Cadiz, KY Burglary Lawyer

Cadiz, KY Burglary Attorney

Any time you are facing criminal charges, you should consider hiring legal representation to fight those charges. A charge of burglary can be enough to cause serious damage to your life. If convicted, you will have a criminal record that will follow you forever. A criminal record can affect your social standing, employment opportunities, and even the way that your friends and family perceive you. A Cadiz, KY burglary lawyer can make a defense plan to challenge your allegations.

The legal team at Michael J. Thompson, Attorney at Law, understands how significant the stakes may be for you. The last thing you want is to go up against the prosecution while wholly unprepared and without any sort of legal help. To convict you, the prosecution is going to have to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. To keep you out of jail, your defense lawyer only has to introduce reasonable doubt into the case. A criminal defense lawyer may be exactly what you need.

Burglary Charges in Kentucky

In Kentucky, burglary is the illegal entry into somebody’s home, dwelling, or business with the intent to commit a crime of some sort. While many people may equate burglary with stealing, the two are not always synonymous. Any crime committed while breaking and entering may be considered burglary, such as vandalism or assault. The element of breaking and entering is what separates burglary from theft or robbery, as does the intent to commit a crime.

According to a recent report by the Kentucky State Police, over 11,000 reported incidents of burglary took place throughout the state in 2023. A good defense lawyer can prevent you from being another statistic sitting in a prison cell. If you are facing burglary charges, you may also be dealing with some substantial mental health trouble as you ponder what’s to come. Your Cadiz, KY Burglary attorney can provide invaluable support and reassurance throughout our case.

In Kentucky, burglary charges are classified into three distinct groups, or degrees. Each degree of burglary holds different penalties, depending on the severity of the crime you are being charged with. Here are the details that differentiate the three degrees of burglary in Kentucky:

• First-degree burglary: Generally, burglary in the first degree is considered the most serious burglary charge you can receive. This degree involves breaking into somebody’s residence with a weapon and the intent to cause harm. You could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison and have to pay substantial fines.
• Second-degree burglary: Second-degree burglary charges are still significant and considered felony charges. This degree involves breaking into somebody’s residence to commit a crime, but without a weapon and any intent to harm anyone. However, you are still breaking and entering a residence, and that can result in serious charges.
• Third-degree burglary: In most cases, third-degree burglary is considered the least serious type, but that doesn’t mean the charges shouldn’t be taken seriously. This degree of burglary involves breaking into a non-residence, such as a shed or warehouse, without the intent to harm but with the intent to commit a crime. Despite being considered lesser than the other two charges, you will still face felony penalties.

Getting Arrested for Burglary

When you are arrested on burglary charges in Cadiz, KY, it is vital to your case that you don’t lose hope. You should always keep in mind that you are innocent until proven guilty, no matter what your charges are. Never forget that you are always afforded certain constitutional rights, particularly your right to retain legal counsel and your right to remain silent, both of which you are going to need as you deal with the Cadiz Police Department.

FAQs About Cadiz, KY Burglary Laws

Q: What Is First-Degree Burglary?

A: First-degree burglary in Kentucky is generally considered the most severe degree of burglary charges you can face. To be charged with first-degree burglary, you must be caught with a deadly weapon while committing burglary and intend to use it to harm somebody. If convicted, you could face a prison sentence of up to 20 years as well as substantial fines. You should reach out to a criminal defense lawyer who can figure out a defense strategy for your situation.

Q: What Does Third-Degree Burglary Mean?

A: In Kentucky, third-degree burglary is generally the lowest possible degree of burglary you could be charged with. It typically involves breaking into a non-residential structure, such as a shed or a garage, without a weapon and without the intent to harm anybody. Even though it is not considered as serious as the first two degrees, it can still result in felony charges and prison time.

Q: What Is the Ideal Defense for Burglary?

A: Technically, there is no ideal defense for burglary. Everybody’s defense needs are different and will depend on the details of their specific case. Generally, you need to prove a lack of intent to harm anyone and somehow establish that you had permission to enter the home or office you are accused of entering. A good Cadiz, KY Burglary Lawyer can determine the most effective defense strategy for your case.

Q: How Long Do You Go to Jail for Second-Degree Burglary in Kentucky?

A: In Kentucky, if you are convicted of second-degree burglary, you could be facing a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years and a minimum of five years. Additionally, you may have to pay a significant fine, and you could also face probation. If you had a deadly weapon at the time of the burglary, you could be facing a much more severe sentence.

Reach Out to a Cadiz, KY Burglary Lawyer Today

Being charged with burglary can be infuriating and a bit terrifying. You will want to do whatever you can to avoid going to prison, and that’s where an experienced burglary lawyer can prove crucial. They can establish a solid defense and take on the prosecution for you.

The legal team at Michael J. Thompson, Attorney at Law, understands how difficult it can be to endure burglary charges. We can build up a strong defense, gather evidence, and protect your interests throughout your case. Contact us to speak to someone on our team and set up a consultation.