Burglary

Burglary is a felony offense, which means that if you are convicted of the criminal act, you will have a permanent record. In an age of background checks, this can have wide-ranging effects on your social, professional and financial well-being. A felony can bar you from voting, running for public office, entering certain professional industries and receiving government various forms of government assistance, among many other effects.

Due to the vast amount of potential negative effects, finding a criminal defense attorney who can argue your case in a productive and efficient manner will be a major benefit in the fight for your freedom. An attorney will be able to argue on your behalf to help you pursue favorable outcomes, such as case dismissal, not guilty verdicts, or minimized sentencing.

Time is of the essence in a case that involves defending your name against a felony charge. Starting early and developing a strong defense strategy that refutes the allegations and puts you in a position that is more likely to garner a favorable verdict, is essential. Having legal representation will take all of the worry out of your hands so that you can focus on getting your life back together during this difficult time.

James E. Novak is a criminal defense attorney who prioritizes the well-being and future of his clients. This means he places heavy emphasis on transparency and open communication. He also works towards solutions that take into account the best interests of clients, rather than the easiest outcome. With over a decade of experience as a criminal prosecutor and defense attorney in Maricopa County, James Novak's deep understanding of the Arizona criminal justice system is an asset to have.

To schedule a free and confidential consultation to go over the details of your case with The Law Office of James E. Novak, call (480) 413-1499 or send an online message today. The law office proudly serves Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Mesa, Phoenix and the surrounding areas.

According to Chapter 13 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, burglary is entering or remaining unlawfully in a structure or property with the intent to commit theft or any other felony. There are three degrees of burglary, first, second and third.

First Degree Burglary – A person is guilty of first-degree burglary if that person enters or remains in a structure, building or property, while knowingly possessing explosives, a deadly weapon or a dangerous instrument in the course of committing any theft or felony. Burglary in the first degree of a nonresidential structure or a fenced commercial or residential yard is a class 3 felony. It is a class 2 felony if committed in a residential structure (§13.1508)

Second Degree Burglary – A person is guilty of burglary in the second degree if they enter or remain unlawfully in or on a residential structure with the intent to commit any theft or any felony therein. This offense is considered a class 3 felony (§13.1507).

Third Degree Burglary – A person commits burglary in the third degree by entering or remaining unlawfully in or on a nonresidential structure or in a fenced commercial or residential yard with the intent to commit any theft or any felony therein. Or, by making entry into any part of a motor vehicle by means of a manipulation key or master key, with the intent to commit any theft or felony in the motor vehicle. Burglary in the third degree is considered a class 4 felony.

After figuring out the definitions of the burglary infractions and the charges that are a result, understanding the potential penalties of these charges is the next step in having a strong comprehension of this offense. All burglaries are felony offenses and may include both jail time and fines if convicted.

Class 2 Felony – Up to 10 years in prison and / or up to $150,000 in fines

Class 3 Felony – Up to 7 years in prison and / or up to $150,000 in fines

Class 4 Felony – Up to 3 years in prison and / or up to $150,000 in fines

The Law Office of James E. Novak proudly represents Arizona residents who have been accused felony offenses. As a dedicated defense lawyer, James Novak takes his extensive experience to fight hard to protect the futures of his clients. He is committed to the clients he serves and considers their individual rights to be of paramount importance during the criminal process and will do everything he can to protect them.

Call (480) 413-1499 or send an online message to schedule a risk-free consultation to go over the specifics of your burglary case today. In addition to serving Mesa, James also represents individuals throughout Phoenix, Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe and Scottsdale.