Houston Burglary Defense Attorney

Experienced Robbery Charges Lawyer in The City of Houston Defends the Rights of Clients Accused of Burglary and Other Theft Crimes in Harris County, Fort Bend County, Montgomery County, and Throughout Texas

Burglary involves breaking and entering into a residence or building with the intent to commit theft, felony, or assault. Robbery is the taking of another’s money or property using verbal threats or force. The use of a weapon during a robbery is considered aggravated robbery. The burglary of a motor vehicle is defined as the unlawful entry into a vehicle in order to commit a theft. A first-time offense is a misdemeanor in Texas. If you or a loved one have been charged with a robbery or theft-related crime, you should contact an experienced Houston burglary defense attorney at Chernoff Law as soon as possible to defend your rights.

Are Robbery and Burglary Felonies in Texas and What Are The Penalties?

Both Robbery and Burglary are felonies with penalties of fines, incarceration, and usually restitution. Robbery is a second-degree felony unless a deadly weapon is used. Punishment can range from 2 years in prison to life, depending on the circumstances. Burglary of a building carries with it a punishment of 2–10 years in prison.

If the Burglary involved a habitation, the range of punishment can be up to 20 years in prison.

Punishment for this offense depends on the severity of the break and the intent of the accused at the time of the entry. An accused who is prosecuted for entering a habitation with the intent to commit sexual assault is likely to face more penalty than a teenager who breaks into a neighbor’s garage to steal a bicycle. Sometimes an issue arises as to intent. In such a case, a Burglary may be negotiated down to a misdemeanor Trespass charge.

Why Do You Need A Houston Burglary Defense Attorney If Charged With Robbery and Other Theft-Related Offenses?

If this is a first offense, it is important to avoid having a conviction on your record. It can have a significant impact on your future when you apply for a job or to a college, as college boards and employers very often conduct a background check. It is not unusual for kids to be caught up in a prank that results in a burglary charge. 

An experienced robbery and burglary lawyer can often intercede in such cases to avoid prosecution. Juvenile offenses involving robbery or burglary should be defended by an experienced defense lawyer who is fully knowledgeable in the juvenile court system.

Even if you are told that an eye witness has identified you so you might as well confess, this does not mean you will be convicted in a trial. You are entitled to a powerful defense. Eyewitnesses are often mistaken in making an identification, and it takes an aggressive criminal defense lawyer to deal with such persuasive testimony. Each case is unique and requires a creative approach when designing an effective defense strategy. Our determination to achieve a positive outcome has brought clients from all over the state to our office. Contact Chernoff Law for a free initial consultation.