Burglaries can happen at any time of day or night, and they can happen in any type of property, from homes to businesses. Burglary involves unlawful entry into a building or other structure with the intent to commit a crime inside. Because it generally involves entering someone else’s property unlawfully and with the intent to commit another crime, it is considered a very serious offense. As such, the penalties for burglary are usually quite severe, and can include prison time, large fines, and a criminal record.
In the following article, our experts in burglary bail bonds in CT will take a closer look at the various degrees of burglary and classes of offenses. Read on!
What are the different degrees of burglary?
Traditionally, burglary was defined as breaking and entering a home at night with the intent to commit a felony inside. Today, most states have broadened the definition of burglary.
Third degree
An individual commits third-degree burglary by unlawfully entering or remaining in a building (unoccupied dwelling or nonresidential building) with intent to commit a crime. It is considered a D felony according to Connecticut law and carries a maximum punishment of five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Third-degree burglary is a class D felony.
Second degree
Second degree burglary is committed when someone unlawfully enters a dwelling with the intent to commit a crime at night or when someone other than a participant in the crime is in the dwelling. It’s considered a class C felony. Punishment for second degree burglary in Connecticut can range from one year in prison (for a first offense) to 10 years in prison (for a third or subsequent offense). The offender may also be fined up to $10,000 or both.
Second degree with a firearm
This type of burglary occurs at night or anytime someone is on the property when an individual unlawfully enters a building with the intent to commit a crime, and is armed with, displays, or represents they have a firearm. According to Connecticut law, It is considered a class C felony that carries a mandatory sentence of a minimum of one year in prison.
First degree
An individual who commits this type of burglary is entering or remaining unlawfully in a building with the intent to commit a crime and either:
- Is armed with explosives, a deadly weapon, or a dangerous instrument or
- Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly inflicts or attempts to inflict bodily injury on someone while attempting to commit the offense or while fleeing.
According to the law in Connecticut, this is considered a class B felony. If the person was armed during the act, the crime carries a mandatory sentence of minimum five years in prison.
What is considered the most serious burglary offense?
Home invasion is the most serious burglary offense in Connecticut and is a class A felony. A person commits home invasion by entering an occupied dwelling with the intent to commit a crime, and:
- The individual commits or attempts to commit a felony against a person present in the home (such as assault)
- The individual is physically armed with explosives, a deadly weapon, or an object that could be used to cause injury.
A class A felony carries a penalty of ten to 25 years and a fine up to $20,000.