Under Florida criminal law, your home truly is your castle. Entering someone else's property, even with just part of your body, is considered an entry. However, to be charged with burglary, an individual must enter another person's property with the intent to commit a crime there. As a Miami burglary criminal defense lawyer, I know that many people end up charged with burglary in situations where there was no intention to commit a crime or the intent is not provable.

Burglary can be committed in a structure, a conveyance or a dwelling. A structure is any building that has a roof over it, and includes the curtilage (a fenced-in yard or grounds) surrounding it. A dwelling is any building or structure in which people lodge and its porches and curtilage, including (but not limited to) mobile homes and tents. A conveyance is any car, ship, truck, or other vehicle capable of carrying passengers.

The penalties in Florida for burglary vary depending on the circumstances of the act, ranging from probation to life in prison. Some aggravating factors that can lead to increased punishment are burglary of a place where people are present; use of a firearm; and causing injuries during the alleged burglary. If you are charged with any of these, it is very important to get help from a Fort Lauderdale burglary criminal defense attorney to build your best possible defense.

Based in downtown Miami, David S. Seltzer is an experienced South Florida burglary criminal defense attorney. Don't delay; let an experienced former prosecutor help protect your good name and reputation. Potential clients and their loved ones can call 24 hours a day and seven days a week for a free, confidential consultation on their rights. Call today or contact me online for a FREE, CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION.

For more information, see Florida Statute: 810.02 Burglary.