Costa Mesa Burglary Lawyers

Costa Mesa Burglary or California Penal Code 459 is described as entering someone else's residence, and doing so with one of two intents:

1. To rob or steal
2. To commit a felony, such as embezzlement, murder or another crime

These intentions however are not the main distinctions between first and second degree burglary. Instead, the location in which the burglary takes place will affect how the burglary case is prosecuted.

Costa Mesa First Degree Burglary vs. Second Degree Burglary

When a burglar commits this crime where someone resides, it's prosecuted as first-degree burglary. The consequences for doing so will be up to six years in prison, in addition to up to a ten thousand dollar fine.

Second-Degree Burglary is handled differently, and may be classified as a misdemeanor or felony. This crime occurs anywhere outside a residential property. Misdemeanor charges for second-degree burglary in Costa Mesa are up to one year in jail and up to six thousand in fines.

Felony charges for second-degree burglary in Costa Mesa on the other hand are up to three years in prison and up to ten thousand in fines.

How is sentencing arranged, and what factors influence how much time a burglar serves in jail or prison?

The court will refer to California Penal Code 459 for guidelines on minimum and maximum sentencing. To determine how much time a guilty offender serves, the court will weigh his or her criminal history, if a firearm or deadly weapon were used during the course of the burglary; if anyone was injured; and if so - the severity of these physical injuries.

If you're facing Burglary in Costa Mesa, the criminal defense attorneys at MacGregor & Collins can help you. We will bring superior legal experience to aid you in this challenging time. Call us today at (949) 250-6097.