The Philadelphia burglary defense lawyers at Shuttleworth Law P.C. want to help you or your loved one if the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania files criminal charges. You are facing at least a felony-level charge, which carries some of the most severe consequences. For more than 15 years, we have led some of the most demanding defenses when our clients’ lives are on the line with thorough investigations, aggressive legal arguments, and confidence in the courtroom.
“Burglary is tough to prove beyond a reasonable doubt. The prosecutor knows it, and I know it. Just because they have charged you with a crime does not mean they will automatically win. Even if they can place you at the scene, it doesn’t mean you had criminal intent or vice versa. Let’s find out what they can prove and start forming your defensive strategy. Give us a call for your free case evaluation today.”
Brad V. Shuttleworth, Esq.
Founder & Philadelphia Criminal Defense Lawyer, Shuttleworth Law P.C.
Call Now for My Free Case Evaluation
Learn more about how the Philadelphia burglary defense attorneys at Shuttleworth Law P.C. can help. Call us for your Free Case Evaluation at 888-529-3486 or by messaging us about your case here. We are glad to meet with prospective clients via secure video conferencing if preferred.
We represent people charged with burglary throughout Pennsylvania and South Jersey, including Bridesburg-Kensington-Port Richmond, Center City, Far Northeast Philadelphia, Germantown-Chestnut Hill, Kensington, Northeast Philadelphia, Roxborough-Manayunk, South Philadelphia, Southwest Philadelphia, North Philadelphia, West Philadelphia, and all surrounding areas.
Shuttleworth Law P.C. Defends Against Pennsylvania Burglary Charges
A specific statute affects the burglary charges you or your loved one face. Pursuant to 18 Pa.C.S. § 3502, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania can charge you with burglary when particular elements are present.
In PA, someone commits burglary if they have intent to commit a crime when they enter a building or occupied structure, whether someone is present or not. Here is a screenshot of the exact statute text for clarification:
The Philadelphia burglary defense lawyers at Shuttleworth Law P.C. carry a reputation for deploying successful defenses against criminal charges in Pennsylvania on behalf of clients, including:
- Alibi defenses
- Building or structure was abandoned
- Charges not proven beyond a reasonable doubt
- Client owned the property
- Client was under duress
- Evidence does not prove charges
- Lack of criminal intent
- Police misconduct
- Premises are open to the public.
- Other case-specific defenses
Prosecutors should never get a conviction if your actions do not fit the crime. The Philadelphia burglary defense attorneys at Shuttleworth Law P.C. understand this concept implicitly. Our legal team can investigate your entire case and point out every inconsistency, flaw, and contradiction in the prosecutor’s arguments.
Free Case Evaluation with Our Philadelphia Burglary Defense Lawyers
Your burglary charges are defensible, but you need to determine what options are available, how you can pursue them, and protect your case now. The Philadelphia burglary defense lawyers at Shuttleworth Law P.C. are ready to help. Get the answers you deserve by calling 888-529-3486 for your Free Case Evaluation.
Clients Have Achieved Incredible Results with Shuttleworth Law P.C.
If you are like many people after a burglary charge arrest, you probably feel incredibly angry or scared and left with more questions than answers. You obviously need to hire Pennsylvania criminal defense lawyers, but knowing who you should select is challenging.
Let us put your mind at ease: the Philadelphia burglary defense lawyers at Shuttleworth Law P.C. will always push for the best possible outcome related to your charges. We don’t care about what prosecutors think you did and only want to see you win in the courtroom and in life.
Check out a few of our client testimonials to see what they have to say about our services:
Brad was the ONLY one who facilitated a face to face meeting online over Google Meet. I knew after speaking with him that I wanted him to represent me in this matter. He just seemed very thorough and knowledgeable. A couple of the other attorneys I spoke to had poor responsiveness which is alarming when that happens BEFORE you pay to retain their services. I'm not in the same state as he is but that did not matter.Brad was able to work with the other party and get this issue resolved fairly and quickly.
Thank You!
You can't go wrong with Atty. Shuttleworth.
He's a true professional!
Brad's performance in the trial was swift, calculated, and methodical. In what seemed like just a few minutes, Brad picked apart the claimants case against me, and the judge swiftly ruled in my favor. A year of anxiety gone! Brad is well worth the money spent and I recommend him without reservation.
If you need help Brad is the person to connect with.
He has truly impressed us and he is our go to person If we’re ever in need of his legal assistance again
If you’re facing a combination of charges, check out our services related to burglary, robbery and theft.
Did You Actually Commit Burglary? Or Did They Get It Wrong?
The law is particular regarding how and when Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prosecutors can charge you with burglary. If you recall, Section 3502 is the statute that defines burglary. You shouldn’t even be facing charges if the evidence of your actions does not meet the legal definition.
Our Philadelphia burglary defense lawyers have summarized the definition below from the actual, current legal text:
You are guilty of burglary in Pennsylvania if you:
- First-Degree Felony Burglary Definitions I: Enter an occupied structure used for overnight accommodations:
- While someone else is present and commits, attempts to commit – OR –threatens to commit bodily harm with the intent to commit a crime – OR –
- While someone else is present with the intent to commit a crime – OR –
- While no one is present with the intent to commit a crime – OR –
- While someone else is present and commits, attempts to commit, or threatens to commit bodily harm with the intent to commit theft of a controlled substance or designer drug – OR –
- First-Degree Felony Burglary Definition II: Enter an occupied structure not used for overnight accommodations while someone else is present with the intent to commit a crime
- Second-Degree Felony Burglary Definition: Enter an occupied structure not used for overnight accommodations while someone else is present with the intent to commit a crime
From the above-referenced definitions, you can see that prosecutors have a few elements to prove if they want a conviction. If you hire the Philadelphia burglary defense lawyers at Shuttleworth Law P.C. to represent your case, we will pick this and any other legal definition apart (along with prosecutorial evidence, such as video, fingerprints, etc.) throughout your defense so that you don’t pay an unnecessary consequence for burglary charges in PA.
