Second-degree burglary in Douglas County, Colorado is a felony offense that involves entering or breaking into a building or occupied structure intending to commit a crime. While sometimes this crime involves breaking and entering, charges can also result for sticking around somewhere with criminal intent. Whether your purpose for entry was criminal mischief, theft, or harassment, law enforcement will be quick to act. If you or someone you know is being accused of a burglary offense in Castle Rock, Parker, or Highlands Ranch, Sawyer Legal Group should be your first call.
Douglas County Second Degree Burglary Law
Douglas County’s second-degree burglary law prohibits specific, unlawful entry into a building or occupied place. CRS 18-4-203 addresses 2nd degree burglary in Douglas, Arapahoe, and El Paso County. Police will pursue burglary charges if they believe you:
- knowingly broke an entrance into,
- entered unlawfully in,
- or remained unlawfully after entry,
- in a building or occupied structure,
- intending to commit a crime against property or another person
Seeking revenge against a former lover, their family, or their property as an act burglary often comes alongside a domestic violence enhancement. Second-degree burglary also escalates when the building or occupied structure is a person’s house, apartment, condo, or garage (dwelling).
Sentencing for Second-Degree Burglary in Douglas County
All burglary cases in Colorado are different. Ramifications for a conviction won’t always be the same. Depending on the specific facts of your unique situation, a 2nd degree burglary charge can lead to:
- a prison sentence of up to 6 years,
- 3 years of parole,
- fines of $2K – $500K
However, if the burglary was committed in a dwelling or the target was controlled substances, the prison sentence can as much as double. Higher fines and longer parole are also likely in these scenarios.
Top Burglary Lawyer in Douglas County
Accusations of entering or remaining unlawfully with criminal intent are serious. As a felony offense, defendants in Castle Rock, Parker, and Highlands Ranch face an uphill battle for years to come, if not longer. If you’ve been charged with burglary in Colorado it doesn’t mean you’re guilty. Perhaps you were on the property lawfully, the intent was formed after entry, or there was police misconduct somewhere in the case. Nonetheless, contact our office for a free, confidential consultation. A top burglary lawyer will carefully analyze your case, answer your questions, and recommend next steps. Sawyer Legal Group’s affordable fees and flexible payment plans make the representation you need and deserve a reality.
Don’t talk to the police about second degree burglary – talk to us. 303-265-1950
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