When it comes to property crimes in Junction City, few offenses carry penalties as steep as burglary. This is a serious offense, and potential penalties are reflective of that. If you are facing burglary charges, it is best to get in touch with a seasoned attorney right away. Burglary charges are defensible, and a Junction City burglary lawyer could put you in the best position for a favorable outcome.
What Constitutes Burglary in Junction City?
Kansas Statutes § 21-5807 explains that burglary occurs when a person enters or remains in certain structures without permission with the intent to commit a sex crime, theft, or any felony act. The distinction between entering or remaining is important, as it means a person could face a burglary charge for illegally staying in a place they were once authorized to enter. The most common example involves entering a place of business and remaining in the premises after closing time with the intent of committing theft.
The statue also identifies different structures where burglary could occur. It is unlawful to enter a dwelling, other building, or vehicle for the purpose of committing any of the crimes mentioned previously. A knowledgeable attorney could help an individual better understand the nature of the burglary charges they are facing.
Burglary vs. Aggravated Burglary
State law also makes a distinction between burglary and aggravated burglary, with the latter of the two offenses carrying more serious penalties. Aggravated burglary is any act that qualifies as burglary with the additional element that there was a human being present within the dwelling, structure, or vehicle.
Burglary is a felony under state law. The specific penalties associated with these offenses are treated as different degrees of felonies with different penalty ranges. A Junction City attorney could consider the unique facts of a burglary case when building a defense against the charges.
Level 9 Felonies
There are many cases where a burglary charge is treated as a level 9 felony. Specifically, a charge is treated as a level 9 felony when the act occurs in a vehicle, railroad car, watercraft, or other means of transportation when no person is present. A conviction for a level 9 felony could result in between five and 17 months in prison and a fine of no more than $100,000.
Level 7 Felonies
The majority of burglary cases are treated as level 7 felonies under state law. A severity level 7 felony can lead to a prison term between 11 and 34 months and a fine of up to $100,000. Burglary is treated as a level 7 felony when the act occurs in a dwelling or other structure.
Level 5 Felonies
Finally, the most serious burglary cases are treated as severity level 5 felonies. These felonies could lead to as many as 136 months in prison and a fine of up to $300,000. These penalties are reserved for aggravated burglary convictions.
Begin Building Your Defense with a Junction City Burglary Attorney
After a burglary arrest, you may be unsure of how to proceed. You could be facing years in prison, significant fines, and damage to your personal and professional reputation. Fortunately, you are not without legal options.
A Junction City burglary lawyer could help you develop a robust defense against your charges. By pursuing an aggressive defense strategy, a skilled attorney could help you avoid the most severe outcomes of a conviction.
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