Santa Barbara Burglary Defense Lawyers

Arrested for Burglary in Santa Barbara County?

In California, a burglary conviction can be life-altering. Whether you have been charged with first-degree or second-degree burglary, it is important to obtain experienced legal counsel from a qualified attorney.

At Appel & Morse, our Santa Barbara criminal defense lawyers are ready to protect your rights, reputation, and freedom. As former prosecutors, we can give you the upper-hand in knowing how the prosecution will approach your case. Our legal team can investigate your case, gather evidence, and develop an aggressive and personalized defense strategy just for you.

Burglary Penalties in California

California burglary is divided into “first-degree burglary” and “second-degree burglary”. First-degree burglary pertains to residence thefts, while second-degree burglary relates to any other type of structure, such as stores and businesses.

First degree (residential) burglary is a felony, punishable by a prison sentence of either two, four, or six years. On the other hand, second degree (commercial) burglary is known as a wobbler, meaning it may be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony depending on the circumstances of the crime.

A felony conviction for commercial burglary is punishable by a county jail sentence of either 16 months, two years, or three years. A misdemeanor conviction for commercial burglary is punishable by a county jail sentence of up to one year.

50 Years of Experience

If you have been arrested and charged with burglary, our Santa Barbara criminal defense attorneys understand how to get your charge reduced, or your case dismissed entirely. With more than 50 years of experience, we have an in-depth understanding of state laws and court processes to help you navigate through the possible complexities of your case.

Contact our firm and request a free criminal consultation today.