Charged with Burglary in Houston, TX?
Get Help Today. Call Attorney Brandon Strauss. 713-586-9200
Burglary is defined as the act of breaking and entering a building illegally for the purpose of committing a crime. Many people are under the false understanding that “breaking” actually means breaking a door or window to gain entry. The law clearly states that no great force is needed (pushing open a door or slipping through an open window is sufficient) if the entry is unauthorized.
Contrary to common belief, a burglary is not necessarily defined by an intent to commit theft as much as it is a definition of entering a building or habitation without the owner’s consent to commit a crime. Usually, that crime is theft but can also be many other offenses such as sexual assault or domestic violence.
Since starting his law practice way back in 2010, Brandon Strauss had developed an outstanding reputation as one of Houston’s top theft and burglary case lawyers. If you or loved one stand charged with burglary and need to sit down and discuss your situation with a skilled Houston burglary charge defense lawyer, call Attorney Brandon Strauss today at 713-586-9200.
Burglary Offenses & Texas Law
A General Overview
Burglary, as defined by Texas law (Title 7. Chapter 30. Burglary & Criminal Trespass) is a property offense related to trespassing, but defined by the criminal intent of the offending party after entering a property or sustaining access without permission.
Properties that may be offended under this statute include vehicles, residential habitations, and enclosed structures.
What Happens If I’m Convicted of Burglary in Houston?
Criminal penalties for burglary in Texas are directly related to the type of structure burgled and the subsequent crime. For example, a person who breaks into a car to commit theft will face different charges that a person who burgled a home for the purpose of committing theft, assault, or a felony offense.
Class A Misdemeanor Burglary
Class A Misdemeanor burglary charges usually apply to cases involving the burglarizing of a vehicle or a coin-operated machine. However, if the offending party has two or more previous convictions for the same or a similar offense, the criminal classification of the charge will in all likelihood, be enhanced to a State Jail Felony charge.
State Jail Felony Burglary
The general classification for burglary offenses that occur to any structure other that a residence is State Jail Felony.
Second Degree Felony Burglary
If an individual burgled a residence, their charge will be classified as a Felony in the Second Degree.
First Degree Felony Burglary
First Degree Felony burglary charges are reserved for individuals who burgled a habitation (home or residence) with the intent to commit any felony other than theft.
Texas Sentencing Guidelines
| THEFT CLASSIFICATION | MONETARY VALUE |
SENTENCING | FINE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class C Misdemeanor |
Less than $100.00 |
Non Jailable |
Up to $500.00 |
| Class B Misdemeanor |
$100 - $750.00 |
Up to 180 Days County |
Up to $2,000.00 |
| Class A Misdemeanor |
$750.00 - $2,500.00 |
Up to 1 Year County |
Up to $4,000.00 |
| State Jail Felony |
$2,500.00 - $30K |
180D - 2YR State Jail |
Up to $10,000.00 |
| State Jail Felony (2 Prior Convictions) |
Any Value |
180D - 2YR State Jail |
Up to $10,000.00 |
| Felony: 3rd Degree |
$30k - $150,000.00 |
2-10 Years TDCJ | Up to $10,000.00 |
| Felony: 2nd Degree |
$150K - $300K |
2-20 Years TDCJ | Up to $10,000.00 |
| Felony: 1st Degree |
Over $300,000.00 |
5-99 Years TDCJ | Up to $10,000.00 |
Saddled with Burglary Charges? Need a Lawyer?
Call Attorney Brandon Strauss for help Today!
As a burglary and theft charge defense lawyer in the Houston area since 2010, Brandon Strauss has the unique experience that a burglary defendant will need in their corner to ensure the best defense of their freedom and good name.
With over 5000 satisfied clients and the highest possible rating on law firm & small business review platforms like Google & AVVO, you can rely on Attorney Brandon Strauss for the skilled legal representation you’ll need.
If you’re ready to talk with Brandon or schedule your confidential, free consultation, call the Strauss Law Firm today at 713-586-9200 or click or press here to send Brandon Strauss a discreet message using our contact form.
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