Facing a burglary charge in Chicago can be stressful and overwhelming. You are likely wondering what you can do to fight the charge and reduce your chances of going to jail.
The criminal defense attorneys at Giannola Legal LLC are here to help. We counsel individuals for both felony and misdemeanor charges in the Greater Chicagoland area. Burglary is a serious charge, and the sooner you hire a lawyer, the greater your chances will be of a positive outcome.
Our Approach
The lawyers at Giannola Legal LLC understand the potential penalties associated with burglary and work diligently to create the strongest possible defense for your case.
When you’re charged with burglary, 3 things can happen:
- Your charges are dismissed
- You plead guilty and agree to a plea bargain
- You plead not guilty and request a trial
It’s extremely important, for the sake of your defense, that you do not speak to the police without one of our lawyers present. Even if you are innocent, the police can easily manipulate you into saying something incriminating, or twist what you say to make you look guilty. This is a police officer’s job, and they are good at it.
At your initial consultation, we’ll take your side of the story into account as well as the supply of evidence that may be presented against you. Depending on the circumstances and the amount of evidence that’s been collected, we’ll help you decide which choice will be best.
It’s always our top priority to help our clients choose the route that leads to the best outcome and the least amount of jail time and fines.
Possible Burglary Defenses
If we decide it’s best to go to court, our team will work to create a strong defense based on the facts of the case.
A burglary charge relies on the fact that you:
- Broke and entered into a structure (usually a home, but can also be an office, shed, warehouse, or other structure)
- Had the intent to commit any crime
With these facts in mind, there are a number of strategic defenses that we can use to try to drop or reduce your charges. Some of the most common defenses we use include:
- You did not use any force to enter the structure
- You didn’t intend to commit a crime
- You were present on land of another but not within a structure
- You experienced unlawful entrapment by law enforcement
We will begin working on your defense as soon as you set up a consultation. We’ll examine all aspects of your case to help you decide what approach will be most effective. As your representative, we promise to answer all of your calls and emails within 48 business hours, so you never feel left in the dark.
Common Burglary Charges & Penalties
A burglary criminal charge applies to anyone accused of breaking and entering a building or piece of property to commit a crime. Charges for burglary can vary greatly depending on the specifics of the incidence.
Most burglary charges in Illinois are divided into to 2 categories:
Class 2 Felonies
In general, burglary is a Class 2 felony. If you were unarmed but entered someone’s structure without permission with the intent to commit a theft or other crime, you can be charged with a Class 2 felony.
Class 2 Felony burglary charges carry a sentence of 3 to 7 years in prison. You may also be given a fine in any amount up to $25,000.
Class 1 Felonies
More serious charges of burglary are classified as Class 1 felonies. If you entered someone’s property illegally while armed with a deadly weapon, you’ll likely be charged with a Class 1 felony. Breaking into a residential property, regardless of if you had a weapon or not, will also qualify as a class 1 felony. Your charge may also be moved up to Class 1 if you were previously convicted of burglary or if the incident occurred at a church or school.
Class 1 felony burglary charges carry a 4 to 15 year prison sentence. You may also be given a fine in any amount up to $25,000.
Our law firm is prepared to start working on your case the moment you call for your first appointment. Call 630-600-5012 to schedule your free consultation.
Contact a Burglary Lawyer in Chicago
If you’ve been charged with burglary, don’t wait to seek the legal expertise of Giannola Legal LLC. We’re the best lawyers for burglary cases in Chicago and the surrounding Cook County areas.
Our lawyers are ready to fight for your best interests, and we won’t rest until your charges are reduced or dropped entirely. Call us today at 630-600-5012 to schedule a free case consultation.
