Oklahoma City, Oklahoma has strict laws governing burglary and severely punishes those convicted of such crimes.
Read on to find out more about Oklahoma City burglary charges.
FAQ: Oklahoma City Burglary Charges
To put it simply, burglary in the state of Oklahoma is breaking into the house or property of another with the intent to commit a crime.
Oklahoma City burglary charges are then broken down into two categories: burglary in the first degree and burglary in the second degree.
Burglary in the First Degree
Burglary in the first degree in Oklahoma can be explained as breaking into someone’s house or property to commit a crime, when there is someone inside.
Oklahoma considers burglary in the first degree a very serious crime. A conviction carries a minimum sentence of seven years and up to 20 years of incarceration in a state penitentiary.
In addition, burglary in the first degree in Oklahoma is an 85% crime. This means that a person convicted of burglary in the first degree will have to serve at least 85% of the sentence imposed before being eligible for parole.
Burglary in the Second Degree
Burglary in the second degree in Oklahoma can be explained as breaking into the house or property of another to commit a crime, when there is nobody inside.
Burglary in the second degree in Oklahoma, also a felony, is a less serious offense than burglary in the first degree, but serious nonetheless.
Burglary in the second degree carries a minimum sentence of two years and a maximum sentence of seven years of incarceration in the state penitentiary.
Thus the key difference between the different types of Oklahoma City burglary charges is that you can only be convicted of burglary in the first degree if someone was inside the property when you entered to commit the crime.
This aspect is extremely significant in that, if you are convicted, it could mean the difference between a lengthy minimum sentence in prison or the possibility of probation.
Burglary vs. Robbery in Oklahoma City
The difference between burglary and robbery in Oklahoma lies in that fact that robbery is the theft of personal property directly from the victim’s person or immediate presence. Whereas burglary is the crime of entering a person’s home or property to commit a crime, such as theft.
Thus in the case of robbery, a victim is always present. However, burglary may committed with or without the victim being present.
Low-cost Consultation: Oklahoma City Felony Attorney
Your freedom is worth defending. If you are facing Oklahoma City burglary charges, let us use our knowledge and skills to protect your interests and your liberty.
There’s no cost and no obligation for an initial consultation with our Oklahoma City felony attorney. Call the Criminal Defense Law Office of Oklahoma City at (405) 588-4529 (588-4LAW) today.
If you prefer, you may send your question using the contact form at the top right side of this page.