Criminal charges like burglary impact you in the immediate term and, if considered severe enough, into your life. It can affect your chance of employment and may result in jail time and massive fines.
Your job, if facing these charges, is to learn as much as you can about these charges, what they mean for your future and how you can best move forward. FindLaw’s overview of Colorado burglary gives us a good overview.
Third degree burglary
Burglary is technically a matter of property and premises crime. Though you might not think of a cash register as a place you enter, unlawfully accessing equipment like safes, registers, and even pay-phones merits this charge. This Class 5 felony could rack up to three years in prison and $100,000 worth of fines if convicted.
Second degree burglary
The big difference between third and second degree burglary is the intent to commit a crime against a person or property that involves unlawful trespassing on a premises. This charge is worse at a Class 4 felony that merits up to six years in prison and $500,000 in fines.
First degree burglary
These charges are more severe as a matter of scale. Similar to a second degree charge, these crimes involve assaulting or menacing a person. Even the threat of explosives may dial up charges to this Class 3 felony that comes with up to 12 years prison time and $750,000 in fines.
Defenses against burglary charges may involve necessity or duress. Every criminal defense case is unique and deserves the utmost care. Be informed and ensure that justice falls correctly in your case.
