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Wisconsin Burglary Lawyers

Providing Clients With a Solid Legal Defense to Fight Felony Charges

Dane County prosecutors are tough on burglary and other related criminal charges. If you have been arrested and charged with burglary, you may face time in prison and a steep fine if convicted.

Aside from potentially having to serve time in prison after being convicted, a defendant will be labeled a felon, which can have serious life-altering consequences. Convicted felons are prohibited from legally owning firearms, being able to vote, or crossing international borders. Additionally, a felony can make it challenging for an individual to attend the higher learning institution of their choice, serve in the military, or obtain gainful employment.

For these reasons, anyone charged with burglary must hire an experienced criminal defense attorney who will fight to protect their reputation and freedom. Casper Mehlos Law Group of Madison, WI, is a criminal defense law firm with a well-earned reputation for defending clients against felony charges and obtaining favorable results.

Contact our law office and ask to schedule a free initial consultation to learn more about our legal services and how we may assist you.

When Can a Person Be Charged With Burglary in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin law dictates that several legal elements must be present to charge a person with burglary. These legal elements include:

  • Unlawful entry: An individual who makes unlawful entry into a dwelling, building, or other property may be charged with burglary. Examples of other properties may include motor homes, locked cargo trailers, or railroad cars
  • Intent to commit theft or other felony: The accused made unlawful entry to the property, intending to commit theft or to engage in another felonious act

However, even if an individual has unlawfully entered another person’s property, which does not necessarily mean they can be charged with burglary. Without proof that the accused intended to commit theft or engage in a felony act, they may only be charged with trespassing.

If you need further clarification regarding what legal elements must be present for a person to be charged with burglary, contact our Madison, WI, law office immediately to schedule a free consultation. A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney will gladly answer your questions and review your legal options.

What are The Sentencing Guidelines for Burglary Convictions?

Per state law, burglary may be charged as a Class F or Class E felony based on the facts involved in the case. A defendant may be charged with a Class E felony if there are special circumstances involved in the crime, which include:

  • The defendant was armed with a dangerous weapon, such as a knife or firearm
  • The defendant attempted or committed a burglary of an occupied dwelling
  • The defendant committed a battery offense against another person during the commission of the burglary
  • The defendant used an explosive device to gain access to the property or while committing the burglary

Potential criminal penalties include:

  • Class F felony: If convicted of a Class F felony, a defendant may be sentenced to up to 12 and a half years in prison along with a $25,000 fine
  • Class E felony: If a convicted of a Class E felony, a defendant may be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison along with a $15,000 fine

To learn more about the potential penalties for burglary convictions, contact our law office to schedule an appointment with one of our criminal attorneys, who can answer your questions.

Are There Any Legal Defenses Against Burglary Charges?

One of the most significant advantages of hiring a criminal defense lawyer is that they can evaluate a burglary case and develop legal strategies to achieve positive client outcomes.

Wisconsin prosecutors must prove that the defendant intentionally entered another person’s property with the intent to commit a felony that applies to being charged with burglary. The state must also prove that the defendant entered the property without the owner’s consent or through intimidation, force, or deception.

Some of the most common legal defense strategies that criminal defense attorneys use to refute burglary charges include:

  • Lack of intent: A criminal defense attorney may be able to prove that the defendant did not enter the alleged victim’s property with the intent to commit theft or other offenses
  • Consent: The owner of the property or lawful occupant gave the defendant consent to enter their property
  • Mistaken identity: A skilled criminal defense lawyer may be able to prove that witnesses misidentified the defendant and, therefore, is not guilty of the crime.

Why Should I Choose Your Criminal Defense Lawyers to Defend Me Against Burglary Charges?

If you have been charged with burglary, you must hire an experienced attorney to assist you with your criminal case. The Wisconsin criminal justice system can be challenging to navigate without the help of a knowledgeable lawyer who will aggressively defend you against the charges.

Casper Mehlos Law Group has comprehensive experience providing quality legal representation for clients facing criminal charges. As a result, we have extensive resources that we may utilize to build your defense case.

If we agree to take your case, we will thoroughly evaluate the state’s evidence to determine its strengths and weaknesses. Our main objective is to have your charges reduced or dismissed. However, depending on the facts involved in the case, we may be able to negotiate with the prosecution to reach a deal that will help you avoid going to trial.

Because the stakes are so high, do not risk your freedom and reputation by trying to defend your criminal case independently. Instead, contact the Casper Mehlos Law Group of Madison, WI, at (608) 820-8926 and ask to schedule a free, confidential consultation so that we may review your case.