Englewood Burglary on the Rise

While the Coronavirus arrival has encouraged an empathetic side of humanity, it has also brought in a negative tide of criminal behavior. Since the quarantine began, there has been a spike in burglary offenses in Englewood, Florida. If you have been involved in an act of burglary, contact a skilled Englewood lawyer at Pallegar Law, P.A.

Burglary, theft, and robbery all often get confused in the mix of criminal terminology. The most accurate definitions and consequences are listed in chapter 810.0-812 of the Florida Statues. It is a recommended you get clarification from a trusted attorney if you are accused or are the victim of any of the following offenses.

• Burglary can be easily defined by the Florida Statutes as entering a private structure with the intent to commit a crime, unless said property is open to the public or the individual is invited in. It should be noted that the owner of said property is able to withdraw the invitation at any time.
• Theft is the taking of another person’s property to either deprive the person a right to the property, or use it as your own.
• Robbery is the taking of money or other property while using fear, force, or violence on the victim.

Simply put, burglary is a property crime. Burglary is a felony in the first degree and can be punishable with up to life imprisonment if the offender assaults, is armed, or causes over $1,000 in damages to the property. It can be charged as a second-degree offense if the offender does not make an assault, or is not armed. Additionally, if a burglary is committed in a county with a declared state of emergency, you could be charged with a first-degree felony. Both Charlotte and Sarasota County declared a local state of emergency in mid-March and it has not been lifted. Therefore, any act of burglary since then could possibly be subjected to a first-degree felony with the according punishment. If you are currently in need of an expert attorney for a related burglary offense, contact Pallegar Law, P.A. to get the help you deserve.

In the last two months there has been a combined total of 143 reported burglaries in Charlotte and Sarasota County, according to the Crime Mapping site provided by the Sheriff offices. Police departments patrolling Englewood have tried to decrease this crime influx by providing reminders to lock your doors with the “9 PM Routine” advisory. This reminder is geared toward locking your car and house doors so that you may not become a victim of burglary or theft. While this is helpful, it is highly suggested that you contact a trained lawyer capable of aiding you in the event that you are involved in a burglary offense.

Don’t wait to get the help you need if you or someone you know is accused, or the victim of burglary. Immediately seek help from one of our experienced Englewood Lawyers at Pallegar Law, P.A. Call 941-893-5816 to schedule your free consultation.