Knoxville, Tennessee Burglary Defense Lawyer

Attorney for Burglary and Aggravated Burglary in Knoxville, TN

Burglary is a felony offense that can lead to years of prison time. Generally, burglary simply means entering a building, residence, or even a vehicle with the intent of committing theft, assault, or any felony offense inside. You do not necessarily need to have broken in, such as by breaking a window or picking a lock, to be charged with burglary. This crime can be committed in numerous ways. If you are charged with any type of burglary, you need a skilled criminal defense attorney to represent you.

The Baker Law Firm is dedicated to defending people who have been charged with crimes. Attorney Lance K. Baker has been recognized by prestigious organizations like Super Lawyers and The National Trial Attorneys for his outstanding criminal defense work. We can take on complex felony cases and provide clients with an effective defense.

Understanding Burglary Charges

The term "burglary" makes most people think of a masked man smashing a window and leaping into a person's home in the dead of night to steal the television and some jewelry. However, burglaries involving residences are actually considered aggravated burglaries. Simple burglary involves a vehicle or any non-residential building. There are four ways to commit burglary, including:

• Entering a nonresidential building intending to commit a felony, theft, or assault - Note that breaking in is not required, nor is actually completing the offense a person allegedly intended to commit.
• Hiding in a nonresidential building with the intent of committing a felony, theft, or assault - For example, a person may walk into a store that is open to the public during normal business hours and conceal themselves in a display until the store closes, planning to steal merchandise and leave quietly. This would be considered burglary.
• Entering and actually committing a felony, theft, or assault - If a person allegedly followed through with committing one of these offenses after entering a building unlawfully, they may be charged with burglary and other crimes.
• Entering a vehicle with the intent of committing a felony, theft, or assault - The vehicle in question could be a car, train, airplane, boat, truck, trailer, or any other motor vehicle. It is important to know that "entering" includes inserting any part of one's body into the vehicle. Breaking a window on a car and sticking one's arm inside to grab something and steal it is considered burglary.

To be convicted of burglary, the state must prove that you had the intent to commit a felony, theft, or assault at the time you entered the building.

Aggravated Burglary in a Residence

If you allegedly entered someone's home planning to commit assault, theft, or any felony offense, you can be charged with aggravated burglary. Aggravated burglary is a more serious felony that carries increased penalties.

If you allegedly burglarized an occupied dwelling or hid inside a person's home intending to commit assault or battery, and the alleged victim suffered serious injuries, you may be charged with a specific offense called "especially aggravated burglary." This crime is often associated with domestic violence, as a person may be accused of targeting an ex-spouse or former dating partner.

These are both extremely serious offenses. If you are facing aggravated burglary or especially aggravated burglary charges, you could be sentenced to many years behind bars if you are convicted.

Contact a Knoxville, TN Burglary Lawyer

The Baker Law Firm is skilled in handling high-level felony criminal cases. If you are facing burglary charges, contact us at 865-200-4117 for a complimentary consultation.