Fort Lauderdale Burglary Defense Attorney

Fighting for Your Future After a Burglary Charge in Florida

Being charged with burglary can be life-altering. You may wonder what will happen during the investigation or how burglary crime penalties will affect your life. In Florida, burglary is a felony offense—meaning you face harsh penalties like years in prison, permanent criminal records, and even immigration consequences. A first-degree felony burglary can be especially harmful to your physical, financial, and social well-being.

If you’re facing any burglary charges in Florida, it’s essential to speak with an experienced Fort Lauderdale burglary attorney as soon as possible. A criminal defense attorney can explain your charges to you and help you know what to expect during the criminal investigation. A Fort Lauderdale criminal defense team can also guide you as you answer police questions to avoid accidental self-incrimination. Your legal team will be your staunch supporter and ally throughout the legal process.

At George Reres Law, P.A., we know what’s at stake. Whether this is your first offense or you’re facing enhanced penalties as a repeat offender, we are here to protect your rights and develop a defense tailored to your situation. You can trust our criminal defense attorneys to help you face the complex legal challenges associated with Florida burglary laws. Call 954-543-1186 to schedule a free consultation with our defense attorneys.

What Is Burglary Under Florida Law?

Florida law defines burglary as unlawfully entering a dwelling, structure, or conveyance with the intent to commit a crime inside. Unlike robbery—which involves force or threats against a person—burglary centers on unlawful entry plus criminal intent.

You can be charged with burglary even if:

You were invited into the space but stayed with the intent to commit a crime
You entered a place open to the public, but intended to commit a crime
You didn’t steal anything, but were planning to commit an offense once inside

Since burglary charges are typically felonies, it is crucial that you seek legal counsel for help defending yourself. Depending on the nature of the crime and the amount of goods stolen, you could face years in prison or thousands of dollars in fines.

Please don’t take your burglary charges lightly. Just because burglary is a property crime does not mean prosecutors won’t work diligently to seek maximum penalties against you. The good news is that you don’t have to go it alone. Call a defense attorney like those at George Reres Law, P.A. to learn more about how we can help.

What Are the Different Types of Burglary Charges in Florida?

Florida law distinguishes between different types of burglary charges based on the location, whether people were present, and whether violence or weapons were involved. All burglary offenses are felonies, but the severity of the charge determines the potential sentence. A first-degree felony is the most serious criminal charge you can face when it comes to burglary, with second-degree felony burglary and subsequent charges having less severity.

First-Degree Burglary (Burglary With Assault or Battery)

A first-degree felony burglary charge, which is one of the most serious types of burglary, may be filed when:

A person commits an assault or battery during the burglary
A dangerous weapon or explosive is involved
A vehicle was used to cause property damage
More than $1,000 in damage is caused during the offense

Penalties: Life in prison, $10,000 fine, and mandatory minimums for gun-related offenses (10-20-life rule).

Second-Degree Burglary

A second-degree felony burglary includes:

Entering a dwelling (regardless of occupancy)
Burglary of an occupied vehicle or structure
Burglary involving the intent to steal controlled substances or targeting emergency vehicles

Penalties: Up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Third-Degree Burglary

Third-degree felony burglary is the least severe burglary charge and may apply if you:

Entered an unoccupied structure or motor vehicle without permission and with the intent to commit a crime
Possessed burglary tools during the offense

Penalties: Up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

What Is the Difference Between Burglary vs. Criminal Trespassing?

While often charged together, criminal trespassing is different from burglary. Burglary requires intent to commit a crime after entry. Trespassing involves entering or remaining on property without permission, but without intent to commit another offense. It can still result in serious charges depending on the circumstances.

An experienced Fort Lauderdale burglary lawyer can identify the charges brought against you and explain how burglary or criminal trespassing charges impact your case. Your legal team can also seek evidence that introduces reasonable doubt about whether you committed a criminal act. If we can reduce or eliminate even some of the charges brought against you, you have much better chances of walking away without maximum penalties.

If you have been charged with burglary or criminal trespassing, you need help from a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney like those at our law firm. We’ll guide you through the legal system and do everything possible to get you a favorable outcome.

