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Burglary is treated as a severe property crime in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The local District Attorney’s Office vigorously prosecutes individuals accused of unlawfully entering homes, businesses, or other structures with criminal intent. A burglary conviction carries life-altering consequences, including the potential for decades in state prison, massive fines, and a permanent felony record that will severely limit your future opportunities.

If you have been charged with burglary in Bucks County, you need aggressive and experienced legal representation. The defense attorneys at SKA law Group understand the complexities of Pennsylvania burglary laws. We are dedicated to protecting your rights, challenging the prosecution’s evidence, and fighting for the best possible outcome in your case.

What is Considered Burglary in Pennsylvania?

Under Pennsylvania law (18 Pa.C.S. § 3502), burglary is defined as entering a building or occupied structure with the intent to commit a crime inside.

There are three critical elements that the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt:
Unlawful Entry: You must have entered the property without authorization, permission, or a legal right to do so. It is important to note that “breaking in” (such as smashing a window or picking a lock) is not required. Walking through an unlocked door or open garage can still constitute unlawful entry.
Building or Occupied Structure: The property must be a building, vehicle, or place adapted for overnight accommodation or carrying on business.
Intent to Commit a Crime: You must have formed the intent to commit a crime before or during the entry. While theft is the most common intended crime, the intent to commit any crime (such as assault, vandalism, or harassment) satisfies this element. The crime does not actually have to be completed.

Burglary vs. Criminal Trespass

Burglary and criminal trespass are often confused, but they are distinct offenses with different penalties. Criminal trespass occurs when a person unlawfully enters or remains on a property without permission. The key difference is intent. If you unlawfully enter a building but have no intention of committing a crime inside, the appropriate charge is criminal trespass, which carries significantly lighter penalties than burglary.

Penalties and Grading for Burglary in Bucks County

Burglary is almost always graded as a felony in Pennsylvania, and the penalties depend heavily on whether the building was adapted for overnight accommodation (like a house or apartment), whether anyone was present, and your intent.

First-Degree Felony (F1): This is the most serious burglary charge. It applies if you enter a building adapted for overnight accommodation, regardless of whether anyone is present. It also applies if you enter any building (even a commercial one) and someone is present, or if your intent is to steal a controlled substance. An F1 burglary conviction is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $25,000 fine.
Second-Degree Felony (F2): This charge applies if you enter a building that is not adapted for overnight accommodation (such as a closed retail store or warehouse) and no one is present at the time. An F2 burglary conviction is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine.

Defending Against Burglary Charges in Bucks County

At SKA Law Group LLC, we meticulously investigate every detail of your case to build a strong defense. Depending on the facts, our strategies may include:

Lack of Criminal Intent: If we can prove you did not intend to commit a crime upon entering the building, the burglary charge cannot stand. We may negotiate to have the charge reduced to a lesser offense, such as criminal trespass.
Statutory Defenses: Pennsylvania law provides specific defenses to burglary. It is a defense if the building was abandoned, the premises were open to the public at the time, or you were licensed or privileged to enter.
Mistaken Identity: Burglary investigations often rely on grainy surveillance footage or unreliable witness testimony. We challenge questionable identifications and demand solid proof.