Burglary Defense

Practice Areas

Sussex County Delaware Burglary Lawyer

Burglary is a very serious crime in Delaware. A conviction in Delaware will change the course of your life forever as it is a felony. Even for a first offense, charges carry severe penalties including fines, fees and jail time in Delaware. There are three levels of charges you may face. The type you are charged with has to do with factors such as the type of building (residential or commercial) and even the time of day the crime was committed. If you have been arrested in Delaware, call 302-855-9300. Or, email a Delaware Defense Attorney.

Burglary Laws In Delaware

In Delaware, there are 3 degrees of Burglary, all of which are charged with felonies. They are:

§ 824. Burglary In The Third Degree; Class F Felony.

A person is guilty of burglary in the third degree when the person knowingly enters or remains unlawfully in a building with intent to commit a crime therein.

11 Del. C. 1953, § 824; 58 Del. Laws, c. 497, § 1; 67 Del. Laws, c. 130, § 8; 70 Del. Laws, c. 186, § 1.;

§ 825. Burglary In The Second Degree; Class D Felony.

(a) A person is guilty of burglary in the second degree when the person knowingly enters or remains unlawfully:

(1) In a dwelling with intent to commit a crime therein; or

(2) In a building and when, in effecting entry or while in the building or in immediate flight therefrom, the person or another participant in the crime:

a. Is armed with explosives or a deadly weapon; or

b. Causes physical injury to any person who is not a participant in the crime.

Burglary in the second degree is class D felony, except where the person who suffers physical injury is a person 62 years of age or older in which case any violation of this section shall be a class C felony.

(b) Notwithstanding any provision of this section or Code to the contrary, any person convicted of burglary in the second degree shall receive a minimum sentence of:

(1) One year at Level V; or

(2) Three years at Level V, if the conviction is for an offense that was committed within 5 years of the date of a previous conviction for burglary first or second degree or if the conviction is for an offense that was committed within 5 years of the date of termination of all periods of incarceration or confinement imposed pursuant to a previous conviction for burglary first or second degree conviction.

Any sentence imposed pursuant to this subsection shall not be subject to the provisions of § 4215 of this title.

(c) The sentencing provisions of subsection (b) of this section apply to attempted burglary in the second degree as well as burglary in the second degree.

11 Del. C. 1953, § 825; 58 Del. Laws, c. 497, § 1; 67 Del. Laws, c. 130, § 8; 70 Del. Laws, c. 186, § 1; 73 Del. Laws, c. 126, § 7; 74 Del. Laws, c. 106, § 4; 74 Del. Laws, c. 345, § 4.;

§ 826. Burglary In The First Degree; Class C Felony.

(a) A person is guilty of burglary in the first degree when the person knowingly enters or remains unlawfully in a dwelling at night with intent to commit a crime therein, and when, in effecting entry or when in the dwelling or in immediate flight therefrom, the person or another participant in the crime:

(1) Is armed with explosives or a deadly weapon; or

(2) Causes physical injury to any person who is not a participant in the crime.

Burglary in the first degree is a class C felony, except where the person who suffers physical injury is a person 62 years of age or older in which case any violation of this section shall be a class B felony.

(b) Notwithstanding any provision of this section or Code to the contrary, any person convicted of burglary in the first degree shall receive a minimum sentence of:

(1) Two years at Level V; or

(2) Four years at Level V, if the conviction is for an offense that was committed within 5 years of the date of a previous conviction for burglary first or second degree or if the conviction is for an offense that was committed within 5 years of the date of termination of all periods of incarceration or confinement imposed pursuant to a previous conviction for burglary first or second degree conviction.

Any sentence imposed pursuant to this subsection shall not be subject to the provisions of § 4215 of this title.

(c) The sentencing provisions of subsection (b) of this section apply to attempted burglary in the first degree as well as burglary in the first degree.

Charges Associated With Burglary

When arrested for burglary in Delaware there are often secondary charges for which you can also be arrested.  Each is to be taken seriously as they can ultimately compound your sentencing if you are convicted. Secondary charges can be trespassing, criminal mischief, assault, being in possession of burglary tools, robbery or conspiracy.
Let A Delaware Attorney Help You

If you are arrested in Delaware, it is a wise move to work with a skilled Delaware Defense Lawyer. A skilled attorney can help prove your actual intent, which the prosecution will try to focus on. With the help of an experienced lawyer, you can also attempt to have the charges reduced or dismissed totally depending on the circumstances of your case.

Call A Sussex County Delaware Property Crime Attorney

Retaining a qualified lawyer is beneficial as they will plan a strategic and sound defense for you and they will make sure your rights are protected every step of the way. Call 302-855-9300 to speak with the best Delaware Defense lawyers today. Email a Delaware Defense Lawyer today.

With many years serving those charged with property crimes in Delaware, their primary mission will be to fight for your rights while attempting to minimize the consequences of your charges. They are some of the best criminal attorneys Delaware has. In fact, they are criminal defense lawyers Dover is proud to have. 

Contact Us

Practice Areas

Testimonials

What Our Client Says

Posted on Google Google
Dennis McCole profile picture
Dennis McCole
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Julie/Pam r helping me/my brother's after my mother's death
Posted on Google Google
DOUG ANANIA profile picture
DOUG ANANIA
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Very helpful and thorough easy to work with very accommodating
Posted on Google Google
Brian Butler profile picture
Brian Butler
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Very professional office! Hope to never need this office services again. If I do ronnie phillips will have my buisness!
Posted on Google Google
Philip VonVille profile picture
Philip VonVille
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Very good at what he does Gives you great advice and representation
Posted on Google Google
Greg Mears profile picture
Greg Mears
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Mr.phillips is a good lawyer he will definitely fight for you till the end. I was extremely satisfied.

Contact Your Delaware Criminal Defense & Family Law Lawyers

Serving Sussex & Kent County

No lawyer can advise you without knowing your situation. We would like to meet with you, in person, to discuss your case. To schedule an appointment, please give us a call or fill out the contact form, below.
Scroll to Top