At Houlon Berman, we have over 50 years of experience representing clients in criminal matters all over the State of Maryland (Upper Marlboro, Rockville) and in D.C. We take pride in the results we fight for on behalf of our clients and can assist you in any criminal case, regardless of the charges, due to our experienced and dedicated attorneys. Our approach starts with full investigation of the facts of your case in full consideration of the elements of the offense and an eye toward obtaining the best possible results for you.
In every burglary case, the prosecution bears the burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt. The burden of proof is always on the prosecution and never the client, plus the jury’s verdict must be unanimous.
In order to prove the offense of First-Degree Burglary, the State must prove the following elements of the offense:
(1) that there was a breaking;
(2) that there was an entry;
(3) that the breaking and entry was into someone else’s dwelling;
(4) that the breaking and entry was done with the intent to commit theft inside the dwelling; and
(5) that the defendant was the person who broke and entered.
In order to prove the offense of Second-Degree Burglary, the State must prove the following elements of the offense:
(1) that there was a breaking;
(2) that there was an entry;
(3) that the breaking and entry was into someone else’s building or structure;
(4) that the breaking and entry was done with the intent to commit a crime inside the building or structure; and
(5) that the defendant was the person who broke and entered.
In order to prove the offense of Third-Degree Burglary, the State must prove the following elements of the offense:
(1) that there was a breaking;
(2) that there was an entry;
(3) that the breaking and entry was into someone else’s dwelling;
(4) that the breaking and entry was done with the intent to commit a crime inside; and
(5) that the defendant was the person who broke and entered.
In order to prove the offense of Fourth-Degree Burglary, the State must prove the following elements of the offense:
(1) that there was a breaking;
(2) that there was an entry;
(3) that the breaking and entry was into someone else’s dwelling; and
(4) that the defendant was the person who broke and entered; and
(5) that the defendant did not honestly and reasonably believe that he or she had the right or invitation to enter the premises.
In Maryland, many burglary cases go to trial, while others reach a resolution in lieu of trial. At Houlon Berman, we take each and every burglary case one by one with an eye toward achieving the best possible result for our clients. Our criminal defense attorneys at Houlon Berman have broad experience representing clients successfully in burglary cases all over Maryland (including Upper Marlboro and Rockville) and D.C. Our success derives from our years of experience, uncompromising commitment to our clients and hard work. Our clients receive an aggressive and robust defense in each and every case.
If you have a burglary case in Upper Marlboro, Hyattsville, Bowie, Greenbelt, College Park, Laurel, Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, or anywhere else in the State of Maryland, please contact us.