If you have been charged with armed burglary of a structure in Florida, then you may have a defense. Consent, misidentification, and lack of intent to commit a crime inside are all defenses that are oftentimes successful when fighting burglary cases. Even if you don’t think you have a defense, you should always speak to an attorney to make sure you have a full understanding of how the law applies specifically to your case. If you want to know more about these defenses or how to beat your burglary case in Florida, contact Matthew Williams now for a free consultation.
A lot of armed burglary cases involve someone who is accused of breaking into a building or business and stealing a gun. Most of the time, the person did not enter the building with a gun, rather they found the gun inside the building while committing a burglary. In Florida, armed burglary does not necessarily mean you broke in somewhere with a gun in your hand. It can mean you broke into a building and found a gun inside the car. No matter what the allegation is, you need to speak to a lawyer about your defense. Attorney Williams has won burglary trials and negotiated great resolutions to burglary cases as well, so give him a call today.
In Florida, armed burglary of a structure is defined under Florida Statute 810.02(2)(b). A person commits armed burglary of a structure when they unlawfully enter into a structure, remain inside a structure surreptitiously, or remain inside a structure after permission to remain has been withdrawn, with the intent to commit a crime inside, and they are or become armed with a firearm in the process.
A structure is defined as a building of any kind, either temporary or permanent, which has a roof over it, together with the surrounding curtilage.
Armed burglary of a structure is a first-degree felony, meaning it is punishable by up to life in prison, or up to life on probation, and a fine of up to $15,000 (you can also get a jail or prison sentence followed by probation and the length of the sentence can always be shorter than life, but the total length of the punishment cannot exceed life). In addition to facing prison time, if you are adjudicated guilty of armed burglary of a structure then you will lose constitutional rights and you’ll have to deal with many other collateral consequences.
Criminal convictions, especially convictions for burglary, carry severe consequences and can never be removed from your criminal record. If you are convicted of a felony you will lose your right to vote, your right to own firearms, and your ability to maintain certain business licenses. You can also lose your ability to receive financial aid, your ability to live in certain places and your ability to obtain a passport.
If you need an attorney who will advise you, fight for your rights, and do everything possible to protect your future, or if someone you know has been charged with burglary in Florida then contact Matthew Williams now for a free consultation.