Las Vegas Burglary Lawyer

Get Prosecutorial Insights for a Strong Burglary Defense in Nevada

A charge of burglary in Nevada is one of the most serious and damaging criminal accusations a person can face. These allegations carry with them a powerful social stigma that can devastate your reputation, destroy personal relationships, and ruin your career long before a verdict is ever reached. 

The legal system in Las Vegas, and throughout Clark County, takes these cases with the utmost seriousness. Prosecutors will use every resource at their disposal to secure a conviction, often relying on circumstantial evidence to prove the crucial element of intent. If you have been accused of burglary, you are facing a difficult and confusing legal battle. You need immediate and aggressive legal representation. 

My firm, the Law Office of Chip Siegel, Esq., is dedicated to providing a robust defense for those accused of these serious crimes. I understand the specific nuances of Nevada law and the local courts, and I am prepared to stand by your side. A skilled burglary lawyer in Las Vegas is not just an option; it is an absolute necessity to protect your future, your freedom, and your rights.

Facing a burglary charge? Contact a burglary lawyer in Las Vegas with prosecutorial experience to protect your rights. Call (702) 430-7531 or reach out online to schedule a free consultation.

What is Burglary?

Burglary is one type of theft crime that involves unlawfully entering a building with the intention of committing a felony or theft crime. This is different from a robbery offense because the victim of the crime does not need to be present. Burglary does not involve the element of violence or threat of violence that robbery contains.

The prosecutor in a burglary case will need to prove all of the following:

1. The suspect broke into and entered a building
2. The suspect did not have consent
3. The suspect had the intent to commit a felony or theft

With the first requirement, the need to have broken into the building is not necessary, this element of the offense just involves entering a building. While it is still often phrased 'breaking and entering,' the suspect did not have to force the entry, simply entering is sufficient. The difference between burglary and simply trespassing is the intent to commit a felony crime or theft (either misdemeanor or felony theft). Team up with a Las Vegas burglary lawyer for help defending against your charges and avoiding the potential penalties.

Understanding Burglary Charges in California

Contrary to many people's belief that burglary occurs only at night, instances of burglary can occur during the day or at night.

Individuals can be charged with this type of crime for unlawfully entering someone's:

• Home
• Trailer
• Vehicle
• Apartment
• Barn
• Boat
• Tent
• Building
• Any other type of property

Penalties for Burglary in Nevada

In Nevada, burglary is a felony offense, and the penalties increase significantly with the type of structure and the presence of aggravating factors.

• Burglary (Category B, C, D, or E Felony): The penalty for burglary depends on the type of property unlawfully entered:
  • Residential Burglary: This is a Category B Felony, punishable by imprisonment in the state prison for a minimum term of not less than 1 year and a maximum term of not more than 10 years, and a fine of up to $10,000.
  • Burglary of a Business: This is a Category C Felony.
  • Burglary of a Motor Vehicle: A first offense is a Category E Felony, but a second or subsequent offense is a Category D Felony.
  • Burglary with a Deadly Weapon: If a person has a deadly weapon in their possession during the commission of the crime, the penalties are enhanced. The punishment is imprisonment for a minimum term of not less than 2 years and a maximum term of not more than 15 years.

The direct legal penalties for a burglary conviction in Nevada are steep and often include:

• Incarceration: Prison time, ranging from a few years for a lesser offense to a maximum of 15 years for a burglary with a deadly weapon.
• Fines: Fines can be substantial, often reaching up to $10,000.
• Probation and Supervised Release: A conviction will likely be followed by a period of supervised probation, during which you must adhere to strict conditions. A violation of these terms can lead to re-incarceration.
• Mandatory Registration: In some cases, a conviction for a burglary may require you to register as a sex offender if the underlying intent was to commit a sex crime.

Collateral Consequences

A criminal record for a felony conviction can follow you for the rest of your life, making it incredibly difficult to find employment, obtain professional licenses, or secure housing. Many employers and professional licensing boards have zero-tolerance policies for these convictions, and landlords often deny rental applications to those with a criminal record.

Additionally, a felony conviction will result in a permanent ban on owning or possessing a firearm. For non-citizens, a conviction can have severe immigration consequences, including deportation. The social stigma attached to these crimes can also damage your reputation and personal relationships.

