Utah Burglary Defense Lawyer - Salt Lake Criminal Attorney

Burglary is a serious criminal felony charge that can result in substantial jail or prison time along with thousands of dollars in fines. Based in Salt Lake City, Stephen Howard is an experienced Utah criminal defense attorney who represents clients on burglary and other criminal charges throughout Utah. His record of results includes not guilty verdicts and dismissals on some of the most serious felony charges under Utah criminal law. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.

Elements of a Utah Burglary Charge

A simple way to think of burglary is as a criminal trespass charge combined with some other criminal charge. The elements of a burglary charge in Utah include proof that a defendant entered or remained unlawfully in a dwelling or other building (essentially a criminal trespass), plus evidence that the defendant had the intent to commit another crime.

The most common crime accompanying a burglary is theft. But a burglary charge can also be supported by proof that the defendant had the intent to commit an assault, any felony, or certain other sex-related misdemeanor charges.

A standard burglary charge in Utah involves a building of some kind (home, business, garage, or even shed). But Utah criminal law also establishes a misdemeanor offense for vehicle burglary.

Penalties for a Burglary Conviction in Utah

The potential penalties for a Utah burglary criminal conviction can range from a year in jail to a life prison sentence, depending on what kind of burglary is involved. Vehicle burglary is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail. Aggravated burglary is a first degree felony punishable by up to life in prison. Other Utah burglary charges include second degree felony residential burglary and third degree (non-residential) burglary. Related charges include theft, assault, and possession of burglary tools.

Finding a Criminal Defense Attorney in Utah

Any Utah burglary conviction can result in serious consequences. If you are facing a Utah burglary charge, you need an experienced Utah criminal defense attorney with a record of achieving real results for his clients. Stephen Howard's record of success in defending Utah burglary cases ranges from not guilty verdicts at trial on accusations of residential burglary and theft, to negotiating a misdemeanor offer with probation on an aggravated burglary case that carried the potential of life in prison.

Contact Stephen Howard now to schedule an initial consultation and case analysis.  See the difference an experienced criminal defense lawyer can make for your case.