Charged with Burglary in New Jersey?

Get a The Legal Advice You Need to Protect Your Rights!

Burglary is a serious charge and should be treated accordingly. A lesser charge of entering an unlicensed structure is also a serious matter. Many times the intentions of the person entering a structure without permission are not clear and the police don’t allow for explanations before they charge the accused with burglary. Burglary is often charged in addition to theft.

 I understand that the legal process can be very confusing and stressful. You need someone who you can count on to defend you as much as possible. I have helped many people who have been facing New Jersey Burglary charges and related criminal offenses. and I have successfully helped many of them avoid Burglary convictions. 

Maybe you thought you had permission, or were trying to retrieve something you owned. Or you may have just made a bad decision at a desperate time.

Whatever the case, you need to act quickly because a burglary charge can have a detrimental impact on your future. With a burglary charge on your criminal history you may not be able to secure housing or find a job.

 Your life depends on finding the best person to defend you and you can count on me to be that person. During a free consultation I will meet you and review your case. I will hear your side of the story and create a strategy to resolve your charges with the least impact on your future.

New Jersey Burglary Laws

According to New Jersey criminal law, Burglary is entering or remaining in a structure without authorization from the owner and with the intent to commit a crime.

Under New Jersey Criminal Code, burglary is defined as: entering or remaining on property that you have no lawful right to be on for the purpose of committing an offense. Though we often think of this offense as theft, it doesn’t have to be.

 (See: New Jersey criminal law sec. 18-2)

Penalties for Burglary

Most of the time, Burglary is a third degree charge (a felony level offense) which could result in up to 5 years in prison.

 If the burglary was with the intent to threaten or inflict physical harm or if the person committing the burglary had an armed weapon it becomes a second degree charge which could result in up to 10 years in prison.

Entry into Unlicensed Structures Laws

 According to New Jersey criminal law, Entry into Unlicensed Structure is the name of the charge when a person enters a structure knowing that they are not licensed to do so. This charge is different from Burglary because there is no intent to commit a separate crime behind the unauthorized entry. Peering into windows is also included under this charge even though you aren’t technically entering into a structure by looking inside.

 (See New Jersey criminal law sec. 18-3)

 Penalties for Entering an Unlicensed Structure in NJ

 Entry into Unlicensed structures is a petty disorderly person’s offense which could result in up to up to 30 days jail, a fine of up to $500, restitution, probation, and/or community service.

 There are certain situations where an Entry into Unlicensed Structures charge could be a fourth degree charge (felony) which is why it’s important to get advice for your specific case.

Burglary Defenses

When you are faced with a potential sentence like this, you know the stakes are high. Not only are you looking at losing your freedom for a number of years, you could be forced to carry the label of a convicted felon for the rest of your life.

As your attorney, I would make it my business to ensure your rights were protected throughout the criminal justice process. I would also work tirelessly to seek the best resolution of your case possible.

If you are charged with a burglary offense, we can negotiate and try to get the charged reduced to a lesser unlicensed structure offense. But of course, I'll first do a thorough evaluation of your case, and look for holes in the evidence, and police procedures to find any opportunity to get your charges dismissed.

Free Consultation on New Jersey Burglary and Entering Unlicensed Structure Charges

I offer a free consultation where I will review your case with you and tell you what your sentence could be if you were convicted. I will also advise you of the options you have available in resolving your case.

You can be confident that your case and, more importantly, your future are in good hands. And my advice is free, and without further obligation if you don't decide to hire me.

Please contact my office to speak to be about these charges. I'll offer you my legal advice and suggestions as to what your options are, and how I can help.

I look forward to speaking with you.

Sincerely,

J. Matthew Reisig, Attorney at Law

(888) 628-8394 or locally at (732) 625-9660

Reisig & Associates, LLC
One Broad Street
Freehold, NJ 07728

One block from the Monmouth County Court House.

We represent clients in every criminal court across New Jersey.