Burglary

Table of Contents

Burglary: An In-Depth Look at a Serious Crime

Burglary is a serious crime that involves illegally entering a building or property to commit a crime, usually theft. It’s an invasion of privacy that makes victims feel unsafe in their own homes. Let’s take an in-depth look at what burglary is, what the laws say, real cases, how to prevent it, and the impacts on victims.

What is Burglary Legally?

Legally, burglary involves breaking and entering into a building illegally with the intent to commit a crime inside, usually theft. The crime of burglary is covered under state laws, which vary by state but have some common elements:

Breaking: This means trespassing by force like breaking a window or picking a lock. No force is required if a door or window is already open.
Entering: Physically going inside a building or room of a building. Even sticking an arm inside can count as entering in some states.
Intent to commit a crime: The trespasser must intend to commit a crime once inside, like theft, assault, or vandalism. Just trespassing isn’t enough to be burglary.

Some states distinguish between degrees of burglary based on factors like whether it was a home, if it was occupied at the time, if the burglar was armed, or the time of day. Illegal entry into a home is usually considered more serious than other buildings. Burglary committed at night is often a higher degree.

Burglary Laws and Punishments

Since burglary is prosecuted under state laws, the specific laws and punishments vary by state. But there are some common ranges:

Felony charge: Burglary is considered a felony, not a misdemeanor, in all states. Felonies are more serious crimes with longer sentences.
Fines: Fines up to $10,000 are common for burglary convictions. Higher fines around $50,000 may apply in some states for higher degrees of burglary.
Jail or prison time: Potential sentences often range from 1-5 years in prison for basic burglary. But sentences of up to 20 years or more are possible depending on state laws and the circumstances like repeat offenses.
Restitution: The burglar may have to repay the victim for any property damage or items stolen. This restitution is mandatory in some states.

Burglary sentences often depend on the criminal history of the defendant and the degree of the burglary charged. First-time offenders sometimes get lighter sentences if they plead guilty.

Real Burglary Cases and Examples

Looking at real burglary cases can illustrate how burglars commit the crime and the consequences they face:

A man in Texas was sentenced to 15 years in prison for sneaking into homes during the day and stealing jewelry, guns, and other valuables. He had a long record of prior burglaries.
Three teenagers in Florida were arrested for breaking into a home at night and stealing cash, electronics, and prescription drugs while the family was asleep. They were charged with felony home burglary.
A woman in California got a 4-year sentence for serving as a lookout for two men who burglarized a pharmacy after hours and stole prescription opioids. She was charged with felony commercial burglary.
In a tragic case in Minnesota, a man was sentenced to life in prison for the burglary and murder of an elderly couple in their home. The brutal stabbing deaths occurred during a nighttime home invasion and robbery.

These cases illustrate how serious and dangerous burglary can be, especially home invasions. Many burglars are repeat offenders like in the first Texas case. And others involve violence like the Minnesota murders.

How to Prevent Burglary of Homes and Businesses

There are some common sense precautions people can take to reduce the risk of being burglarized:

Lock all doors and windows – even upper floor windows. Double check they are locked before leaving.
Install deadbolt locks on exterior doors for better security. Upgrade locks if needed.
Use alarm systems and security cameras to deter burglars and alert police if a break-in occurs.
Keep valuables out of sight and avoid obvious signs of empty homes like piled up mail.
Trim bushes and trees so there is no place for burglars to hide while breaking in.
Leave some lights on or use timers so it looks like someone is home.
Join a Neighborhood Watch program to monitor for suspicious activity.

Taking simple precautions like these can make homes and businesses less tempting targets for burglars looking for easy entry.

Impacts of Burglary on Victims

Beyond just the financial loss from stolen items, burglary has serious psychological impacts on victims:

Feeling violated – Victims often feel their personal space has been violated and they were personally targeted.
Loss of sense of safety – Burglary victims can develop anxiety about safety in their own homes, having their one safe space disrupted.
Trouble sleeping – Fear, anxiety and anger over the burglary can cause insomnia, nightmares and sleep difficulties for victims.
Concerns about future burglaries – Victims may obsess over concerns the burglar will return or additional burglaries will occur.
Difficulty concentrating – Stress reactions to the burglary can make it hard for victims to focus at work or school.
Relationship problems – Significant others may have differing reactions to the burglary, leading to conflict.

Getting burglarized can seriously impact mental health and daily life. Victims should seek counseling or join a support group to cope. Feeling unsafe in your own home is a jarring experience.

Conclusion

Burglary is a violation of privacy and safety that can carry severe legal penalties. But it can happen anywhere, so people need to take sensible precautions. If burglarized, victims should replace locks, upgrade security, and get counseling to recover. With proper security and community vigilance, the risk of break-ins can be reduced.