Burglary charges are among the most serious property crimes in South Carolina, carrying severe penalties that can impact your freedom, reputation, and future. If you’ve been accused of burglary in Greenville, you need a strong legal advocate who can protect your rights and work toward the best possible outcome. At the Thomas J. Adducci Law Firm, we focus on defending individuals against burglary charges, providing personalized and aggressive representation to safeguard your future.
What is Burglary in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, burglary is defined as unlawfully entering a building with the intent to commit a crime, typically theft. Burglary charges are categorized into three degrees based on the severity of the crime and the circumstances surrounding it:
- First-Degree Burglary: The most serious charge, first-degree burglary involves entering a dwelling (such as a home) at night or entering a building with a deadly weapon or causing physical harm during the break-in. A conviction for first-degree burglary carries a possible sentence of 15 years to life in prison.
- Second-Degree Burglary: This charge can involve either entering a dwelling without aggravating factors (such as weapons or harm) or entering a non-residential building (such as a business) with aggravating factors. Convictions can result in up to 15 years in prison.
- Third-Degree Burglary: This charge applies to entering a non-residential building without aggravating factors. It is the least severe burglary charge and carries a penalty of up to five years in prison.
Penalties for Burglary in South Carolina
Burglary charges are felony offenses in South Carolina, and a conviction can result in significant prison time. The severity of the penalty depends on the degree of the charge and whether any aggravating factors are present, such as the use of a weapon or causing injury during the commission of the crime. In addition to prison time, a burglary conviction can result in:
- Permanent criminal record
- Heavy fines
- Loss of certain civil rights, such as the right to vote or own firearms
- Difficulty securing employment, housing, or loans
A burglary conviction will follow you for the rest of your life, affecting your personal and professional prospects. This is why having an experienced criminal defense attorney is critical to navigating your case and minimizing these long-term consequences.
Defending Burglary Charges
At the Thomas J. Adducci Law Firm, we know that burglary cases are rarely straightforward, and we take the time to investigate every aspect of your case to build a strong defense. We will carefully examine the evidence, review police reports, and explore potential issues such as:
- Unlawful Search and Seizure: If law enforcement violated your Fourth Amendment rights during the investigation, such as conducting an illegal search without a warrant, we can move to suppress the evidence obtained during that search.
- Mistaken Identity: Burglary accusations often rely on witness testimony or security footage, both of which can be unreliable. If you were wrongly identified as the perpetrator, we will work to challenge the evidence.
- Lack of Intent: For a burglary conviction, the prosecution must prove that you intended to commit a crime when entering the building. If we can show that you had no criminal intent, the charges may not hold up in court.
- Alibi: If you were not present at the time of the alleged burglary, we will gather evidence, such as witness statements or surveillance footage, to support your alibi.
Our goal is to get charges reduced or dismissed whenever possible, and we are prepared to take your case to trial if necessary to fight for your rights.
Why Choose Thomas J. Adducci to Defend Your Burglary Case?
Facing burglary charges can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. At the Thomas J. Adducci Law Firm, we offer aggressive defense strategies tailored to your unique circumstances. We understand the seriousness of burglary charges and are committed to providing you with the highest level of legal representation to protect your future.
With years of experience handling criminal defense cases in Greenville, we have a deep understanding of South Carolina’s legal system and know how to navigate complex burglary cases. Whether through negotiation or trial, we are dedicated to securing the best possible outcome for your case.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been charged with burglary in Greenville, don’t wait to seek legal help. The sooner you have an attorney on your side, the better your chances of fighting the charges and minimizing the impact on your life. Contact the Thomas J. Adducci Law Firm today for a free consultation. We’re here to listen, guide you through the legal process, and work tirelessly to defend your rights.