Breaking and entering in North Carolina can be a misdemeanor or felony charge depending upon the circumstances surrounding the alleged crime. Whatever facts and evidence exist regarding the alleged commission of a breaking and entering crime against an individual, they can seek the support of a criminal defense attorney to help them as they learn about their legal options. This post does not provide legal advice and should not be relied upon as such.
Under the law, breaking and entering happens when a person enters a building without the right to do so or with the intent of committing a crime. For example, if a person is alleged to have broken a window in a home, entered through it, all for the purposes of taking the possessions of another person, they may face a Class H felony. If a person breaks or enters a building without the intent to commit a crime but where they are not legally permitted to be, they may face a misdemeanor charge.
As readers can tell, breaking and entering allegations can become very serious when law enforcement officials suspect that individuals intend to commit crimes once gaining entry to their allegedly targeted buildings. Breaking and entering charges do not only arise from alleged crimes happening in residences, but also commercial buildings as well.
Whether a charge is a misdemeanor or a felony, a North Carolina resident has the right to a strong defense to help them overcome their legal challenges. No outcome can be guaranteed when a criminal case goes to trial, but criminal defendants can work with supportive criminal defense attorneys to educate themselves on their legal defense strategies.