PA Does Not Hold Back When Punishing Burglary Convictions
Now, we need to lay down a harsh reality: significant prison time is on the line. Not just “a little” prison time but the kind of time that causes someone to miss out on a substantial portion of their lives. Why would anyone ever accept responsibility for a crime they did not commit or remain unproven by prosecutors under these terms?
Let’s get a little more specific about how the Commonwealth handles convictions.
Below, our Philadelphia burglary defense lawyers at Shuttleworth Law P.C. have outlined the potential penalties that you or your loved one could face:
- First-degree felony burglary: Up to 20 years imprisonment and $25,000 in fines
- Second-degree felony burglary: Up to ten years imprisonment and $25,000 in fines
Even after prison release, the punishment doesn’t stop there. Felony convicts are real, reformed people who face ostracization when trying to find work, raise a family, rent a home, get a loan, and even drive a car. You are not the sum of your charges; fight back by hiring the legal team at Shuttleworth Law P.C. to mount a formidable defense against the allegations.
Our Philadelphia Burglary Defense Lawyers Achieve Results
Let’s not hide this simple fact: we cannot make guarantees about how your case will turn out. HOWEVER, we can tell A LOT about how things could go after a review of evidence and a reasonable discussion with the prosecutor assigned to your case.
Our findings usually reveal one IMPORTANT thing: what prosecutors can and cannot prove.
This strategy and an extensive pre-trial investigation can yield incredible client results. Prosecutors hold the burden of proof, not you. Allow our Philadelphia burglary defense lawyers at Shuttleworth Law P.C. to demonstrate how we have achieved life-changing client outcomes:
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania v. C.L.
Ruling: Not Guilty
Client charged with armed robbery of a bank in Philadelphia. The incident was caught on video. Trial was held in front of a judge, and client was found NOT GUILTY of all charges. The defense was mistaken identification. As a criminal defense lawyer in Philadelphia, I take great pride in achieving the most advantageous outcome.
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania v. D.A.
Ruling: Not Guilty
Client was charged with aggravated assault of a correctional officer while in custody at the Detention Center in Philadelphia, PA (part of the Philadelphia Prison System). He testified that he had to punch the correctional officer in self-defense, because he was attacked by two officers. Client was found NOT GUILTY.
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania v. D.C.
Ruling: Not Guilty
Client accused of burglarizing a home at night. A neighbor witness claimed to have seen the burglar and recognized him as client. Witness also claimed he knew client from the neighborhood, which is why he recognized him. Mistaken identification was the defense. Client found NOT GUILTY of all charges.
Shuttleworth Law P.C. Takes a Client-Centered Approach
No one understands what it is like to endure the trials of the criminal justice system until they go through it themselves. Our legal team wants to remind you that you do not have to go through this fight alone. From high-profile cases to lower charges, Shuttleworth Law P.C. will aggressively and loyally fight for your legal rights while pushing back against the prosecutor’s alleged evidence.
Several laws are in place to protect your rights when the Commonwealth alleges you committed a crime. However, you may not know a violation occurred without an independent investigation conducted by YOUR legal counsel. Legal errors, such as this one, can result in paying an unnecessary price; hire Shuttleworth Law P.C. to handle every detail from start to finish.
Want to get to know us better? Meet our founder and Philadelphia burglary defense lawyer, Brad V. Shuttleworth, Esq., below:
Schedule My Free Case Evaluation with Shuttleworth Law P.C.
No one should ever have to pay the price for false or unproven burglary charges in Pennsylvania. Call Shuttleworth Law P.C. to find out how we can help you during your Free Case Evaluation at 888-529-3486 or complete the intake form below:
FAQs: PA Burglary Charges Defense
Burglary is a severe charge. However, the more legal information you have on your side, the more information you have to decide on crucial matters throughout your defense. While you should always seek personalized legal advice about a specific issue, you should learn as much as possible about your charges.
Below, the Philadelphia burglary defense lawyers at Shuttleworth Law P.C. have answered some frequently asked questions (FAQs) by people after an arrest or investigation:
What Is the punishment for burglary in Pennsylvania?
Maximum punishments for a first-time felony burglary conviction in Pennsylvania can include up to 10 or 20 years of prison and $25,000 in fines depending upon the grading of your offense. The law charges these convictions under 18 Pa.C.S. § 1103. You could also face additional penalties according to the facts and circumstances of your case.
Related Article: What Is the Punishment for Burglary in Pennsylvania?
Is burglary a felony in PA?
Is burglary a felony in PA?
What is the statute of limitations on burglary in PA?
The statute of limitations on burglary in PA is five years from the date of the alleged offense. Pennsylvania imposes these deadlines on burglary charges under 42 Pa.C.S. § 5552. You could use the expiration of the statute of limitations as an affirmative defense if they did not charge you with a crime before the time limit.
Yes, burglary charges are different from theft and robbery charges. They carry different penalties and sentences at the state and federal levels. Always get legal help if you face criminal charges.
Get Your Free Case Evaluation with Shuttleworth Law P.C.
The Philadelphia burglary defense lawyers at Shuttleworth Law P.C. will stand by your side throughout the legal process and answer any questions you may have. Get your Free Case Evaluation with our legal team by calling 888-529-3486 or messaging us online.