Utah Aggravated Burglary
Defense Attorney - Salt Lake Criminal Defense
If
you are facing aggravated burglary charges in Utah, the stakes are
high, with potential penalties up to life in prison. Stephen
Howard is an
experienced Utah criminal
defense attorney who has successfully defended his clients' rights in
cases including homicide, aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary,
aggravated assault, and many more. He has a record of achieving
real
results for his clients. If you are facing aggravated
burglary charges, hiring a good
criminal
defense attorney can be the best way to ensure a positive
outcome in your case.
Contact us today to
schedule an initial consultation.
Elements of a Utah Aggravated Burglary Charge
Under Utah's criminal statutes, aggravated burglary includes all of the
elements of a standard
burglary
charge, but with the addition of at least one aggravating factor.
Those aggravating factors include causing "bodily injury" to another
person,
using or threatening the immediate use of a
dangerous weapon,
or simply possessing or attempting to use a dangerous weapon (or an
explosive) while committing the burglary.
Unlike some "aggravated" charges in Utah, an aggravated burglary charge
does not require proof that a "serious" or "substantial" bodily injury
occurred. Any injury may be sufficient to support this element of the
charge.
It is important also to understand that the aggravated burglary charge
does not require proof that a weapon was used during the burglary.
Proof that a weapon was merely "possessed" by the defendant may be
sufficient to support the charge. In some cases, even proof that a
co-defendant possessed a weapon may be used to support the aggravated
burglary charge.
An ordinary burglary charge does not require proof of an injury or of
any weapon. Instead, a standard Utah burglary charge is supported by
evidence that the defendant entered or remained unlawfully in a
building or dwelling, with the intent to commit a theft, any felony, an
assault, or certain other sex-related misdemeanor charges.
Penalties for an Aggravated Burglary Conviction in Utah
A conviction for aggravated burglary in Utah is a first degree felony,
punishable by a potential life prison term, along with $10,000 in fines
plus a 90% surcharge. An ordinary burglary is a second degree felony if
it involves a "dwelling" (residential burglary). An ordinary burglary
of a non-dwelling (business building, detached garage, or other
building) is normally a third degree felony.
Finding an Experienced Utah Criminal Defense Lawyer in Salt
Lake City
Based in
Salt
Lake City, criminal defense attorney Stephen Howard offers
legal services to clients throughout Utah. Don't settle for
anything less than an
experienced
Utah criminal defense
attorney with a track record of achieving real results for
his clients.
Contact
Stephen Howard
now to schedule an initial case analysis and consultation.