Burglary

In Washington State, there are three types of Burglary: First Degree, Second Degree, and Residential Burglary. This page is concerned with First and Second Degree Burglary. Burglary in the First Degree is a Class A Felony, while Second Degree Burglary is a Class B Felony. For a person with no criminal history, the standard sentencing range for First Degree is 15-20 months, while for Second Degree the standard range is 3-9 months. Under RCW 9A.52.020, a person is guilty of First Degree Burglary if,

• a) "with intent to commit a crime against a person or property therein, he or she enters or remains unlawfully in a building, AND
• b)  if, in entering or while in the building or in immediate flight therefrom, the actor or another participant in the crime
  • a. is armed with a deadly weapon, or
  • b. assaults any person"

This means that if either the defendant (or the accomplice) is armed with a deadly weapon or assaults anyone during the burglary, it is First Degree. Under RCW 9A.52.030, a person is guilty of Second Degree Burglary if, with intent to commit a crime against a person or property therein, he enters or remains unlawfully in a building other than a vehicle or a dwelling. If you, or someone you care about, has been charged (or may be) with First or Second Degree Burglary in King County, Skagit County, Snohomish County, or Whatcom County, call Ashbach Law Offices, LLC today at (360) 659-4950 for a free, no-pressure case evaluation. With a reputation in the legal community as aggressive, effective and successful criminal defense attorneys, we are here to help you through your difficult times.