Hartford Burglary Attorneys

Lawyers for Robbery and Burglary Charges in Connecticut

At Woolf & Ross Law Firm, LLC, we provide strong legal defense for clients facing charges related to property crimes, including burglary, robbery, and larceny/theft. These offenses can carry severe consequences, including substantial fines and lengthy prison sentences. Whether you have been charged with a misdemeanor or felony offense, we are prepared to advocate for your rights and fight to achieve the best possible outcome in your case. Our firm handles cases at both the state and federal levels, ensuring that you have the dedicated legal representation needed to navigate the complexities of the criminal justice system.

When Can You Be Charged With Burglary in Connecticut?

Under Connecticut law, burglary involves breaking and entering into a building for illegal purposes. A person may be charged with this offense if they intended or attempted to commit criminal acts such as theft or assault. Unlike simple trespassing, burglary charges require proof that the person intended to engage in criminal activity after entering the premises. Burglary can apply to residential homes, commercial properties, retail stores, restaurants, gas stations, warehouses, or any other enclosed structures.

The specific burglary charges will depend on the circumstances surrounding the offense:

• Third-Degree Burglary (Class D Felony): This offense applies in situations where a person is charged with unlawfully entering a building while intending to commit a crime. Upon conviction, penalties may include up to five years in prison and fines of up to $5,000.
• Second-Degree Burglary (Class C Felony): This charge applies when burglary takes place in a dwelling (a place where someone sleeps or resides) and another person is present. Convictions can result in up to 10 years in prison and fines reaching $10,000.
• First-Degree Burglary (Class B Felony): This is the most serious burglary charge, and it applies when a person commits burglary while armed with a firearm or another dangerous weapon, injures someone, or enters an occupied home at night. A conviction can lead to up to 20 years in prison, with a mandatory minimum five-year sentence in cases involving firearms.

In Connecticut, burglary does not require that anything be stolen—only that a person intended to commit theft or another crime after entry. Even if nothing was taken, a person can still face serious criminal charges.

What Is Considered Robbery Under Connecticut Law?

Unlike burglary, which involves unlawful entry, robbery is the act of taking property from another person by force, intimidation, or threats. Robbery is always classified as a felony in Connecticut. There are three degrees of robbery under Connecticut law:

• Third-Degree Robbery: A person commits robbery in the third degree if they use or threaten to use force to take property. This offense is a Class D felony, and it is punishable by up to five years in jail and fines of up to $5,000.
• Second-Degree Robbery: This charge applies when the robbery is committed with an accomplice or involves stealing a motor vehicle. For a Class C felony, penalties include up to 10 years in jail and fines of up to $10,000.
• First-Degree Robbery: This charge applies when a person commits robbery while armed with a dangerous weapon, causes serious injury to another person, or displays what appears to be a firearm or deadly weapon. A conviction of a Class B felony can lead to up to 20 years in jail, with a mandatory minimum sentence of five years if a firearm is involved.

Burglary or Robbery With Weapons

When weapons are involved in burglary or robbery, the consequences become significantly more severe. Connecticut imposes mandatory minimum sentences for offenses committed with firearms or other deadly weapons.

• Use of a Firearm in a Burglary or Robbery: If a person is armed with a deadly weapon (such as a gun, knife, or blunt object) during a burglary or robbery, the charge is elevated, and a mandatory prison sentence applies.
• Assault During a Burglary or Robbery: If a person is injured during the commission of a burglary or robbery, the charge may be increased to a higher felony class, leading to more severe penalties.
• Threats or Use of Force: Even if no weapon is present, threatening or harming a victim can result in aggravated charges.

Contact Our Hartford, CT Burglary and Robbery Defense Lawyers

When you have been arrested for burglary, robbery, or another theft-related crime in Connecticut, do not face these charges alone. Contact Woolf & Ross Law Firm, LLC today at 860-290-8690 to schedule a free initial consultation. We will review your case, explain your legal options, and discuss how we can build a strong defense on your behalf. Our firm accepts all major credit cards, including MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Discover.