Weld County Second Degree Burglary Lawyer
Burglar Steals Ashes of a Baby

A burglar (accidentaly) steals the family's urn containing the ashes of a baby. If you're being accused of 2nd Degree Burglary in Greeley, call our office!

Second Degree Burglary, in Weld County, is a combination of two crimes in one. It combines Criminal Trespass with another crime, usually Theft. In this case, someone broke into a family’s home and only stole a few things. The person apparently stole collector coins and an urn containing the ashes of a baby. The family believes the burglar may have taken the item because they kept their son’s ashes in a small box-like urn. The burglar probably thought there was something monetarily valuable inside.

What is Second Degree Burglary, C.R.S.18-4-203, in Greeley, Colorado?

In Greeley, Colorado, Second Degree Burglary, C.R.S. 18-4-203, will be charged when:

A person knowingly breaks an entrance into, enters unlawfully in, or remains unlawfully after a lawful or unlawful entry in a building or occupied structure with intent to commit therein a crime against another person or property.

So, if local police apprehend the burglar who stole the ashes of a baby, the District Attorney will have to prove that that person knowingly entered, unlawfully, into the family’s home, and intended to steal from them.

Sentence for Second Degree Burglary in Windsor, Johnstown, and Ault

The sentence for Second Degree Burglary in Windsor, Johnstown, and Ault is a class 4 felony. However, this crime’s sentence can be elevated depending on the circumstances. If the location broken into was a dwelling, like an apartment or home, it can be elevated to a class 3 felony. If the burglar was looking to steal a controlled substance specifically, while it was lawfully contained, or if the burglar was looking for guns or ammunition, it could also be elevated to a class 3 felony. This increases the felony classification and potential prison time. So for the Burglar who stole the ashes of a baby, if he is apprehended, he would be facing a class 3 felony in Windsor, Colorado.

Burglary and Domestic Violence in Evans, Eaton, and La Salle

In Evans, Eaton, and La Salle, if Burglary is committed against a current or past romantic partner of the actor, police will add the Domestic Violence Enhancer onto the list of charges against the actor. Anytime a crime is committed against someone with whom the actor has been in an intimate relationship, Evans Police will consider the crime an act of Domestic Violence.

Let me paint a picture of a common example. A couple breaks up. The girlfriend returns to the boyfriend’s home. She knows where he keeps his spare key, so she uses it to get inside. She is still upset about the breakup, so she collects all of her items, and proceeds to take his gaming console as well. She has not only unlawfully entered his home, but has now stolen something of his. She would be charged with Burglary with a Domestic Violence Sentence enhancer.

When someone is convicted with the Domestic Violence Sentence Enhancer, they face additional consequences to their underlying crime. Typically, they must undergo treatment, maintain directions of the Protection Order, and give up any and all firearms and ammunition. Say goodbye to your hunting rights with a Domestic Violence conviction.

Accused of Burglary in Greeley or Weld County?

If you’re being accused of Burglary or Burglary with a Domestic Violence Sentence Enhancer in Greeley or Weld County, call our criminal defense law firm. today.

Remember not to speak to any police officer about your case. The more you tell police, the more they can twist your words and, potentially, the less powerful your defense will be.

Call 970-616-6009 or fill out the Get Help Now form to schedule a free consultation with an experienced criminal defense lawyer in the Greeley and Weld County area.

Together, we can protect your future.

Photo by Jason Leung on Unsplash