Burglary

There are three levels of burglary under Washington law:

1) Burglary in the First Degree. (Class A Felony)

RCW 9A.52.020 - A person is guilty of burglary in the first degree if, with intent to commit a crime against a person or property therein, he or she enters or remains unlawfully in a building and if, in entering or while in the building or in immediate flight therefrom, the actor or another participant in the crime (a) is armed with a deadly weapon, or (b) assaults any person.

2) Residential Burglary (Class B Felony)

RCW 9A.52.025 - A person is guilty of residential burglary if, with intent to commit a crime against a person or property therein, the person enters or remains unlawfully in a dwelling other than a vehicle.

3) Burglary in the Second Degree (Class B Felony)

RCW 9A.52.030 - A person is guilty of burglary in the second degree if, with intent to commit a crime against a person or property therein, he or she enters or remains unlawfully in a building other than a vehicle or a dwelling.

Although the majority of the time those charged with burglary are the typical burglar stealing items from homes, we often see persons charged with these crimes for less obvious reasons. All a creative prosecutor needs to do it allege a person entered a dwelling unlawfully with the intent to commit a crime inside. For instance: a person who was asked to leave a house party or bar, and who ran back in and punched someone, could be charged with burglary.

Our criminal defense experience with Burglary Charges is your advantage

When you are facing serious criminal charges we can help. Call us at (253) 867-2675 to schedule a free initial consultation. Our Seattle criminal defense attorneys in Seattle are standing by.