What Are Some Common Burglary Defenses?

Every criminal case is different. While we have vast experience handling many different crimes, including burglary, our legal team will take the time to understand the details of your case so we can provide adequate defense measures to protect you. Your defense will depend on the facts of your case, such as any mitigating factors. Your defense may also rest upon whether your rights were violated by law enforcement officers.

Some common legal strategies include:

No criminal intent: You entered the property, but had no intention to commit a crime
Consent or mistaken belief: You reasonably believed you had permission to enter or remain
Public access: You entered a space open to the public
Mistaken identity/alibi: You weren’t at the scene or were misidentified by witnesses
Insufficient evidence: The prosecution cannot prove unlawful entry or criminal intent

As an experienced Fort Lauderdale burglary lawyer, George Reres will analyze every angle to determine the strongest defense for your situation. We promise to aggressively defend your constitutional rights from the moment the investigation began. We’ll work tirelessly to build a successful defense that proves there are holes in the prosecution’s case. Our proven track record shows that we are the team you want on your side, so call today.

What Other Penalties May Be Associated with a Burglary Conviction?

While most people understand that it’s crucial to fight criminal charges to avoid going to jail or paying fines, it’s important to remember that the negative consequences of a criminal record last far beyond the initial legal penalties.

Some examples of additional penalties that impact a person after a burglary conviction include:

Difficulty obtaining employment
Difficulty finding housing
Social stigma
Family rifts and grievances
Difficulty gaining child custody if you divorce
Loss of gun ownership rights
Loss of voting rights
Loss of immigration status

With the many negative effects of a mark on your criminal record, it’s critical that you hire the right criminal defense attorney to protect your freedom and way of life. Let us help by calling now for a free consultation. We’ll fight aggressively to protect you in pre-trial negotiations and in the courtroom.

Do Repeat Burglary Offenders Face Enhanced Penalties?

In some cases, a person may face more severe penalties because of aggravating factors. One such factor is committing a repeat offense, whether that be a burglary or any other criminal charge. Florida imposes especially severe sentencing enhancements on individuals with prior felony convictions. If you have two or more prior felonies, you could face significantly longer sentences under Florida’s Habitual Felony Offender laws.

The team at George Reres Law, P.A., knows how stressful it can be to face a repeat criminal charge. Our criminal defense attorneys deeply understand Florida law and know how to handle such cases. We can help reduce the financial burden of a conviction and minimize the amount of time you’ll spend in prison. In some cases, we are able to get our clients’ charges dropped completely.

The best way to learn what to expect in your case is to call our law firm immediately. Our Fort Lauderdale burglary lawyers are ready to answer your questions and prepare a defense that meets your needs. We can help develop strong legal arguments, such as a lack of evidence of stolen property or that you acted in self-defense. We’ll go over possible defenses with you so we can create the best defense for your unique situation.

If you are facing burglary charges, you have legal options. However, you don’t have much time. Contact us today to learn how we can help.

Contact a Fort Lauderdale Burglary Attorney Today

Burglary charges are not minor theft offenses—especially if you’re accused of burglary with assault or battery. You need a legal team that will act fast and fight hard. At George Reres Law, we understand how to challenge burglary charges, reduce sentencing exposure, and protect your future.

If you’ve been arrested for burglary, we urge you to remain silent and exercise your right to talk to an attorney before answering any questions. We’ll provide you with legally sound advice that protects you and helps you get the positive outcome you’re looking for. You have a constitutional right to know why you’ve been arrested, to remain silent, and to a criminal defense attorney. If any of your rights were violated, this may be cause to reduce or dismiss your charges.

A burglary conviction can have a profound impact on your well-being, freedom, and overall happiness. If your family depends on you for income, being charged with burglary can also be detrimental to their finances. Don’t let a burglary charge threaten the life you’ve worked so hard to build. Call our law firm now.

Call 954-543-1186 or fill out our online form to schedule your confidential consultation today. Early legal representation is critical—don’t wait to take the first step toward your defense. We offer free consultations so you can get the advice you need without any financial obligation. Too much is at stake to wait a moment longer, so call George Reres Law, P.A. right now!