Have you been charged with burglary in Fort Worth, Texas? Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers can help, contact us today at 682 777 3336. You can speak with a Fort Worth burglary lawyer who will explain what you’re facing, discuss your options, and help you take the next steps with confidence.
Burglary charges can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure how the legal process works or what your rights are. Connecting with an experienced attorney can help you understand the accusations, prepare for what comes next, and begin building a strong defense from the very start.
Why Choose Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers To Help Me if I’ve Been Accused of Burglary in Fort Worth?
At Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers, our team uses its strong experience and practical insight to guide people facing burglary charges through a challenging time. Our attorneys come from diverse backgrounds, and they work with a clear focus on each client’s specific needs.
Here’s why you should choose us if you need help in Fort Worth, TX:
- Our attorneys bring more than 60 years of combined experience in criminal law.
- Our team includes former prosecutors, a former magistrate judge, a former federal public defender, two board-certified attorneys, and a law professor.
- Several of our attorneys have earned board certification in criminal law from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
- We use a clear, three-step process at the start of every case: we learn our client’s full story, closely examine the prosecutor’s evidence, and build a strong plan to challenge the government’s case.
- We strive to cultivate and maintain client relationships founded on empathy, compassion, and support.
Contact our law firm to discuss your situation with an experienced Fort Worth criminal defense attorney.
What Is Burglary in Texas?
In Texas, burglary occurs when someone enters a building or habitation without permission and intends to commit theft, assault, or another felony once inside. A person can still be charged even if nothing is taken and no physical harm occurs—the intent itself is what the law focuses on.
Texas also distinguishes between entering a home and entering another type of structure, and the specific location plays a major role in how the charge is classified.
What Charges Could I Face for Burglary in Fort Worth, Texas?
The burglary charge you may face in Fort Worth depends on the type of property involved and the specific facts of the case. You could face the following charges:
- First-degree felony: Charged when someone enters a habitation and either commits or attempts to commit a felony other than theft inside. This is the most serious form of burglary.
- Second-degree felony: Applies when someone enters a habitation without permission and intends to commit theft, assault, or another felony. Even without physical harm or stolen property, the intent can be enough for a second-degree charge.
- Third-degree felony: Burglary becomes a third-degree felony if the premises are a building other than a habitation and the offense is committed during the commission of an offense under §20.05(a)(2) (Smuggling of Persons involving a substantial likelihood of serious bodily injury). This is a narrow classification.
- State jail felony: This applies when someone enters a building that is not a habitation with the intent to commit theft, assault, or another felony, unless the case meets the criteria that elevate it to a third-degree felony.
Even small details can shift a case from a lower-level offense to a much more serious felony. Always discuss your specific situation with an attorney.
What Are the Penalties for Burglary in Fort Worth, Texas?
The penalties you may be facing depend on the circumstances and classification of your case. You could face:
- First-degree felony: Between 5 years and life imprisonment; up to $10,000 in fines.
- Second-degree felony: Between 2 and 20 years imprisonment; up to $10,000 in fines.
- Third-degree felony: Between 2 and 10 years imprisonment; up to $10,000 in fines.
- State jail felony: Between 180 days and 2 years imprisonment; up to $10,000 in fines.
Whether you’re facing a state jail felony or a first-degree felony, a conviction can result in years behind bars and thousands in fines. You may also face significant collateral consequences.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Accused of Burglary?
The defenses available in a burglary case will depend on the specific facts of your situation, but some common legal strategies include:
- Lack of intent: Burglary charges require the intent to commit a felony, theft, or assault at the time of entry. If that intent can’t be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, the charge may not stand.
- Mistaken identity: If the prosecution cannot clearly establish who committed the alleged offense, this can be used to challenge the reliability of witness statements or surveillance footage.
- Consent to enter: If you had permission to be on the property, this could undermine the core element of unlawful entry.
- Alibi: If you can prove that you were somewhere else at the time of the alleged burglary, this can be a powerful defense.
- Insufficient evidence: The state has the burden of proof. If the evidence against you is weak, incomplete, or improperly obtained, your attorney may be able to suppress it or seek a case dismissal.
Not every case has a straightforward defense—but an experienced criminal lawyer can evaluate all available options and fight for the best outcome.
How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help if You’ve Been Accused of Burglary
Being arrested or charged with burglary can be a life-changing experience. A skilled criminal defense lawyer can help you by:
- Explaining your rights and legal options at each stage of the process
- Investigating the charges and gathering evidence that supports your defense
- Identifying legal errors in police procedures, such as unlawful searches or arrests
- Negotiating with prosecutors for reduced charges or alternative sentencing
- Representing you in court and building a strong defense if your case goes to trial
The sooner you involve an attorney, the more time they have to prepare a strategic response. Early legal intervention often leads to better outcomes.
Schedule a Case Evaluation With Our Burglary Defense Lawyer
If you’ve been charged with burglary in Fort Worth, TX, Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers can provide the guidance and support you need. The decisions you make now can affect the rest of your life, and our team is here to help you make informed choices from the very beginning.
Call today to schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced Fort Worth burglary lawyer. We’ll help you understand your options, protect your rights, and work toward the best possible resolution for your case.
