Burglary

Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors – Burglary

Burglary is classed as a “dishonesty” offence, along with theft and robbery.

Burglary is a complex criminal offence and usually involves a person or persons entering a building illegally – trespassing – with the purpose of carrying out an illegal activity, such as removing property or possessions, causing damage, or even assaulting someone inside the building.

Burglary is also defined by other factors such as the type of property or structure entered, how it has been entered – and to what purpose.

Buildings, for example, are defined as permanent structures or those with a considerable lifespan – but “buildings” may also be inhabited structures. such as canal barges or caravans on fixed sites.

Burglary of a residence is also a separate offence from burglary of another type of structure.

Charges relating to burglary will also take into account legal definitions for trespassing and entering – trespassing might involve going into a public building, but later accessing a restricted or private area.

Entering may mean actually walking into a property and trespassing – although entering can also involve simply put a hand or arm or leg inside a property: for example, climbing in through a window so that part of the body is inside the property; or extending an arm across a shop counter to place a hand inside a till, or putting an arm through a window.

The prosecution must prove intent to commit burglary – ie steal or cause criminal damage.

Not everyone facing burglary charges is guilty, but because burglary can be such a complex charge, it is vital to take legal advice on burglary charges as soon as possible. At the early stage of a police investigation it is easy to make errors and misjudgements, which might prejudice the outcome of a case if it goes to trial.

Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors are available 24/7 to advise on criminal charges – and have acknowledged expertise in defending burglary charges and related offences.

Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors – Our reputation for excellence

The Duncan Lewis Crime Department is ranked in Legal 500 2014 for its General Crime and White Collar Fraud Work.

Duncan Lewis crime lawyers have acknowledged expertise in case building based on a sound knowledge of the criminal justice system – and the ability to assemble compelling evidence and documentation in criminal cases involving burglary allegations.

Duncan Lewis represents clients at Police Stations, Magistrates’ Courts, Crown Courts, and at Appeal Courts such as the Court of Appeal – and has highly experienced Higher Court Advocates with a background in conducting serious matters such as murder and rape.

Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors – When to contact us

Clients do not have to wait until they have been arrested to contact Duncan Lewis about any criminal charges – our team can advise from the initial stages of a police inquiry, or if it is likely a client may be arrested to face a criminal charge involving burglary.

Duncan Lewis crime lawyers can also advise on Civil Liberties matters such as wrongful arrest, false imprisonment and prisoners’ rights in custody – as well as advising on appeals against conviction or sentencing relating to burglary charges.

All Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors are highly trained and highly experienced – and are dedicated to offering the best criminal defence services to our clients at police stations, courts and prisons.

Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors – How to contact us

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide – including more than 20 offices across London and the southeast and in all major cities across England and Wales.

A member of the Duncan Lewis criminal defence team can usually reach a client at a police station or court within 45 minutes to offer expert legal advice on all criminal charges and for police interview under caution.

We aim for the best possible outcome for clients facing charges relating to burglary – call Duncan Lewis any time on 020 7923 4020 for expert legal advice.

For 24/7 help at a police station in England and Wales, call the Duncan Lewis Emergency Hotline on 020 7275 2036.

Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors – Legal Aid & Private Client – Burglary

Duncan Lewis is a leading provider of Legal Aid criminal defence services –Legal Aid is means tested and may only be available in certain circumstances.

Duncan Lewis can advise further on Legal Aid at the initial client meeting.

In cases where a client may not be eligible for Legal Aid, Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors offer competitively-priced fee levels for private client representation – with fixed fees and advance notice of any costs whenever possible.

In some criminal cases, after the event insurance may be an option and Duncan Lewis will advise on an appropriate level of insurance to cover the potential costs of defending a criminal case and to pay any costs imposed by the court.

Call Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors to discuss burglary charges on 020 7923 4020.