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Burglary




The concept of burglary has evolved from covering only break-ins of a house at night to covering any unauthorized breaking and entry with the intent to commit a crime once inside. Burglary seeks to protect the owner or occupiers of a piece of property from unwanted intrusion, and also to prevent violence that could result from the discovery of a burglar inside one's property. Many states break burglary into different degrees, with different elements and punishments for each degree.

  • Burglary: In Brief - A short synopsis of the crime of burglary, with links to federal and state laws.
  • Burglary Overview - A deeper introduction to the elements of burglary and the legal evolution of the crime.
  • Burglary Defenses - Lists and explains the common defenses to an accusation of burglary.
  • Burglary Penalties and Sentencing - While the penalties and sentences for burglary vary among the states, this article describes the factors that courts consider when handing down sentences.
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