Criminal Defense Attorney in Savannah Dennis O’Brien – Answering Questions About Burglary
Burglary is defined as illegally entering a building for the purpose of committing a crime. It is often referred to as housebreaking or breaking and entering. Keep in mind that a person can be charged with burglary even if he or she does not steal anything from the home. The vast majority of burglaries are committed in houses, but they can be committed in just about any building.
There are a number of questions that people frequently ask criminal defense lawyers in Savannah about burglary. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about this crime:
What Happens If I Break Into Someone’s House Without Stealing Anything?
Again, burglary may not involve stealing. If you break into a building, then you could be charged with burglary even if you do not steal anything. Burglary is a felony in the state of Georgia.
In some cases, simply going inside a person’s house can be grounds for a burglary charge. Here is an example of such a scenario:
A woman gets a restraining order against her ex-husband. The ex-husband shows up to her home and goes inside. This man could be charged with burglary. He could also be charged with aggravating stalking. Aggravated stalking is a felony in the state of Georgia.
What Exactly Constitutes Burglary?
In order for the crime to be considered burglary, a person must have an intention to steal or commit a felony. Without the intention to steal or commit a felony, one will be charged with criminal trespassing. Criminal trespassing is a misdemeanor in Georgia.
What Is The Penalty For Burglary?
Burglary is a crime that can have serious consequences. If it is your first offense, you could spend anywhere from one to 20 years in prison. Upon a second offense, you could spend two to 20 years in prison. If it is your third offense, then you could spend a minimum of five years in prison and a maximum of 20 years. With the help of a Savannah GA criminal defense attorney, your chances of getting off with a lighter punishment will be greater.
If you or somebody that you know has been accused or charged of burglary, your first step should be contacting a seasoned attorney that can help guide you through your or your loved one’s case. Dennis O’Brien will work aggressively to protect your rights as a citizen, day and night.
Home for the Holidays
Most of us like to get together with friends and families during the holidays, and enjoy each other’s company with great food and great drink. It’s very common for men and women in Georgia to celebrate the season with a few cocktails at a party or a few beers at a bar. Police officers across the state know this, and are beefing up their numbers and cracking down on folks who may be driving under the influence.
According to statistics, holidays (and the days leading up to and following them) have alarming rates of accidents that are alcohol-related, sometimes resulting in injuries or even deaths. The GOHA or Governor’s Office of Highway Safety tells us that in 2012 between the 20th of November and the 31st of December there were:
- 679 Injuries
- 1,119 traffic incidents that involved alcohol
- 20 fatalities
Incidents that were DUI related in 2012 were up 11 percent from the year before. Because of this fact, local law enforcement agencies have been teaming up with nonprofit organizations to produce a media campaign that focuses on preventing DUIs during the holidays. This collaboration is called TEAM Georgia and includes officials specializing in public safety, local businesses and local business owners, police officers, and famous athletes from various sports teams in Atlanta.
The result of this is a greatly increased presence of law enforcement on all roads and highways.
Drive Safe this Holiday Season
It’s never a good idea to get behind the wheel of an automobile if you have had a few drinks, even if you feel like you can drive. If you make the decision to do so and you get pulled over, it is important that you contact an experienced Savannah criminal defense attorney such as Dennis O’Brien. The last thing that you want to have to explain to your friends or loved ones is why you can’t see them this holiday season because you are incarcerated for driving under the influence.
The O’Brien Law Firm PC’s team of professionals is here for all Georgia residents this holiday, so if you have been accused of a DUI or another crime, call our office for a free consultation to see how we can help you avoid hefty fines and long jail times.