Does a Burglary Charge Mean I Will Go to Prison?

Burglary is entering a private dwelling, structure or conveyance uninvited with the intent to commit an offense. The intent to commit a crime must be formed at the time of the entry, but the crime can be anything ― shoplifting, battery, rape, theft, kidnapping. Burglary in Florida is almost always charged as a felony, which carries a prison sentence.

Whether or not someone actually goes to prison on a burglary charge depends mostly on the particular facts of the case, and the criminal record of the alleged burglar. A simple burglary, one without use of a weapon or assaultive conduct, of an unoccupied structure or vehicle can be charged as a third-degree felony. Persons charged with third-degree felonies can apply for Florida’s Pretrial Intervention program (PTI) which allows some persons to be spared criminal prosecution and their criminal charges dismissed upon successful completion of that program. Reputable and skilled criminal law attorneys in Jacksonville can analyze the particular allegations in your case, determine what kind of burglary charge you face and help maximize your options for avoiding prison. Acceptance into PTI is contingent on “the approval of the administrator of the program and the consent of the victim, the state attorney, and the judge who presided at the initial appearance hearing of the offender.”

The persuasive advocacy of an experienced, reputable attorney from a leading criminal law firm in Jacksonville is crucial to securing the agreement of the state attorney and the judge, both of whom have the power to deny your participation in the PTI.  The trusted and reliable law firm of Fallgatter Catlin & Varon, P.A. in Jacksonville provides exceptional criminal defense advocacy. Our highly regarded criminal attorneys bring more than eight decades of collective criminal litigation experience to your case.  If you or someone you know is facing burglary charges, call us today for a free initial consultation.