Hopkinsville Burglary Lawyer

Hopkinsville Burglary Attorney

Being charged with a criminal offense like burglary can be enough to cause serious damage to your life as you know it. Sometimes, the accusation alone can be enough to cause irreparable harm to your reputation, social standing, and even personal relationships. Many people don’t want to be seen with someone who may be considered a thief or a burglar. It’s important that you fight the charges soon with the help of a Hopkinsville burglary lawyer.

The legal team behind Michael J. Thompson, Attorney at Law, can figure out the right course of action for you to take on your burglary charge. The last thing you want is to go up against a seasoned prosecutor without any legal defense or a lawyer who does not know how to help you. The prosecution has to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, which may not be easy. A defense lawyer can build your strategy and protect your interests throughout your case.

What Is Burglary in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, burglary is the unlawful entry into a private structure with the intent to commit a crime. Burglary is not just considered stealing. Burglary can mean any crime committed while inside a structure you entered illegally, including assault, vandalism, and more. For a crime to be considered burglary, it must have the element of breaking and entering, along with an intent to commit a crime. A Hopkinsville Burglary Lawyer can defend you by challenging either of these elements.

Burglary in Kentucky is classified into three distinct degrees. The seriousness of the crime and the type of building that was burgled will determine the degree you are charged. Here are the different levels of burglary that you could be charged with in Kentucky:

• Burglary in the first degree: Generally, this is the most serious form of burglary you can be charged with. In this degree, someone enters a building unlawfully while brandishing a deadly weapon or with an intent to harm. The penalties for this level of burglary can be significant.
• Burglary in the second degree: This degree of burglary involves the unlawful entry of a building with an intent to commit a crime but without a deadly weapon or an intent to cause harm. The penalties for second-degree burglary can be severe, but they are not as severe as first-degree burglary.
• Burglary in the third degree: This degree of burglary involves breaking into an uninhabited structure, such as a garage or a shed, with the intent of committing a crime. This degree of burglary is generally considered a lesser felony, but that still means fines and jail time.

According to a 2023 report by the Kentucky State Police, there were over 11,000 reported incidents of burglary throughout the entire state that year, a slight decrease from the number reported in 2022. The last thing you want is to end up as another statistic in the Hopkinsville arrest record. If your case ends up going to court, you will likely be tried at the Christian County Circuit Court.

Getting Arrested in Hopkinsville, KY

Getting arrested by the City of Hopkinsville Police Department on burglary charges can be humiliating, especially if it happens in front of your family or friends. You may feel defeated once the handcuffs are on your wrists, but it’s important that you don’t lose hope. You are afforded a number of constitutional rights, including your right to remain silent and your right to legal counsel.

Don’t forget that you are always innocent until proven guilty, regardless of the crime you are being charged with. A seasoned defense attorney in Hopkinsville, KY  can assert your rights and formulate a defense against your allegations.

FAQs About Hopkinsville, KY Burglary Laws

Q: What Is the Penalty for Burglary in Kentucky?

A: The penalty for burglary in Kentucky depends largely on the nature of your offense and whether there are aggravating factors present in your case. If you are charged with burglary and you also had a deadly weapon on you at the time, you are likely to face harsher penalties. First-degree burglary carries a significant prison sentence, while third-degree burglary may be considered a lower felony charge. It depends on your case.

Q: What Is the Minimum Sentence for Burglary in Hopkinsville, Kentucky?

A: The minimum sentence for burglary in Hopkinsville, Kentucky depends entirely on the details of your case and what degree of burglary you are charged. For burglary in the first degree, the minimum sentence is 10 years in prison. If you are convicted of second-degree burglary, the minimum sentence is five years in prison. For a third-degree burglary offense, the minimum sentence is one year in prison if the charge is felonious.

Q: Which Is the Most Serious Type of Burglary?

A: Generally, the most serious type of burglary is first-degree burglary. In this type of burglary, you are caught breaking into a location while also possessing a deadly weapon with the intent to harm somebody. If you are convicted of first-degree burglary in Kentucky, you could be facing up to 20 years in prison, as well as additional fines and/or probation. You should consult a criminal defense lawyer who can build a defense strategy.

Q: What Is Third-Degree Burglary in Kentucky?

A: In Kentucky, third-degree burglary is generally considered the least serious form of burglary you can be charged with, but that doesn’t mean the penalties may not be severe. Third-degree burglary involves breaking into a non-residential building with the intent to steal but not harm. The minimum sentence for a felony charge is one year in prison.

Reach Out to a Hopkinsville Burglary Lawyer Today

Facing burglary charges can be intimidating, and it’s important that you never lose hope as you navigate your case. As an experienced Hopkinsville burglary attorney can put together a strong defense for your case, you should consider hiring a legal professional for assistance.

The legal team at Michael J. Thompson, Attorney at Law, can build your case, gather evidence that supports you, and make sure you aren’t taken advantage of at any point in your case. Contact us to speak to a member of our team about a consultation.