Fort Lauderdale Burglary Lawyer
Burglaries in South Florida are on the rise — and so is prosecution of alleged offenders
According to a summary by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, reported burglaries have increased steadily since 2003. If you have been charged with burglary, lawyer Kevin Kulik can provide the vigorous representation you need. At the Fort Lauderdale firm of Kevin Kulik, P.A., we practice criminal defense exclusively. We have a strong record of delivering effective legal strategies and have handled some 500 trials since the mid 1980s. Moreover, we firmly believe that the power of hard work and preparation is the way to the best possible outcome for our clients. Contact our Fort Lauderdale burglary lawyers today.
What exactly is burglary?
Burglary is a type of property crime defined by the state of Florida as “unlawfully entering a dwelling, structure or conveyance (a car, truck, boat or other vehicle) with the intent to commit a crime inside.” Breaking and entering is a form of burglary. Another form of burglary, as described by the state, includes “lawfully entering a dwelling, structure or conveyance but remaining inside either surreptitiously (hidden) with the intent to commit a crime, remaining after permission has been withdrawn (in other words, you have been asked to leave) with the intent to commit a crime inside, or with the intent to commit a forcible felony.”
Do burglary, theft and robbery differ? Yes. Each has its own legal definition and its own set of statutes, and each is treated as a different crime by the courts.
What are the penalties for burglary?
Like most felonies — and in Florida, all burglaries are considered felony crimes — there are different levels of penalties depending on how the crime was committed, what the damage was and whether anybody was harmed:
As an experienced criminal defense lawyer, Kevin Kulik fights for you against charges of:
- Burglary in the third degree — Leveled against those who commit the crime on a structure that is not a dwelling (such as a house, apartment or condominium) and that is unoccupied during the time of the offense. A conviction can carry a prison term of up to five years.
- Burglary in the second degree — Charged when, during the commission of the burglary, “the offender does not make an assault or battery” and weapons or explosives are not involved. Examples of a second-degree offense include a burglary on a dwelling (home), a building or vehicle that is occupied, an emergency vehicle or on a building where the intention is to steal controlled substances. If convicted, you could face up to 15 years in prison and substantial fines.
- Burglary in the first degree — The most serious charge carrying the greatest penalties, including up to 30 years in prison. This charge is leveled against those who are armed or become armed during the burglary, who harm another person during the commission of the crime, or who use a motor vehicle in entering the building and cause damage to the building in excess of $1,000.
Don’t let a burglary charge rob you of your freedom — contact us to schedule a free and confidential consultation
If you are facing a burglary rap, chances are you have more legal options than you may imagine. Reach out to Fort Lauderdale burglary lawyer, Kevin J. Kulik, P.A. for help. Contact us online or call us at 954-761-9411 to schedule a time to tell us about your situation. There is no charge for the consultation. We are located near the state and federal courthouses in the River Walk zone. If you cannot come to us, we can come to you at your home, the jail or prison.
