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Camden County Burglary Defense Lawyer

Facing a burglary charge can be one of the most terrifying moments of your life. One mistake, one wrong turn, and now you’re dealing with something that could affect your entire future. If you’re in Camden County, including areas such as Pennsauken, Lindenwold, Cherry Hill, Camden City, Bellmawr, Haddonfield, Audubon, Gloucester, Collingswood, Berlin, Stratford, and Haddon Heights and charged with burglary, you need to act fast. The Law Office of Matthew V. Portella, LLC is ready to defend you. Every moment counts when your freedom is on the line. Call Today! (856) 310-9800

Burglary Defense Attorney in Camden & Pennsauken, NJ

Understanding Burglary Charges in New Jersey

Burglary charges are serious. We’re talking about breaking into a place you weren’t supposed to be, with the intent to steal or commit another crime. That could mean sneaking into a house, breaking into a garage, or even walking into an unlocked store after hours. It doesn’t always mean you stole something. Even just intending to take something, or planning to commit another crime once inside, can land you with a burglary charge. And in New Jersey, the penalties are no joke. You could be looking at jail time, heavy fines, and a criminal record that sticks with you forever.

The Difference Between Theft and Burglary

Think of burglary as different from theft. Theft is when you take something that doesn’t belong to you. Burglary is about where you are when you decide to do something wrong. You don’t even have to take anything to be charged. Simply being in a place without permission, with a plan to commit a crime, is enough for the police to slap you with burglary charges. Let’s say you enter a neighbor’s home without their knowledge because you wanted to take some tools from the garage. Even if you changed your mind and left without the tools, you could still face a burglary charge because of your intent when entering the property.

Burglary charges can also apply even if no one was home or if it was a business that was closed at the time. The law focuses on the intent and the unlawful entry, not whether you successfully committed the crime or whether someone was present. For instance, breaking into a store after hours with the intent to steal something—even if you leave empty-handed—can still lead to a burglary charge. This is why understanding the difference is so important. Burglary isn’t just about what you took; it’s about where you were and why you were there.

Degrees of Burglary Charges in New Jersey

Burglary charges in New Jersey can fall under different degrees. A second-degree burglary means you either had a weapon or someone got hurt during the break-in. That’s a big deal, and the consequences can be severe, including up to ten years in prison. A third-degree burglary, where no one gets hurt and no weapon is involved, still comes with the possibility of up to five years in prison. These charges can haunt you, making it hard to find a job, secure housing, or even move forward in life. That’s why you need someone on your side who knows the law inside and out, and who will fight to protect you.

Defending Against Burglary Charges

Defending against a burglary charge often means looking at every detail of the case. Why were you there? Did the police have the right to arrest you in the first place? Was there a misunderstanding about your intent? Did they have a search warrant, or did they violate your rights by searching without one? These details can make all the difference in whether you’re convicted or whether we can get the charges reduced or even dropped. Our job is to poke holes in the prosecution’s case and make sure your rights are protected every step of the way.

Defending against a burglary charge also involves examining witness statements and any evidence the prosecution has gathered. Witnesses might be mistaken, or their memories might be unreliable, especially if the incident happened quickly or under stressful conditions. Surveillance footage, if available, can either support or contradict the claims made by the prosecution. We also look at the timing and sequence of events—small inconsistencies can cast doubt on the case against you. By challenging the accuracy and credibility of the evidence, we work to create reasonable doubt, which can make all the difference between a conviction and a favorable outcome.

The Importance of Intent in Burglary Cases

Intent is a key factor in any burglary case. It’s not just about being in a place you shouldn’t be; it’s about what you planned to do once you got there. The prosecution must prove that you entered the building with the intent to commit a crime, whether it was theft or something else. This is where things can get complicated. Sometimes, people are in the wrong place at the wrong time, or they enter a building without realizing they’re breaking the law. If there was no clear intent to commit a crime, then the burglary charge may not hold up in court.

This is why understanding intent is crucial to your defense. If we can show that you had no intention of committing a crime, it can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Maybe you thought you had permission to enter, or maybe you were just seeking shelter and had no plan to do anything illegal. Each detail of your story matters, and it’s our job to present those details clearly and convincingly to challenge the prosecution’s claims.

Contact The Law Office of Matthew V. Portella, LLC Today

If you or a loved one is dealing with a burglary charge in Camden County or Pennsauken, don’t wait. Time is crucial in building a solid defense. The Law Office of Matthew V. Portella, LLC is here to help you every step of the way.  Schedule a consultation today, to get the support and representation you need to fight these charges. We’re committed to defending your rights and helping you move forward.

Call Today! (856) 310-9800

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