Massachusetts Burglary Defense Law Firm
The crime of burglary in Massachusetts is defined as the unlawful breaking and entering of a building with intent to commit a felony or to steal valuable property. It is found in Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 266 (Crimes Against Property) - § 14 (armed burglary) and § 15 (unarmed burglary).
Traditionally, law students and lawyers themselves were held to the standard that burglary could only occur at night, and must have been an unlawful entering of a dwelling. In recent years, however, Massachusetts considers burglary the breaking and entering of any building at any time.
A burglary charge can quickly escalate from a misdemeanor to a felony the later in the day that the alleged offense occurs. The degree of punishment is dependent on whether the facts warrant a misdemeanor charge or a felony charge. Either way the penalty is severe. Even for unarmed burglary, one may be sentenced to 20 years imprisonment.
There are collateral consequences to these charges as well, including loss of employment, difficulty finding future employment, the loss of certain privileges including the right to possess a firearm and the right to vote. Because of this, you need to contact an experienced and aggressive criminal defense attorney who can help get your charges dismissed, or who can negotiate with the local prosecutor to reduce the charges to a lesser offense such as larceny, shoplifting, or even trespassing.
Our Attorneys Defend Burglary Charges
With a 2-Pronged Approach
As Massachusetts Criminal Defense Attorneys, our team regularly attacks each element of the burglary charge, individually, in order to challenge the Commonwealth's evidence. Can they prove that you entered the building as they claimed? What is the evidence? Are there witnesses to establish these allegations beyond a reasonable doubt?
Our defense strategy includes a thorough independent investigation where we send the prosecutor extensive requests to produce documents, and where we interview witnesses, obtain statements, or gather other evidence. When needed, we'll even consider employing private investigators to help put together the strongest defense.
If there is physical evidence against our client, such as the existence of stolen items in his or her home, office, or car, we're known as watchdogs in making sure that the evidence was properly acquired, that search warrants were correctly executed and that law enforcement officials obtained the warrant in compliance with the law.
If You're Being Charged or Investigated For Burglary,
Our Attorneys Will Defend You Every Step of the Way
From arraignment until verdict, our attorneys will appear on your behalf in all court proceedings. Misdemeanor cases begin at the arraignment where a guilty or not guilty plea is entered. Upon entering a not guilty plea, the matter will be scheduled for a pretrial hearing to discuss case settlement or if not, to set motion hearing and trial dates.
Felony cases begin at arraignment where a guilty or not guilty plea is entered. Upon entering a not guilty plea, the court will set a preliminary hearing or probable cause hearing. At that point the District Attorney will decide whether the case will be indicted and handled in Superior Court or remain in District Court. Thereafter, motions and the discovery process take place - all with the hopes of resolving your case with a favorable end-result.
Throughout the criminal process, we pay attention to every detail of your case. We research the latest case law, and focus on giving you the brass knuckles defense strategy that may have brought you to our firm in the first place. We are committed to examining and questioning every fact in your case with our expert investigators.
The investigators we use will conduct witness interviews, do stakeouts, take photographs of crime scenes, gather evidence, serve subpoenas and conduct all other related techniques appropriate to fully investigate the charges filed against you.
Our top-priority is to negotiate for dismissals or reduced charges, but certainly a obtain a sentence without jail. Massachusetts laws for crimes and sentencing are complex, but with former prosecutors on our side, we have experienced and aggressive advocates who have the ability to help you get the job done.
Free, No-Obligation Consultation
24 Hours a Day, Every Day
We know how difficult it is to make this phone call. A burglary charge has harsh, long-lasting effects on your future. At your case evaluation, we will go over your case and give you our initial impression of what you're facing and how we would handle the case. If you or a loved one is being held in a Massachusetts House of Corrections facility or state prison, we will personally visit within a day of being retained and work towards getting our client released from custody.
Call us at (800) 461-6900 or contact any of our local law offices. We will work tirelessly to ensure the best possible outcome for your case.