While most people think of burglary as a form of theft, the definition of burglary of a building in Texas is far more expansive. Burglary of a building is the entry into a building, or a portion of a building, without the consent of the owner with the intent to commit a felony, theft, or an assault.
If you were charged with this offense, it’s important to reach out to a skilled burglary lawyer for assistance as soon as possible. The earlier you can start preparing your defense, the better off you will be in the long-run.
Burglary of a building does not require the complete entry into a building. In other words, reaching in a window or a door is sufficient to meet the definition of burglary of a building. Similarly, entering any portion of a building is sufficient.
Entering a business after hours, entering a portion of the building not open to the general public, or staying in a business after it has closed, without the consent of the owner, all are forms of “unlawful entry” for purposes of the burglary statute. Three examples of “entering” are as follows:
“Entry” has a broad definition for purposes of burglary. Under the statute, if any part of the body, or any physical object connected with the body, “crosses the plane” to the interior of the building, entry is complete. Here are two examples of a completed burglary:
Burglary of a building is a state jail felony, which is punishable by six months to two years in a state jail facility and up to a $10,000 fine. This should not be confused with burglary of a habitation – which is a structure in which someone sleeps or resides – which is a second-degree felony, punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison.
If you have been charged with burglary of a building in Fort Worth, reach out to our dedicated legal team for assistance with your case. Call today for a free consultation.