Des Moines Burglary Defense Lawyer in Des Moines

Defending Those Who Have Been Accused Of Burglary in Iowa

In Iowa, burglary is defined as the willful or malicious entering of a building or other structure to commit a felony or theft. If convicted, you face serious penalties, including thousands of dollars in fines, prison time, and a criminal record that will greatly affect your life for years to come. At Clark & Sears Law, our Des Moines burglary attorneys are committed to protecting your rights and fighting for your best interests when facing these charges.

Call Clark & Sears Law today at (515) 200-2787 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our burglary attorney in Des Moines.

What is Burglary?

Burglary is a serious criminal offense in Iowa, and it involves unlawfully entering or remaining inside a building with the intent to commit a theft, assault, or other criminal act. The key elements that must be proven for a burglary conviction include:

• Unlawful Entry: The prosecution must demonstrate that you entered a building or remained inside without the owner's consent or without a lawful reason.
• Intent: It must be established that you entered the premises with the intention to commit a crime, such as theft, assault, or property damage.
• Building Structure: Burglary typically involves structures like homes, businesses, or other buildings, and it doesn't apply to open areas or vehicles.

Burglary charges in Iowa can be classified into first-degree and second-degree burglary, with first-degree burglary being the more severe offense. The exact circumstances of the alleged crime will determine which degree of burglary you may be charged with.

What are the Penalties for Burglary in Iowa?

The penalties for burglary in Iowa can be severe and life-altering. Understanding the potential consequences is essential for anyone facing these charges. Here is an overview of the penalties for burglary:

• First-Degree Burglary: First-degree burglary is a Class B felony in Iowa and carries a potential sentence of up to 25 years in prison.
• Second-Degree Burglary: Second-degree burglary is a Class C felony in Iowa. Conviction may lead to a prison term of up to 10 years.

It's important to mention that these penalties can be even more severe if you have prior criminal convictions or if the burglary involved the use of a weapon or caused bodily injury to another person. A burglary conviction can impact your life, affecting your employment, housing, and personal relationships.

Defenses Against Burglary Charges

Some common defenses against burglary charges may include:

• Lack of Intent: If it can be revealed that you did not enter the premises intending to commit a crime, the prosecution's case may weaken.
• Consent: If you had permission to enter the building or had a legitimate reason to be there, this can be a strong defense.
• Mistaken Identity: If there is reasonable doubt about your identity as the perpetrator, it can be a powerful defense strategy.
• Illegal Search and Seizure: If evidence was acquired unlawfully or without a valid search warrant, it may be possible to suppress that evidence.
• Alibi: Proving that you were elsewhere at the time of the alleged burglary can be a compelling defense.

Protect Your Rights with an Experienced Burglary Defense Lawyer

If you or someone you know has been accused of burglary in Iowa, seek the representation of a skilled Des Moines burglary defense lawyer that specializes in property crimes. At Clark & Sears Law, our Des Moines burglary defense lawyers have a proven track record of successfully defending clients against burglary charges in Iowa.

When facing burglary accusations, it is important to have a lawyer who can:

• Thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the alleged burglary crimes,
• Challenge the evidence presented by the prosecution,
• Negotiate for reduced charges or alternative sentencing options,
• Provide personalized and aggressive legal representation.

Don't wait to protect your rights and build a strong defense against burglary charges. Contact Clark & Sears Law today to schedule a consultation with our experienced Des Moines burglary defense lawyer.

Call Clark & Sears Law today at (515) 200-2787 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our burglary attorney in Des Moines