What is burglary in the first degree?
Burglary in the first degree is a criminal act that involves the entrance into an occupied dwelling or empty building without consent, and with the intent to commit a theft.IdentificationFirst-degree burglary descriptions vary by state, but collectively involve the aspects of: entering a dwelling without consent; either the intent to commit or actual commission of a robbery; and either the possession of a dangerous weapon or commission of an assault on another.PunishmentBurglary in the first degree is a felony charge that often carries jail time and a fine. In California, a first-degree burglary charge also adds one strike with respect to the “three strikes” law. Most severely, perhaps, Massachusetts convictions of nighttime dwelling burglaries impose a sentence with a maximum of life imprisonment.IntentProving intent is vital to the conviction of a first-degree burglary charge. Proving the state of mind of the accused is complicated, and is often done through the facts of the case rat