Building a Strategic Defense for Burglary Charges in Las Vegas

Every case is unique, and I develop a defense strategy tailored to your specific circumstances. As a seasoned burglary lawyer in Las Vegas, I will leverage every possible defense, including:

• Lack of Intent: This is the most crucial element to challenge. The prosecution must prove that you had the specific intent to commit a crime at the moment you entered the structure. I can argue that the incident was a misunderstanding, a simple mistake, or that you had no intention of committing a crime.
• Consent or Permission: I can argue that you had permission to enter the building or vehicle. If you had consent to enter, the charge of burglary is not applicable.
• Insufficient Evidence: The prosecution must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. I will argue that the evidence presented is not sufficient to meet this high standard, either because the witness testimony is inconsistent or the forensic evidence is flawed.
• Mistaken Identity: I can argue that you have been misidentified as the person who committed the crime. This defense is particularly strong when the identification is based on a flawed witness lineup or a single, fleeting observation.
• Constitutional Violations: I will challenge any violation of your rights, such as an unlawful search and seizure or a coerced confession.

Why Choose The Law Office of Chip Siegel, Esq. for Your Burglary Defense

When facing a burglary charge, the pressure can feel overwhelming. I believe you shouldn't have to carry that burden alone. I, Chip Siegel, am here to put that pressure on my shoulders, and you can trust me to defend and protect you in court. My commitment to every client is to provide attentive and responsive legal services for those concerned about their charges, their freedom, and their future.

With over 25 years of dedicated experience as a criminal defense attorney in Las Vegas, I've developed the skills and insights necessary to navigate complex legal challenges. My career, beginning in 1991, has been defined by effective representation and real results, using aggressive tactics that have proven successful time and again. As a highly respected professional, elected as President of the Nevada Attorneys for Criminal Justice, I have extensive experience in the field and the systems connected to it.

My Promises to You:

• I will listen intently to you.
• I practice a holistic approach to my clients’ well-being.
• My team practices professionalism and respect.
• I will proactively involve you in your case.

To ensure every client receives the personal care they need, I handle fewer cases than other attorneys. This allows me to give you my all and personally handle every case, whether it's a minor misdemeanor or a serious felony. Client satisfaction is always my #1 priority.

Contact Our Las Vegas Burglary Defense Attorney

Instead of facing the maximum fines and prison time involved with your burglary charges, it is important to discuss your legal matters with a burglary attorney as soon as possible. When taking on an individual case, I work tirelessly and aggressively to defend the rights of my client. I am able to analyze their situation and make sure that they get the representation they deserve. Whether or not you are guilty of committing burglary now is the time to discover what your options may be.

To avoid the serious penalties on the line in burglary cases, contact the Law Office of Chip Siegel, Esq. by calling (702) 430-7531. I am a Las Vegas criminal lawyer who is familiar with the burglary court proceedings in Nevada.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between burglary and trespassing in Nevada?

Burglary involves entering a building with the intent to commit a crime inside, while trespassing is simply entering property without permission and without criminal intent. Trespassing is usually a misdemeanor, whereas burglary is a felony with much harsher penalties. Proving a lack of criminal intent can sometimes reduce a burglary charge to trespassing.

How are burglary cases handled in Las Vegas courts?

Burglary cases go through municipal or district court depending on the severity. The process typically begins with an arraignment, followed by pre-trial hearings to address evidence and motions. Each stage can significantly affect the outcome, so strategic legal action early on is critical.

Can burglary charges be reduced in Nevada?

Yes. With strong defense arguments or favorable plea negotiations, charges may be reduced to a lesser offense such as trespassing. Factors like your criminal history, evidence strength, and case circumstances all play a role.

Is intent hard to prove in burglary cases?

Intent is often a key point of contention. The prosecution must show you entered with the purpose of committing a crime. A strong defense may focus on challenging the evidence of intent.

What should I do if I’m accused of burglary in Nevada?

Avoid discussing your case with anyone except your attorney. Contact a skilled criminal defense lawyer immediately to begin building your defense and protect your rights from the start.

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