Burglary

A burglary (NRS 205.060) charge is very serious. Unfortunately, many people misunderstand exactly how burglary is defined under Nevada law, leading them to underestimate the chances that they will be convicted. Without the defense skills of a great criminal lawyer, you could find yourself behind bars even though you never laid hands on stolen property.

Burglary Defined

Nevada law defines burglary as entering a structure, vehicle, or other type of property with the intent of stealing something. If this vague definition worries you, it should! The state does not have to prove that you broke a lock, removed items from a house, or even that you snuck into someone’s car when they were not around. If a prosecutor thinks that he can prove that you intended to steal something, he will do so even if you simply walked into a store during open hours.

Evidence in Burglary Cases

Whenever a case depends on proving intent to commit a crime, the use of witness testimony and hard evidence becomes quite confusing. Tragically, prosecutors are often able to assemble a body of evidence in the courtroom that makes it appear that the defendant intended to commit larceny when he actually did not. The question of intent does, however, give a good defense attorney the opportunity to question whether that evidence proves the charges beyond any shadow of doubt.

Consequences of a Burglary Conviction

When faced with burglary charges, it can be tempting to try to bypass the trial process by simply pleading guilty, hoping for a lighter sentence. Think again! Even in the best case scenario, a monetary fine or community service is not the end of your legal troubles. Put yourself in the place of a potential employer, and you can imagine what a burglary conviction on your record will do to future job opportunities. Furthermore, any future interaction with law enforcement will be dramatically complicated if your record shows that you once confessed to burglary without fighting the charge.

Beating Burglary Charges

It’s not impossible to overcome unfair charges of burglary. A skilled lawyer can stand between you and a false conviction, talking with the prosecuting attorney and arguing to keep unlawful evidence out of the courtroom. At Weiner Law Group, our opposition is often so strong and well supported that the prosecutor decides to drop the charges, rather than spend time fighting to convict you.

Don’t play games with your future, call Weiner Law Group at 702-202-0500 or fill out our contact form to get help with fighting burglary charges.