Spring has finally sprung in Morgan, Logan, and Weld County. With warmer weather comes enjoyment of the outdoors and adventure. Unfortunately, spring also means the opportunity to be charged with a criminal offense. We often see First, Second, and Third Burglary charges as a result of teenagers looking for a chance to get alcohol. How are alcohol and Burglary connected? Let’s look at how you can face serious charges for a seemingly harmless offense:
Teenagers Looking for Beer Often Charged with 2nd Degree Burglary
More and more people are stocking beer as the weather gets warmer. People often keep their beer in refrigerators in their garages. Garage doors are also left open in many neighborhoods as homeowners get yard work done or play with their kids. This is the perfect opportunity for teenagers to go into garages and grab beer. We are routinely hired by parents of young adults who have stolen beer from open garages, and been charged with Second Degree Burglary.
Entering an Open Garage = Entering a Home or Residence
In order to be charged with Burglary, a person must enter a home or business with the “intent to commit a crime.” Amazingly, a kid entering an open garage is seen as an act of Burglary – they will be treated the same as a person who breaks into someone’s home. 2nd Degree Burglary is a class 3 felony in Johnstown, Keenesburg, and Windsor, and is punishable by up to 16 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections.
Don’t let a mistake jeopardize your child’s future.
Kids Make Mistakes: Don’t Let Bad Judgment Ruin Their Future
Kids make mistakes. Unfortunately, District Attorneys don’t always look at the intent of a teenager who has committed 1st, 2nd, or 3rd degree Burglary. They see stealing beer from an open garage (which is harmless) the same as a thief prying open a home’s door (which endangers the people sleeping in their homes). They often want to teach teenagers a lesson and forget the life-changing consequences of a felony conviction. The criminal defense attorneys at our office have over 20 years of experience with the District Attorneys in Colorado courts. We fight to show DA’s and juries the intent behind the crime of Burglary for beer, whether it was a prank, a dare or simply for adventure. We often convince DA’s to give kids a chance, and create favorable plea deals which will protect their freedom. Don’t let a mistake rule your child’s future.
If you or your child has been contacted by the police in regard to a Burglary charge, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the O’Malley Law Office for a free consultation at 970-616-6009, or submit the “Get Help Now” form. Together, we can protect your future.
Image Credit: FreeDigitalPhotos.net – Michelle Meiklejohn