What is the difference between burglary and home invasion?
What is the difference between burglary and home invasion?
Burglary is entering a protected structure with the intent to commit a crime inside. In contrast, Home Invasion is forcibly entering an occupied residence. To be considered "occupied" someone must live in the residence, but that person does not have to be home at the time of the offense.
How serious is a burglary charge?
Burglary in the first degree includes breaking and entering the dwelling of another with the intent to commit a theft or crime therein. Penalties include up to 20 years in prison. Burglary is a felony punishable by up to ten years in prison. A home invasion burglary sometimes incurs more severe fines and prison terms.
Can a burglary charge be dropped?
A burglary charge could be dropped or dismissed if the police violated your constitutional rights during the investigation of the burglary or during a search, an interrogation, or during your arrest. If the charge cannot be dropped or dismissed, a burglary defendant may face a choice.
What happens if you break into someone’s house?
Penalties for burglary and trespass vary from state to state. Generally, home invasion burglary is a felony, punishable by a prison sentence and a fine. Often, residential burglary is punished quite severely, and some states impose terms of life in prison for armed home invasion burglaries.
