If you have been arrested for burglary in Pinellas County, you likely are feeling overwhelmed and confused about what to do next. To make the most informed decisions throughout your legal proceedings, the first thing you should do is to get experienced legal representation with the criminal defense lawyer in Clearwater as soon as possible.
Under Florida law, burglary involves entering or remaining in a dwelling, structure, or conveyance with the intent to commit a crime inside. Contrary to popular belief, burglary actually does not even require forced entry or theft. Burglary charges can be given for remaining inside a property after committing another crime. The intended offense may involve another crime, and simply remaining inside a property unlawfully can lead to burglary charges.
The overall severity of the charge depends on several factors, including whether the property was occupied, whether there were weapons or any property damage, and any previous criminal record. The presence of any of these factors can quickly increase a third-degree felony to a first-degree one, and can result in significant time in prison and extremely steep fines.
Right after getting arrested in Pinellas County, you will be transported to the Pinellas County Jail for booking. During this, law enforcement will record personal information, photographs, fingerprints, and the alleged charges against you.
Within approximately 24 hours, you will typically be required to go before a judge for a first appearance hearing. At this hearing, the court reviews the charges, determines whether there is probable cause, and decides whether bond should be granted. The judge may also determine any release conditions, which can include travel restrictions or no-contact orders, if the allegations involve a specific victim or property owner.
After being released, the case will proceed through the Pinellas County court system. The first formal court date is generally the arraignment, and is where you will enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
If a not guilty plea is entered, the case moves into the pre-trial phase. During this phase, both sides will exchange their evidence, file legal motions, and you can evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the prosecution’s case. A leading criminal defense lawyer in Clearwater can examine whether evidence was lawfully obtained, challenge witness testimony, and negotiate with prosecutors when appropriate.
In some cases, our office can intervene early and advocate for a dismissal of the charges through the filing of a “No Information.” In others, we may successfully secure our client’s participation in the “Pre-Trial Intervention” program. Another way we may be able to avoid a felony conviction is by negotiating a resolution that involves a “Withhold of Adjudication.”
The penalties for burglary really depend on the specific facts of the case and whether you have any criminal history. Being convicted may result in prison, probation, fines, paying restitution, or a combination of these penalties.
Because of the severity of a felony conviction, it is important to work with Attorney Tim Sullivan in Clearwater to build as strong a defense strategy as possible, as early as possible.
If you have been arrested for burglary in Pinellas County, do not wait to learn about your legal options and get your free consultation from a leading criminal defense lawyer in Clearwater Getting intervention as early as you can may help protect your rights and your future.
For a free case consultation in Clearwater with Attorney Timothy Sullivan, please contact The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan today.
