Burglary is a serious criminal offense that carries harsh penalties, often involving prison time. Reno burglary defense lawyer William J. Routsis understands that a well-prepared and fact-specific defense can lead to a better outcome for his clients. Devoting personalized attention to each case, Mr. Routsis has earned a reputation as an aggressive and dedicated advocate for criminal defendants throughout his 25-year career. He also has represented people facing burglary, shoplifting, and other theft charges in Sparks and Washoe County, as well as many other communities in Nevada and California.
Avoid a Conviction of a Burglary ChargeAlthough the crime of burglary evolved from common law, the present-day burglary statute is significantly different. In Nevada, burglary is defined as an entry with the intent to commit grand or petit larceny, assault or battery, or any other felony, or to obtain money or property by false pretenses. Significantly, only the intent to commit a felony or larceny is necessary, and the act does not need to be carried out. The entry must occur in a house, room, apartment, shop, warehouse, store, barn, stable, building, tent, vehicle, trailer, airplane, boat, railroad car, or some other structure as provided in the statute. Breaking and entering, or the use of force to gain entry, is not required to commit a burglary. Nor does it matter which time of day or night the entry occurred. While housebreaking and home invasion are similar offenses, unlike with burglary, the intent to commit a serious or violent crime is not required.
Burglary is a felony offense in Nevada. If convicted, the crime is punishable by a minimum of one year in prison, with a maximum sentence of 10 years. A fine of up to $10,000 may be imposed as well. This makes it critical to consult a burglary defense attorney in the Reno area who can protect your rights. In some cases, the penalty for a burglary conviction may be enhanced, such as if the defendant has a prior criminal history. In addition, if the defendant had a firearm or deadly weapon in their possession, or they gained possession of such a weapon during the course of the burglary, the minimum prison term is increased to two years, with a maximum sentence of 15 years.
A criminal attorney who understands the details of your burglary case can identify potential defenses that may be available to help you avoid a conviction or reach a favorable plea agreement with the prosecution. Remember that the prosecution has a heavy burden to prove each element of the offense of burglary. In many cases, the defense will attempt to weaken the prosecution’s case by moving the court to suppress evidence offered by the prosecution if it was obtained illegally or in violation of the defendant’s constitutional rights. For example, a police search of your home performed without your consent or a valid warrant could lead the court to exclude evidence obtained as a result of the search. The defense can also present its own evidence, such as witness testimony or videos, which can demonstrate that the defendant lacked the intent to commit the crime or establish that they were mistakenly identified or that they have a strong alibi.
Consult with a Burglary Defense Lawyer in Reno or Surrounding CommunitiesIf you or a loved one has been charged with burglary, a criminal defense lawyer can guide you through the proceedings and negotiate with the prosecution on your behalf. Attorney William J. Routsis has over two decades of criminal defense experience in Nevada and California courts. He has also represented defendants in other complex types of criminal matters, such as homicide and white collar crimes. Reno burglary defense attorney William J. Routsis can also assist residents of Sparks, Carson City, Lake Tahoe, South Lake Tahoe, Susanville, Winnemuca, Quincy, Elko, and many other areas of California and Nevada. To discuss your case with a knowledgeable attorney, set up your free consultation by calling (775) 337-2609 or contacting us online.