Belleville Burglary Attorney
A Burglary Charge Threatens Your Freedom - Let Our Local Defense Team Advocate For You
We're Your Shield - Defending Your Rights, Restoring Your Trust.
If you or a loved one has been arrested for burglary in the Metro East area, you need strong legal advocates on your side. A conviction can mean years behind bars, along with a lifetime of stigma. Don’t go through this alone – contact our law office for personalized support.
At Rose Legal Services, we understand how devastating burglary allegations can be. We’ve represented numerous clients facing breaking and entering as well as related theft and property damage charges. Over the years, we’ve built a reputation for high-quality, strategic representation.
We’re here to listen without judgment, answer all your questions in plain terms, and guide you through this crisis step by step. Every case has unique defense strategies. By exploring the details during an initial consultation, we can start building the strongest arguments in your defense.
Burglary Charges in St. Clair County, Illinois
Before creating a defense, you need to understand exactly what prosecutors have accused you of. Under Illinois law, burglary involves entering property or even just a portion of it without permission or authority with intent to steal or commit another crime inside.
Even if you didn’t actually take anything, illegally accessing structures like houses, garages, storage sheds, or vehicles can lead prosecutors to charge you. The alleged planned crime doesn’t even have to occur.
Under Illinois statute 720 ILCS 5/19-1, burglary involves knowingly and unlawfully entering a building, vehicle, or other enclosed structure with intent to commit a theft or felony inside. Even staying inside a property without authority can constitute burglary. No actual theft needs to occur – the alleged intent is enough.
Potential penalties depend on circumstances but are always severe:
- Class 2 Felony – Burglary of a building, vehicle, etc.
- Class 1 Felony – Burglary of a school or place of worship
That’s just the starting point – your actual sentencing could end up far harsher depending on circumstances and your criminal history.
Burglary-Related Offenses We Defend Against
Prosecutors often pursue additional counts like:
- Home Invasion (720 ILCS 5/19-6) – a Class X Felony (6-30 years prison) for illegally entering a home while armed/causing injury
- Possession of Burglary Tools (720 ILCS 5/19-2) – a Class 4 Felony for possessing devices to unlawfully access property
- Unlawful Sale of Burglary Tools (720 ILCS 5/19-2.5) – a Class 4 Felony for selling devices for illegal entry
- Residential Burglary (720 ILCS 5/19-3) – a Class 1 Felony (4-15 years prison) for burglary of a home
- Criminal Trespass to a Residence (720 ILCS 5/19-4) – a Class A Misdemeanor or Class 4 Felony depending on circumstances
We leverage our deep experience with Illinois burglary laws to defend against all related accusations. Let us put our experience to work for your defense.
Defending Against Burglary Crimes in Illinois
Despite how air-tight the prosecution’s case may seem, there are frequently opportunities to suppress evidence or establish reasonable doubt regarding your involvement, criminal purpose, or other factors.
We dig deep into the specific details that the police, investigators, victims, and witnesses claim happened. Oftentimes, this reveals legal mistakes law enforcement made, inconsistent accounts of events, lack of hard proof against you, and more.
Some of the most effective arguments we raise include:
- Lack of Criminal Intent – The State can’t prove you actually meant to commit a theft or other crime once inside. Maybe you entered the property for a lawful reason, like retrieving your own belongings or temporarily seeking shelter. Without evidence of an intent to commit a crime inside, there’s no burglary.
- Misidentification – Eyewitnesses mistakenly finger innocent people all the time. We’ll work to undermine shaky witness testimony and raise doubt it was actually you.
- Unlawful Search & Seizure – If police violated your Fourth Amendment rights gathering evidence, we can request the court suppress anything they unlawfully obtained. Kicking down doors or searching personal property without valid warrants leads to strong constitutional arguments.
Burglary cases often come down to more than meets the eye. Our experienced local defense attorneys are familiar with prosecutors and judges, giving us an advantage in your case.
Our Track Record of Success in Burglary Cases
At Rose Legal Services, we are committed to uncovering flaws in the state’s argument.
For example, a recent client was captured on surveillance video entering a business after hours and leaving with items. He faced serious Second Degree Burglary and Felony Theft charges. However, in a preliminary hearing, we argued a lack of solid probable cause evidence for the charges. The Court agreed – leading to the full dismissal of the case.
Skilled counsel makes all the difference – both in developing strong arguments and delivering them authoritatively. If you face questionable accusations like this client did, we invite you to contact us today to begin building your defense.
Why Go It Alone When You Can Trust Our Team?
If you or someone you love faces burglary allegations, the deck is already stacked against you. These cases can quickly overwhelm individuals attempting a DIY defense. Having an experienced professional standing beside you makes all the difference.
We offer masterful representation along with compassion from start to finish. Our Metro East criminal defense attorneys will:
- Thoroughly investigate police conduct, evidence details, and prosecution theories
- Reinforce your legal rights and ensure they aren’t infringed
- Expose holes in the state’s arguments
- Raise persuasive defenses showing innocence
- Negotiate strongly for reduced charges/penalties
- Take your case to trial if you choose
- Remain by your side regardless of circumstances
Most importantly, the prosecutor works for the State, but we work for you. Your freedom, family, and future remain front and center from day one.
Contact Rose Legal Services For a Consultation
If burglary allegations have turned your life upside down, take the first step and call our law office today. Schedule an initial consultation to meet with our attorneys and discuss your charges in a judgment-free environment.
We’re always readily available to protect good people facing false accusations – as well as good people who may have made a mistake. With an insider’s perspective on prosecutors and courts in Belleville, let us even the playing field and give you hope again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the prosecution only needs to argue you entered private property without permission with intent to commit a theft or another felony inside. If they have evidence suggesting you planned to steal items or commit criminal damage, burglary charges are possible.
Invoke your 5th Amendment right to remain silent until our criminal defense lawyer can be present. Talking to police without representation often provides them with questionable statements to use against you later on. Be polite but firm. You will not answer questions without counsel.
Prosecutors often pile on extra counts like home invasion, possession of burglary tools, theft, criminal property damage, and even assault if they claim any occupants were harmed. We defend against all related accusations using the same proven strategies.
Absolutely – employers routinely conduct background checks, and seeing a recent felony will make getting hired very difficult. We advocate not just for dismissal but to keep charges off your record so they don’t ruin future opportunities even if dismissed later on.
