Columbia, Maryland Burglary & Robbery Lawyers

Protecting You When Accused of Theft

In Maryland, prosecutors are known for trying to build a career on burglary and robbery convictions, so they handle these cases zealously. Burglary involves illegally entering another person’s property, often with the intent to commit another crime. Robbery is the crime of using violence or force to steal another person’s property. A conviction for either robbery or burglary can result in a lifelong criminal record, loss of employment, and loss of freedom.

If you have been accused of burglary or robbery, you should retain the services of Columbia, Maryland burglary and robbery lawyer who can match the confidence and tenacity of the prosecution. The award-winning attorneys at Portner & Shure, P.A. have been successfully defending clients for burglary and robbery charges in Howard County Courts for more than 30 years. Prosecutors recognize our law firm’s name and know they will be in for a fight if they intend to pursue the charges against our clients.

Start your defense strategy soon. Call (410) 995-1515.

Four Burglary Categories in Maryland

There are four different types of burglary under Maryland criminal laws. Each category of burglary can bring differing penalties, which vary depending on the type of property that was burglarized.

What are the four degrees of burglary charges?

• 1st degree: Defined as illegally breaking and entering into another’s home or dwelling with the intent to commit a crime of violence or violent theft. Potential sentencing of 20 years.
• 2nd degree: Defined as illegally breaking and entering into a storehouse with the intent to commit arson, a violent crime, or theft. Potential sentence of 15 years. If it can be proven that the accused intended to steal a firearm, then the potential sentence increases to 20 years.
• 3rd degree: Defined as illegally breaking and entering into another’s home or dwelling with the intent to commit any nonviolent crime. Potential sentence of 4 years.
• 4th degree: Defined as illegally breaking and entering into a dwelling, property, or storehouse with the intent of committing a nonviolent theft crime. Potential sentence of 3 years. This degree can also be charged if someone is arrested with burglary tools and the intent to commit burglary.

Robbery as Defined Under Maryland Law

Maryland courts have adopted the common law definition of robbery. The common law defines robbery is, "the felonious taking and carrying away of the personal property of another from his person by the use of violence or by putting in fear."

Under Maryland law, robbery is the taking of someone else's rightful property through force or through the threat of force. As a violent crime, robbery is prosecuted as a felony. The penalties for robbery in Maryland depend on the circumstances of the crime.

Robbery crimes are sorted into two separate categories:

• Robbery: Defined as obtaining or retaining unauthorized control of an item of value from the victim’s person, presence, or control by force or threat of force. Additionally, in order to be convicted of robbery, it must be proven that the accused specifically intended to deprive another person of an item of value. Potential sentence of 15 years.
• Armed robbery: Defined as a robbery that involves or is carried out with the use of a dangerous weapon. Any item that is designed to cause harm or is used to inflect injury is a deadly weapon under Maryland law. Potential sentence of 20 years.

Additionally, carjacking is stealing a person's vehicle through means of force, threat of force, or weapon; which is a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison.

Potential Defenses Against Burglary or Robbery Charges

How can you defend yourself against a burglary or robbery charge? If you let yourself be coerced by the prosecution, then you cannot. Our Columbia burglary and robbery defense lawyers are here to remind you and show you that you can always challenge any criminal charge.

To defend against a burglary charge, it might make the most sense to argue that you were not intending to commit any crime beyond trespassing. The potential penalties for trespassing are minimal compared to burglary, so using that angle in your defense strategy could work.

In an armed robbery defense case, the focus of your defense might be arguing down the charges, too. If you did not intend to hurt anyone, or if the injuries of the alleged victim are exaggerated, then an armed robbery conviction would be unjustified.

Work on Your Case with Trusted Legal Professionals

A robbery conviction can lead to decades behind bars. Upon release, a convicted felon faces numerous restrictions, including prohibition from owning a firearm, lengthy probation, and limitation of employment and housing options. A felony conviction carries negative ramifications that can last a lifetime.

You need to know that the defense you bring to your robbery or burglary case is solid and capable of accomplishing your goals. If you rush into your defense, then you could worsen things for yourself by inadvertently giving advantages to the prosecution. Trusting your case to a professional defense attorney is a good way to increase your chances of avoiding mistakes and covering all your potential approaches.

Portner & Shure, P.A. in Columbia wants to help you overcome your charges with confidence. Our attorneys are focused on keeping the criminal justice system honest through a reliable defense that attacks the prosecution’s weaknesses, whatever they might be.

See what professional representation can do for your burglary or robbery case.Contact us now.