The state of Missouri can charge you with Burglary in the Second Degree if you “knowingly enter” a building or habitable structure “for the purpose of committing a crime therein”. In essence, there is two parts to this crime: 1) unlawfully entering in the building; and 2) doing so with the purpose of committing some sort of crime once you are inside. Mo Stat. 569.170.1
This sort of crime is described as a Class C Felony in St Louis. The court can therefore for potentially sentence you to up to seven (7) years of jail and a $5,000 fine.
But just because the state has leveled this charge against you does not mean that you are in fact guilty of the crime. The state (i.e. the prosecutor) has the job of proving beyond a reasonable doubt that each of the two elements listed above occurred. If the state cannot do so, then the charge cannot stick.
Pleading Guilty Is Not Your Best Option!!This is why it is so very important to make use of a good, experienced St Louis criminal defense lawyer to help you out!! If you were to try and navigate the criminal justice system on your own (without the aid of legal counsel), then you are risking a great deal. Indeed, the prosecutor would treat you the same as if he/she were dealing with an actual attorney (in other words, they would not show you any special treatment just because you are not licensed to practice law).
Our team is ready to assist you through the entire process. We will make sure you understand your legal rights, have a clear understanding of your full range of options, and answer any questions you may have.
The affordable St. Louis criminal defense attorneys at The Bankruptcy Company have been taking care of criminal charges in Missouri for over ten (10) years. We specialize in making sure that your record stays clean, and so that you can move forward with life. And we want to do it all at an affordable price. The upfront fees for a low level felony charge start at $750. But the initial consultation to discuss your legal issues is free of charge. So contact us today to learn more!!
We have two main locations: in the Central West End of St. Louis, at 1 North Taylor (on the corner of Taylor and Laclede), 63108; and in the Twin Cities of Festus / Crystal City, at 1000 Truman Blvd (Highway 61/67), 63019.