In Idaho, you are charged with burglary if you enter a building with the sole intent of committing a felony or theft. The crime, which is punishable by time in a state penitentiary, includes accessing a structure, such as a warehouse, store, motor vehicle, house, or room (such as hotel room).
Burglary is a Charge that May or May Not Include Theft
In cases of burglary and theft, a prosecutor must prove that the defendant entered a structure to burglarize it and that this was done beyond a reasonable doubt. Even if the defendant intended to commit a burglary but a theft did not occur, he is still considered guilty. For instance, if you broke into a store but ran away empty-handed, you still committed a burglary, including attempted theft. So, you would still need a theft attorney in Twin Falls, ID to represent you.
Possessing Burglary Tools is Also a Crime
It is also against the law in Idaho and elsewhere to manufacture or possess burglary-type tools. For instance, if you have a copy of someone’s key that was made without their knowledge or a lock pick in your possession, you are breaking the law. Therefore, you need to consult with a theft attorney if burglary tools are found in your possession or if you were charged with burglarizing a building, even if a theft did not occur.
Some of the Penalties
A theft attorney can assist you in your case by telling you how you may fare overall. People charged with burglary in Idaho may see from 10 to 25 years in prison. Possession of burglary-type tools or being convicted of trespassing are both misdemeanors and may be punishable by a fine of $1,000, six months in jail, or both.
Indeed, you need to speak to an attorney to ensure your rights are protected since receiving a criminal conviction can make it difficult to get employed in the future or pass an employment background check. So, get a free consultation and discuss your case with an attorney today. By retaining legal counsel, you can realize the best outcome for your case.