Burglary Solicitors

Have you been accused of burglary? If you are found guilty of this offence, the consequences can be severe. Contact our team of solicitors today on 0333 577 0522 for expert help in achieving the best possible outcome for your case.

At Lawtons, we are experienced in dealing with burglary cases, and it’s crucial that you seek professional legal help before taking part in a police interview.

How can Lawtons help if you’ve been accused of burglary?

Lawtons Solicitors has a specialist team able to offer expert advice on all ‘dishonesty offences’, and frequently deals with the three main offences – burglary, theft and robbery.

Each of the three dishonesty offences are considered seriously by the Criminal Courts. Burglary in particular can have serious consequences. It is therefore important to seek legal guidance as soon as possible to make a difference to your case.

How is burglary defined under UK law?

Burglary can be committed in a number of ways. The law looks at burglary with the view of identifying the intention and dishonesty of the crime, together with proof that trespassing took place.

Trespassing can involve illegally entering just part of a building, or even a non-permanent structure that’s inhabited, such as a barge or caravan. However, the burglary of a residence is a more serious offence than the burglary of another building.

Burglary often involves robbery, but always involves trespassing, by breaking into a building to commit theft or criminal damage, or inflict grievous bodily harm.

Are certain types of burglary more serious?

It’s worth noting that the court generally deems burglary of a residential property as more serious than that of commercial property, due to the intrusion into a person’s private life and home.

Burglary is classified as an ‘either way offence’, which means that depending on the severity of the individual case, the magistrates have to decide whether they are able to deal with it or refer it to the Crown Court.

The severity of the case and, therefore, the court that deals with it, will depend upon the presence (or lack) of aggravating factors.

Use of force

Without unlawful entry into a home or commercial premises, stealing someone’s property is simple theft or – if force or the threat of force is used – robbery. Inside a structure, theft is burglary, which doesn’t necessarily involve force. When it does involve force, however, the offence carries a more severe sentence.

Aggravated burglary

Burglary attracts a tougher sentence – potentially up to life imprisonment – when it’s deemed to be aggravated burglary. The presence of a firearm, imitation firearm or a weapon of offence constitutes aggravated burglary. A weapon of offence is defined as ‘any article made or adapted for use for causing injury to or incapacitating a person, or intended by the person having it with him for such use’.

What is the sentence for burglary charges?

The maximum possible sentence for burglary is 14 years in prison, although aggravated burglary can extend the term of imprisonment to life. If the act is committed with multiple people, a charge of conspiracy to burgle is also possible.

If you’re accused of burglary and your case goes to the magistrate’s court, the maximum penalty is six months’ imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine.

An experienced burglary lawyer can help to minimise your sentence as far as possible.

Why choose Lawtons for your burglary defence lawyer?

If you’ve been falsely accused of burglary, the thought of the potential repercussions can be especially distressing. As experienced burglary solicitors, we can guide you through the process and use our years of expertise to fight your case, working hard to achieve the best possible legal outcome for you.

No matter what the circumstances surrounding your case are, we’ll advise you on the most advantageous approach to take. Of course, this will include how you can avoid incriminating yourself and, should you be convicted, ways to reduce your sentence.

Accused of burglary? Contact us

For more information about burglary and sentences or for urgent legal help, please call us on 0333 2020972 or email web@lawtonslaw.co.uk.