Burglary is considered a serious crime in Alabama. All of the charges related to this offense are classified as felonies, which means a conviction can have severe consequences. Punishments depend on the nature of the alleged circumstances, such as if people were inside the building at the time of the unlawful entry or whether any violence occurred. Fortunately, if you’ve been arrested for burglary, you have the right to seek counsel and prepare a strong case in your defense. Here’s an overview of each type of burglary charge and the potential penalties. 

What to Know About Burglary Charges in Alabama

Second & Third Degree Burglary 

Burglary in the third degree is a Class C felony and occurs when a person knowingly and unlawfully enters or remains in an unoccupied dwelling with the intent to commit a crime. If the offense takes place in a commercial building, it’s third-degree burglary as long as the defendant was unarmed. This can result in a fine up to $15,000 and up to 10 years in prison.

Burglary in the second degree is a Class B felony defined by the intent to commit a crime inside an occupied dwelling. For a commercial building, it’s second-degree burglary if the defendant has a weapon or someone gets injured. This can carry a fine up to $30,000 and up to 20 years of incarceration.

First Degree Burglary 

The most serious charge is burglary in the first degree, which is a Class A felony. This is committed when a person knowingly and illegally enters a dwelling or remains in a dwelling without permission and has intent to commit a crime. They must also be armed with explosives or a deadly weapon and use—or threaten—violence to injure another party who is not a defendant. First-degree burglaries are punishable by a fine of up to $60,000 and up to 99 years or life in prison.

Possession of Burglar’s Tools 

In Alabama, possession of burglar’s tools is another charge that can be brought in a burglary case. This is a Class C felony that means a defendant was allegedly caught with any tools, instruments, or objects that are often used to gain unlawful entry to a building or commit theft. These can include lock picks, master keys, crowbars, screwdrivers, and hammers. This charge alone may carry the same penalty as third-degree burglary.

The stakes are high when facing the possibility of a felony conviction, so it’s important to work with a proven criminal defense attorney like Angela L Walker PC Law Office. She will carefully assess the charges against you and explore different defense strategies to determine which has the best chance of providing you with a favorable outcome. With more than two decades of legal experience, she can offer the knowledge and skill your case needs and deserves. Call her Foley, AL, practice at (251) 970-2575 to schedule a consultation. Visit the website to learn more about the quality representation you’ll receive.