Columbia Burglary Lawyer

Columbia Burglary Attorney

The courts in South Carolina take burglary charges extremely seriously, and you need a Columbia burglary lawyer who takes your defense with just as much gravitas. Even if nothing was stolen, you may face burglary charges for simply entering a property. A small mistake can quickly alter your future and have a negative impact on your rights and freedoms. Now is the time to entrust your defense to the team at the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III.

Since 1996, the attorneys at the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III have been fighting for individuals who face a wide range of criminal charges. Facing a charge of burglary in the state can involve the potential for lengthy prison time, large fines, and a permanent criminal record if you are successfully convicted.

Don’t leave your defense up to chance. Instead, allow our lawyers to craft you a tailored defense strategy and work to protect your personal rights and freedoms.

Defining Burglary Charges in Columbia

In South Carolina, burglary is considered a crime against property and accounts for 7.7% of all crimes of this nature committed in the state. According to state law, burglary is legally defined as an individual entering a dwelling or property not belonging to them and without the consent of the owner with the intent to commit a crime or violate the law in some way.

There are three degrees, or classifications, of burglary in Columbia. These degrees vary based on the nature of the crime, the context in which the crime allegedly occurred, and whether or not a deadly weapon was involved in the burglary. The punishments for each of these degrees also vary. These degrees of burglary crimes include:

• First-degree burglary. Burglary crimes classified under this degree are typically the most severe. These charges can be handed down when you have allegedly entered a building or property without the consent of the owner and with the intent to commit a crime. However, in these cases, you must have entered the property with the intent to commit a violent crime against an individual inside and have a deadly weapon with you.
  This charge can also be handed down if an individual is severely injured or killed during entry into the property. If you are convicted of this degree of burglary, you can face life in prison and a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years imprisonment.
• Second-degree burglary. This degree of burglary is similar to the first but is often lower in its overall severity. An individual charged has allegedly entered the building or property of another without their consent with the intent to commit a crime. The charged individual may also threaten those inside the property with a deadly weapon or a dangerous instrument and can cause injury to people not involved in the crime.
  The penalties often involved for second-degree burglary charges include imprisonment for no more than 15 years.
• Third-degree burglary. This crime occurs when you enter the property of another without their consent and with the intent to commit a crime while inside. However, the main difference between third-degree burglary and crimes of the first or second degree is that third-degree burglary does not typically involve the use of a deadly weapon.

The penalties for these crimes include imprisonment for no more than five years if this is your first offense and no more than 10 years if this is your second offense.

How the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III Can Help

For almost three decades, the team at the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III has been aggressively advocating for our clients who are faced with a wide range of criminal charges, including those for burglary. We are familiar with the judges and prosecuting attorneys who operate in the Richland County Court of General Sessions in Columbia, where most burglary charge cases are heard. You can expect us to take the following actions in your case:

• We can investigate every aspect of your case, collect and review evidence to support your defense, analyze the prosecution’s case against you, interview witnesses, and strengthen your case overall.
• We can educate you on all your legal options and the implications any convictions might have on your future.
• We can build you a strong defense strategy that is personalized to the nuances of your case.
• We can negotiate with the prosecution assigned to your case and seek that the charges against you be dropped or reduced.
• We can defend you in court before a judge and jury if necessary.

FAQs About Columbia, SC Burglary Laws

What Are the Costs and Fees of a Criminal Defense Attorney in SC?

It can be difficult to offer an exact number as to the costs and fees associated with a criminal defense attorney in South Carolina. There are several variables involved in these cases that can impact the final costs. These variables can include the complexity and duration of your case and the skill level of your attorney.

What Are the Defenses for Burglary in South Carolina?

Compared to 2022, South Carolina saw a 6.1% decrease in property crimes, including burglary, in 2023. However, it is still important that you understand the defenses that may be used in your case if you are charged with these crimes. Common defenses can include entrapment by law enforcement, your own innocence through an alibi, or lack of evidence.

What Are the Main Elements of a Burglary Charge?

There are two main elements of a burglary charge that the prosecution must prove to secure a successful conviction. These include trespassing without consent (or entering the property without having permission from the property owner to do so) and entering the property with an intent to commit a crime, such as theft, murder, or rape.

What Charges Are Related to Burglary?

There are two main criminal charges that you can face in Columbia, South Carolina, that are related to burglary. These charges include the possession of burglary tools, which can increase your prison time and any fines you are ordered to pay. It can also include trespassing, as it involves entering a property without the consent of the owner.

Don’t Let a Burglary Charge Steal Your Future: Contact Our Offices Today

If you have been charged with a burglary crime in Columbia, South Carolina, it is vital that you retain an attorney as soon as possible. At the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III, we are here to protect your rights and uphold your defense in and outside of the courtroom. Contact us today for more information and to schedule your initial consultation.