Burglary is one of the most common offenses that occur in the state of Texas; however, it is not strictly limited to property. An individual can also be charged with a burglary offense if they enter a vehicle or coin-machine with the intention of committing theft.
If you have been charged with a burglary offense, it may feel as if the criminal system is working against you. Rest assured, your Texas burglary attorneys know the law and will use them to defend you. Property crime attorneys at The Gracia Law Firm, P.C. are committed to protecting the rights and liberties of our clients.
Burglary Lawyer in Brownsville, Texas
If you are currently being investigated for any crime related to burglary, contact an experienced Brownsville property crime attorney such as Jonathan Gracia at The Gracia Law Firm, P.C. . He carries almost two decades of experience in criminal defense and holds a credible reputation in the greater Brownsville community.
Jonathan Gracia is an experienced burglary attorney in Brownsville and represents clients in Hidalgo County, Cameron County, and Willacy County. Call 956-504-2211 now to have him review your case and answer any questions you may have.
Information Center
- What Constitutes Burglary? What Are the Penalties?
- Types of Burglary in Texas
- Types of Theft Crimes in Texas
- Additional Resources
What Constitutes Burglary? What Are the Penalties?
Burglary is considered a serious offense in state of Texas. If charged with burglary, it’s important that you retain legal representation as soon as possible. According to Texas Penal Code Sec. 30.02., in order to prove the crime of burglary, the prosecutor is required to prove the following beyond a reasonable doubt:
- The defendant entered a habitation or building that is not open to the public for the purpose of committing a felony, theft, or assault; or
- At the time of entering a building, the defendant remained concealed with the intent of committing a felony, theft, or an assault
- The defendant entered a building or habitation and committed, or attempted to commit a felony, theft, or assault
According to this same statute, “entering” means to intrude any part of the body, or any physical object connected with the body. The offense is considered a state jail felony if it is committed in a building other than a habitation. If the individual is charged with a state jail felony, they may face up to 2 years in jail and acquire fines up to $100,000.
If it is committed in a habitation, the crime is scaled up to a second-degree felony. If charged with a second-degree felony, they may face up to 20 years in prison.
Types of Burglary in Texas
Under Texas law, an individual can be charged with different types of burglary. The elements of each offense can also be found in Chapter 30 of the Texas Penal Code. The various types of burglary charges a person can face are listed below:
- Vehicle burglary: A person commits a burglary of vehicle if, without the owner’s permission, breaks into or enters their car with the intent to commit a felony or crime.
- Coin-operated machine burglary: Breaking into a coin-machine, also known as vending machine, to steal money or goods is considered a burglary.
- Burglary of a habitation: This is also known as home invasion. It occurs when a person enters someone else’s property with the intention to commit an assault or with the intention to steal.
- Burglary of non-habitation building: A person commits this type of burglary if they enter a non-residential property. In other words, people do not live or sleep there.
Types of Theft Crimes in Texas
Burglary is one of the most common theft crimes that occur in Texas. Under Texas Penal Code § 31.03(a), a person commits the criminal offense of theft if he or she unlawfully appropriates property with the intent to deprive the owner of that property. State law establishes that appropriation of property is unlawful if it is without the owner’s effective consent. Appropriation of property is also illegal if the person appropriates the property knowing it was previously stolen.
Aside from burglary, The Gracia Law Firm, P.C. represents individuals charged with theft offenses including:
- Shoplifting
- Robbery
- Theft by Check
- Theft of Services
- Embezzlement
- Grand Theft
Additional Resources
The Brownsville Police Department – Visit the official website for the Brownsville Police Department, which shares annual crime statistics, most wanted individuals, police records and more. Acess the sie to learn how Texas citizens can submit an online report and print a copy of the report for free.
Cameron County – Visit the Cameron County website to learn more about departments including elections department, human resources and department of transportation. The page also shares recent announcements and COVID-19 news.
Burglary Defense Lawyer in Cameron County, Texas
If you were arrested for any type of burglary crime in Brownsville, Texas, feel free to contact The Gracia Law Firm, P.C. . Senior attorney Jonathan Gracia carries over a decade of experience in criminal defense and property crimes. Examples of property crimes that The Gracia Law Firm, P.C. often handles include, but are not limited to, arson, burglary, criminal trespass and more.
It is in your best interest to reach out to one of our Brownsville burglary attorneys and discuss your case. We are ready to fight on your behalf. The Gracia Law Firm, P.C. represents clients in Brownsville, Texas and surrounding areas such as San Benito, Harlingen, Rio Bravo, Donna, and Mercedes, Texas. Call 956-504-2211 to set up a free consultation.