Burglary in Bellevue

Burglary is when you enter a building or structure to commit a crime. Even if you don't actually steal anything, just breaking in can lead to burglary charges. Burglary is a serious offense in Washington state that results in harsh penalties because the criminal act puts people's safety at risk. If you're facing burglary charges, you need an experienced Bellevue criminal defense attorney. Our legal team, well-versed in burglary defense in King County, will put together a strong defense and fight for reduced charges and penalties.

What Do Our Criminal Defense Attorneys Do?

With our knowledgeable burglary defense attorneys by your side, you will have the great legal representation in Bellevue. You can count on them to:

• Investigate Your Case: Review the evidence, interview any witnesses, and gather information to build a strong defense.
• Assess Prosecution's Evidence: Identify errors in the evidence the prosecution presents.
• Challenge Illegal Evidence: Fight against improperly obtained evidence or evidence that violates your rights.
• Negotiate Plea Deals: If applicable, our attorneys will negotiate for reduced charges or alternative sentencing to minimize penalties.
• Represent You In King County Courts: Defend you during trial, cross-examine witnesses, and argue on your behalf.
• Advocate For Fair Treatment: Ensure you receive a fair trial and defend your constitutional rights throughout the legal process.
• Work For The Best Outcome: Whether through a plea deal or trial, we work to achieve a possibly positive result for your case.

We'll protect your rights throughout the entire process, from the moment of arrest to the final verdict. Get the legal representation you need by calling our Bellevue law offices to schedule a free case review.

What Is Burglary In Washington State?

Washington state defines burglary as someone unlawfully entering and/or staying in a building to commit a crime inside. There are different degrees of burglary in the state, including:

• First-Degree Burglary: Breaking into a dwelling while people are present is considered a Class A felony with severe penalties, including life imprisonment.
• Second-Degree Burglary: Breaking into non-residential buildings, like businesses or storage units, is considered a Class B felony, which can result in up to 10 years in prison and substantial fines.
• Residential Burglary: A specific charge related to breaking into a residential dwelling with the intent to commit a crime, usually theft or assault, is treated as a more serious charge due to the potential danger to occupants.

Each degree of burglary carries different legal consequences, but all are treated seriously in Washington state.

Penalties For Burglary in Bellevue, Washington

In Bellevue, burglary is a serious felony offense, and the penalties vary under Washington state law based on the degree of the charge. Here are the penalties for burglary in King County:

First-Degree Burglary: Class A Felony

• Prison Time: Up to life in prison
• Fines: Up to $50,000 or more
• Restitution: You may be required to pay restitution to victims for their financial losses
• Permanent Felony Record

Second-Degree Burglary: Class B Felony

• Prison Time: Up to 10 years in prison
• Fines: Up to $20,000
• Restitution: You may be required to pay restitution to victims for their financial losses
• Permanent Felony Record

Residential Burglary:

• Increased Penalties: If someone is in the dwelling, the penalties will be more severe, including longer prison sentences and higher fines.

With penalties so steep, you need a skilled attorney by your side if you are facing burglary charges. Our Bellevue burglary defense team will challenge the charges and fight for reduced sentencing.

Can I Defend Against Burglary Charges?

Our experienced criminal law attorneys specializing in burglary will build a strong defense and potentially reduce or dismiss the charges against you. Here are some of the defenses we will explore together:

• Lack Of Intent: The King County prosecutors must prove without a doubt that you tried to commit a crime when entering the building. If there was no criminal intent, the charges may not hold up.
• Consent To Enter: If the property owner or tenant permits you to enter the premises, it can serve as a strong defense against burglary charges.
• False Identification: If you were mistakenly identified or misidentified as the person who committed the burglary, we can challenge the charges against you.
• Alibi: If you can prove that you were elsewhere at the time the burglary occurred, an alibi can effectively refute the charges.
• Unlawful Search And Seizure: If evidence was obtained through illegal means like without a valid search warrant or probable cause, that evidence may be inadmissible in court.
• Lack Of Evidence: If there is insufficient evidence to prove you committed the burglary, the charges may be reduced or dismissed.
• Coercion Or Duress: If someone forced or threatened you into committing the burglary, this could be a valid defense to demonstrate that you did not act of your own free will.
• Mistaken Location: If you entered the building by mistake, believing it to be somewhere else, this could serve as a defense, especially if there was no criminal intent.

When it comes to crafting a defense, local legal expertise matters. Our attorneys have established relationships with prosecutors, judges, and court staff, which gives us unique insight into what defense strategies work best in local courts.

Bellevue Burglary Attorneys With A Track Record Of Success

As local attorneys based in Bellevue, we know the ins and outs of our city, from the shops at Bellevue Square to the peaceful walking trails at Bellevue Botanical Garden. We know the area’s landmarks, like the iconic Bellevue Arts Museum, the busy streets around Crossroads Shopping Center, the recreational spots around Mercer Slough Nature Park, and the serene shores of Meydenbauer Bay.

We also understand what defenses work against burglary charges in King County Courts. Our law office firmly believes every burglary charge can be successfully challenged, with a legal team that has been doing it for over 20 years.

If you or a loved one is facing burglary charges, call now to speak with our experienced Bellevue criminal defense attorneys.

Our Bellevue Burglary Attorneys Are Ready To Defend Your Rights

Burglary is broken down into three "degrees," depending upon the severity of the crime. What is burglary, according to Washington law? It is defined as entering into a home or business with the intent to commit a crime, and it doesn't matter whether that crime is carried out or not.

If someone enters a building or stays longer than invited, intent on committing a criminal act, they can be charged with criminal burglary. Understanding complex burglary laws is often challenging, but our Bellevue burglary lawyers are ready to offer you reliable legal information about the nature of your particular crime.

Please review the following Bellevue burglary charges to get a better idea of how the law views these cases:

• First Degree Burglary is the most serious burglary charge. If person commits a burglary with a deadly weapon or assaults another person, it is considered a Class A felony, which is a serious crime with devastating consequences.
• Second Degree Burglary is defined as entering a building other than a residence to commit a crime. It is a Class B felony that should be taken just as seriously as any other criminal charge.
• Residential Burglary is also a Class B felony, and charged to persons that commit a burglary on a private residence.

No matter which variety of Bellevue burglary offense you're charged with, a conviction could have a detrimental impact on your entire life, with penalties that are swift and severe. If you've been arrested for burglary in Washington State, speak with one of the Bellevue burglary attorneys at the Law Office of Jason S. Newcombe and find out more about how we can help.

Our professional Bellevue attorneys will aggressively pursue dismissal of your charges while acting as your personal advocate. If there is no way to have your charges dismissed, we will then seek a reduction of the penalties associated with your crime.

Our Bellevue Burglary Lawyers Offer A Private Consultation

The prosecutor in a Bellevue burglary case must prove that the defendant entered the building or property in question with the intent to commit a crime. This isn't easy to do, so our Bellevue burglary attorneys will carefully examine the pertinent evidence in your case to locate any inaccuracies or overlooked details.

Our Bellevue burglary lawyers will also determine whether the evidence was obtained lawfully, which is yet another way we take steps to defend your legal rights. Our job is not to judge your actions, but rather do our best to defend your legal interests and offer you reliable counsel based on Washington law.

Our Bellevue lawyers offer convenient payment plans, so you can benefit from the experienced of a professional attorney as you negotiate this difficult process. Schedule your free case evaluation today and take steps to protect your future.