can provide you with the quality legal services you deserve. To learn more about our legal services in a free, confidential consultation, call our law offices today at (609) 616-4956.