Possession of Burglary
Tools - Utah Criminal Lawyer
A Utah criminal charge for possession of burglary tools is often
accompanied by charges of theft, theft by receiving, or burglary. This
combination of charges can potentially result in a felony conviction,
jail or prison time, and thousands of dollars in fines. If you are
facing criminal charges in Utah, it is critical to have an experienced
criminal defense lawyer on
your side. Based in Salt Lake City,
criminal
defense attorney Stephen Howard has extensive
experience defending
clients facing criminal charges throughout Utah. He has a
track record of achieving
real results for his clients.
Contact us today for an
initial consultation.
Definition of "Burglary Tools" in Utah
"Burglary tools" are broadly defined under Utah's criminal code to
include "any instrument, tool, device,
article, or other thing adapted, designed, or commonly used in
advancing or facilitating the commission of any offense under
circumstances manifesting an intent to use or knowledge that some
person intends to use the same in the commission of a burglary or
theft."
Putting this definition into plain English, a burglary tool can
anything that is
used or intended to be used to commit a
theft or
burglary. For
example, a screwdriver used to make a repair is just a
screwdriver. If the screwdriver is used to force entry into a
home or car, it is considered a burglary tool.
Simply being in
possession of such a tool does not make you guilty of a crime.
A critical element of the crime of possession of burglary
tools is the intent that the item be used to commit a
theft or
burglary. All criminal defendants are entitled to a
presumption of innocence. If the required intent cannot be proven
beyond a reasonable doubt,
the
jury
must find you not guilty at trial.
Consequences for a Conviction for Possession of Burglary
Tools in Utah
The crime of possession of
burglary tools in Utah is
a class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and $1900
in fines and surcharges. But it is common for a person to be charged
with possession of burglary
tools after
police find him with tools such as a screwdriver or crowbar in an area
where a
burglary
has recently taken place. In such cases, the person may also be viewed
as a prime suspect of the burglary or theft itself. If police find
sufficient evidence, a prosecutor may file additional misdemeanor or
felony charges for burglary, theft, theft by receiving, or burglary of
a vehicle. Penalties for these charges can include thousands of dollars
in fines and extended jail or prison terms.
Finding a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Salt Lake City, Utah
If you have been charged with possession of
burglary tools, you should have an experienced and effective
Utah
defense attorney on your
side. Stephen Howard has achieved not guilty verdicts or
dismissals for clients facing criminal charges for burglary, robbery,
theft, and other serious crimes in Utah.
Contact us
now to schedule an initial consultation and case analysis.