[vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” top_padding=”20″ bottom_padding=”20″ overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” overlay_strength=”0.3″ column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]What are the factors or elements for 459 PC Burglary?
Under Penal Code 459 PC defines “burglary” is “entering a
- Room,
- Structure, or
- Locked vehicle
with the intent to commit a felony (or, in some cases, a petty theft) once inside.”
Burglary is often referred to as “breaking and entering.” But prosecutors can charge you with this offense even if there is no forced entry of a room or structure. Only auto burglary requires an actual break-in.
Legal Consequences:
Burglary of a house, apartment, hotel room (or other structure where people are living) is always a felony in California. It is known as “first degree burglary” or “residential burglary.”
Penalties for first degree burglary include up to 6 years in state prison. This form of burglary also counts as a strike under California’s three strikes law.
Penalties for residential (first degree) burglary in California
Burglary of a house, apartment, hotel room (or other structure where people are living) is always a felony in California. It is known as “first degree burglary” or “residential burglary.”3
Penalties for first degree burglary include up to 6 years in state prison. This form of burglary also counts as a strike under California’s three strikes law.
Penalties for commercial (second degree) burglary in California
Burglary at a store, business (or any place where people are not residing) is considered “second degree burglary” in California.4 It is also referred to as “commercial burglary.”
(If you enter a store or other business while it is open during regular business hours, intending to steal items worth nine hundred fifty dollars ($950) or less, then you will be charged not with burglary but with the related offense of shoplifting under Penal Code 459.5 PC.)
Commercial burglary is a “wobbler” offense. This means prosecutors may elect to file the charge as either a misdemeanor or a felony. The choice of felony versus misdemeanor usually hinges on the circumstances of the offense and the person’s criminal record, if any.
As a misdemeanor, burglary charges carry up to one year in county jail. Felony commercial burglary can subject you to a jail sentence of up to 3 years.
Commercial burglary convictions…even felony ones…do not count as strikes under California’s three strikes law. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” overlay_strength=”0.3″ column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][image_with_animation image_url=”4348″ alignment=”” animation=”Fade In” hover_animation=”none” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” overlay_strength=”0.3″ column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]
How can we defend you against charges of California Penal Code 459 PC Burglary?
There are several common defense strategies in a burglary case, such as:
- It is a case of mistaken identity.
- You were present when other people committed the burglary, but you were not in on it.
- You did not form the intent to commit a felony or theft untilafter you entered the building or room.
- You took items from the building because you genuinely believed the owner had given you permission.
- The items you took actually belonged to you.
Contact us:
Please call our office today at (707) 571-8600 in our centrally located Santa Rosa office in Sonoma County to schedule a free and confidential case evaluation.
Don’t bargain with your freedom! The right attorney makes all the difference between your freedom and incarceration![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]