Toledo Breaking and Entering Lawyer

In Ohio, a person can be charged with a serious criminal offense if they ‘trespass’ on another person’s property. In certain cases, trespass — even without evidence of actual property theft — can be charged as a felony offense. Indeed, a criminal charge referred to as ‘breaking and entering’ is a serious offense that does not require an Ohio prosecutor to prove that the defendant actually stole anything or committed any violent crime. A defendant who is facing breaking and entering charges needs immediate legal representation.

At Groth & Associates, our aggressive Toledo breaking and entering lawyers are dedicated to protecting the legal rights of our clients. We understand how complicated breaking and entering cases can be. If you or your family member was charged with breaking and entering in Northwestern Ohio, please give us a call at our Toledo law office to set up a free, strictly confidential initial consultation. We are here to protect your rights.

OHIO LAW: BREAKING AND ENTERING

Ohio has a ‘breaking and entering’ statute (Ohio Rev. Code § 2911.13). If you are charged under this statute, prosecutors must be able to prove that:  

• You trespassed — forcibly, stealthy, or through deception —  with the purpose of committing a theft or any type of felony offense.

Please note what is not required by this statute: To be convicted of breaking and entering, the defendant does not actually need to have committed a theft or any other felony crime. Instead, illegal entry with the intent to commit theft or a felony offense is sufficient to prove a breaking and entering charge in Ohio.

For a free legal consultation with a breaking and entering lawyer serving Toledo, call (419) 930-3030

WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES FOR BREAKING AND ENTERING?

IF YOU’RE ARRESTED FOR BREAKING & ENTERING IN OHIO, YOU CAN BE CHARGED WITH A FIFTH DEGREE FELONY OFFENSE

In Ohio, breaking and entering is a very serious criminal offense. Many jurisdictions around the country have breaking and entering statutes or similar laws. In some states, breaking and entering is usually charged as a misdemeanor. However, that is not true in Ohio. If you are arrested for breaking and entering in Toledo, it can be charged as a fifth degree felony offense.

A conviction for breaking and entering subjects an individual to significant penalties. First and foremost, a person could be sentenced to 6 to 12 months in prison. In addition, there is a maximum fine of $2,500. Of course, this could come on top of other penalties— such a losing a clean criminal record. If you were charged with breaking and entering in Ohio, it is imperative that you consult with a skilled criminal defense lawyer immediately.

Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me (419) 930-3030

HOW OUR TOLEDO CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYERS CAN HELP

Breaking and entering cases are complex. They require a comprehensive, fully individualized investigation by an experienced legal professional. When our Toledo, OH criminal defense lawyers take on a case, we always put in the necessary time and effort to craft the very best defense strategy for our client. What that defense strategy entails will depend on the specific nature of the case. For example, if you were arrested for breaking and entering because of a mistaken identity, then those charges must be defended aggressively. Our legal team will fight to get illegitimate breaking and entering charges dropped or thrown out of court.

Of course, seeking to get the charges dropped outright may not be an advisable defense strategy. In some situations, the best defense strategy is to look for options to limit punishment or to get the charges reduced. Certainly, a felony conviction should be avoided whenever possible. Notably, breaking and entering is fundamentally a form of trespassing. A defendant may be eligible to get a breaking and entering charge reduced to a less serious offense, such as criminal trespass or aggravated trespass. These are misdemeanor offenses. They could allow a person to avoid jail time.  

Ultimately, an effective defense to a breaking and entering charge must be crafted to fit the specific facts of an individual case. If you were arrested in Ohio or Michigan, you should speak a qualified attorney who can review the specific circumstances and determine what action needs to be taken to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future.

CONTACT OUR BREAKING & ENTERING LAWYERS IN TOLEDO TODAY

At Groth & Associates, our Ohio criminal defense lawyers work tirelessly to protect the legal rights of our clients. Breaking and entering is a serious criminal charge — you need a skilled advocate on your side. If you or your loved one was arrested for breaking and entering, please contact our law firm today for a free, strictly confidential consultation. From our office in Toledo, we represent defendants in Lucas County and throughout Northwestern Ohio and Southern Michigan.

Call or text (419) 930-3030 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form