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.