Burglary Defense Attorney in Sacramento, CA
As former police officers, we know exactly how cases are built — and how they fall apart.
"Unquestionably the best defense trial attorney in the Sacramento area. His record speaks for itself!"
EXPERIENCE MATTERS
Undefeated Record in Jury Trial 4 Years in a Row
Over 70 Jury Trials and Thousands of Cases Handled for Our Clients
Case Dismissed
Client was charged with five serious felonies, including attempted murder, and was facing life in prison.
Charges Dropped
Client was arrested for embezzling from her employer. All charges dropped.
Charges Dismissed
Client arrested for their 2nd offense DUI. All charges were dismissed, no DMV or criminal consequences.
Not Guilty
At jury trial, jury returned verdicts of NOT GUILTY on all felony counts.
Being charged with burglary is a serious matter. If you are convicted, you could face a lengthy prison sentence, fines, and other severe penalties. You will also have a criminal record, which can make it difficult to find a job, secure housing, or obtain a loan.
At Gonzales Law Office, we understand the stakes in burglary cases. Our Sacramento burglary defense lawyer is committed to providing the aggressive, effective defense you need. We will work tirelessly to protect your rights and fight for you in court.
What Is Burglary in California?
Under California law, burglary is defined as entering a building, room, or locked vehicle with the intent to commit theft or any felony. You can also be charged with burglary if you enter a building, room, or locked vehicle and commit theft or a felony.
It is important to note that you can be charged with burglary even if you did not actually commit theft or a felony. The prosecution only needs to prove that you entered the building, room, or locked vehicle with the intent to commit theft or a felony.
There are two types of burglary in California:
- First-degree burglary: This is the most serious type of burglary. It involves entering an inhabited dwelling, such as a house or apartment, with the intent to commit theft or a felony. First-degree burglary is always a felony.
- Second-degree burglary: This type of burglary involves entering a commercial building, room, or locked vehicle with the intent to commit theft or a felony. Second-degree burglary is a “wobbler,” which means it can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony.
It is important to note that you can be charged with burglary even if you did not actually commit theft or a felony. The prosecution only needs to prove that you entered the building, room, or locked vehicle with the intent to commit theft or a felony.
Potential Penalties for Burglary in California
The penalties for burglary in California depend on the specific charges and the defendant’s criminal history. If you are convicted of first-degree burglary, you could face up to six years in state prison. If you are convicted of second-degree burglary, you could face up to three years in state prison.
Other potential penalties for a burglary conviction include:
- Formal probation
- Substantial fines
- Restitution to the victim
- Community service
- Completion of a court-ordered counseling program
- Loss of certain civil rights
Because a burglary conviction can have such serious consequences, it is important to consult with an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. At Gonzales Law Office, we can help you understand your legal options and develop a defense strategy tailored to your unique situation.
How Our Sacramento Burglary Defense Lawyer Can Assist You
If you have been charged with burglary, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side. At Gonzales Law Office, we have extensive experience handling burglary cases. We understand the law and know what it takes to win in court.
When you hire our firm, we will conduct a thorough investigation into the charges against you. We will review the evidence, interview witnesses, and look for any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. If the police violated your rights or made any mistakes during the investigation, we will fight to have the evidence against you suppressed.
Our Sacramento burglary defense attorney will also work to develop an effective defense strategy. Depending on the circumstances, we may be able to argue that you did not have the intent to commit theft or a felony, that you were falsely accused, or that you were the victim of mistaken identity. We will aggressively represent you at every stage of the legal process and do everything we can to help you avoid a conviction.
Serving Sacramento and Surrounding Areas
Our criminal defense practice serves clients throughout:
-
Sacramento
-
Stockton
-
Sacramento County
-
Placer County
-
Northern California
-
Roseville
-
Antioch
-
Concord
-
El Dorado County
-
Yolo County
-
Solano County
-
San Joaquin County
-
Sutter County
-
Yuba County
-
Vacaville
-
Fairfield
-
Elk Grove
-
Folsom
-
Citrus Heights
-
Rancho Cordova
-
Fair Oaks
-
Carmichael
-
Arden-Arcade
-
Modesto
-
Davis
-
Woodland
-
West Sacramento
-
Auburn
-
Rocklin
-
Lincoln
-
Granite Bay
-
El Dorado Hills
Contact Gonzales Law Office Today
If you have been charged with burglary, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side. At Gonzales Law Office, we have extensive experience handling burglary cases. We understand the law and know what it takes to win in court.
When you hire our firm, we will:
- Conduct a thorough investigation into the charges against you
- Review the evidence and look for any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case
- Work to have any illegally obtained evidence suppressed
- Develop an effective defense strategy tailored to your unique situation
- Aggressively represent you at every stage of the legal process
- Do everything we can to help you avoid a conviction
At Gonzales Law Office, we are committed to providing the aggressive, effective defense you deserve. Our Sacramento burglary defense lawyer will fight to protect your rights and your future. We will work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
We Don’t Just Defend. We Deconstruct the Prosecution’s Case
Reasons to Choose Gonzales Law Office
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BURGLARY
Under California Penal Code § 459, burglary is entering any building, room, or locked vehicle with the intent to commit theft or any felony once inside. It doesn’t require breaking and entering—simply crossing the threshold with criminal intent is enough. Burglary is divided into first-degree burglary (residential) and second-degree burglary (commercial), with first-degree carrying more severe penalties.
First-degree (residential) burglary is a felony punishable by 2, 4, or 6 years in state prison and is considered a “strike” under California’s Three Strikes Law. Second-degree (commercial) burglary can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony (“wobbler”), with penalties ranging from up to 1 year in county jail to 3 years in state prison if charged as a felony.
Yes. Depending on the evidence, a skilled criminal defense attorney may negotiate a reduction to a lesser offense such as trespassing, or challenge the prosecution’s claim of intent to commit a crime. Illegal searches, lack of evidence, or mistaken identity can also result in charges being dismissed or acquitted at trial.
Former Police Officer Lends Insight to Your Case
As a former Police Officer, Attorney Gonzales has valuable insight into how cases are handled and how charges are pursued, giving you an advantage at trial. He also understands how law enforcement can make mistakes, which could benefit your defense.
Sacramento criminal defense lawyer Gonzales, will investigate your case, collect evidence, and create a strong defense strategy to either get your entire case dismissed or your charges/penalties significantly reduced.
In fact, he has maintained an undefeated track record as a criminal defense lawyer at trial for the last three years by providing his clients with aggressive and personalized legal solutions. If you are facing criminal charges, our defense attorney in Sacramento can effectively advocate for your future.
