Have you been charged with burglary in San Jose, California? Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys can help—call (408) 217-8818 to schedule a consultation. A San Jose burglary lawyer is ready to review your case and walk you through your legal options.
A burglary conviction can carry life-altering consequences, including incarceration, heavy fines, and a lasting criminal record. You don’t have to face this alone. Getting legal help early can make a meaningful difference in how your case unfolds—and in the outcome.
Call now to get the support you need.
Why Choose Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys, To Help Me if I’ve Been Accused of Burglary in San Jose?
If you’ve been accused of a crime in San Jose, CA, Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys, is here to guide you through every step of the legal process. Here’s why those in need of help choose us:
- We bring over 30 years of combined experience helping clients face some of the most challenging moments of their lives.
- Our practice focuses exclusively on criminal defense for adults and juveniles, so you get the full benefit of a team that knows this area of law inside and out.
- We’ve helped people avoid jail, prison, steep fines, and wrongful convictions by building strong, strategic defenses.
- We handle all types of criminal charges and tailor our approach based on the specific facts of your case.
- Our team includes a California State Bar Certified Specialist in criminal law and a nationally published author in criminal defense.
- Our attorneys have been recognized among the Rising Stars, Top 100 Trial Lawyers, and Top 40 Under 40.
- We keep you informed, answer your questions promptly, and treat you like family—because your case deserves our full attention.
If you need help, call today to schedule your consultation with a San Jose criminal defense attorney.
What Is Burglary in California?
Under California Penal Code § 459, burglary occurs when someone enters a structure—such as a home, business, or locked vehicle—with the intent to commit theft or any felony once inside. The prosecution does not need to prove that the intended crime was completed; the intent alone is enough to support a burglary charge.
Burglary is classified as either first-degree or second-degree. First-degree burglary, also known as residential burglary, involves entering a dwelling and is considered a more serious offense. Second-degree burglary typically involves commercial buildings or other non-residential structures.
What Are the Penalties for Burglary in San Jose, California?
The penalties for burglary depend on the degree of the offense:
- First-degree burglary is a felony punishable by up to six years in state prison and/or a maximum $1,000 fine. It is also a “strike” under California’s Three Strikes Law.
- Second-degree burglary may be charged as a felony or misdemeanor (a “wobbler”), depending on the circumstances. A misdemeanor conviction can result in up to one year in county jail, while a felony may carry up to 3 years in prison.
Other factors—such as prior convictions, whether anyone was home during the alleged burglary, or whether weapons were involved—can increase the severity of the sentence.
Collateral Consequences of a Burglary Conviction
In addition to jail or prison time and financial penalties, a burglary conviction can lead to serious long-term consequences that go far beyond the courtroom, including:
- Employment challenges: Many employers conduct background checks and may be hesitant to hire someone with a burglary conviction, especially for jobs involving trust or access to property.
- Loss of professional licenses: If you hold a state-issued professional license (such as for nursing, teaching, or real estate), a felony conviction could lead to suspension or revocation.
- Housing issues: Landlords often screen for criminal convictions, and a burglary charge can make it harder to secure rental housing.
- Immigration consequences: If you’re not a U.S. citizen, a conviction for burglary could affect your immigration status, potentially leading to deportation or ineligibility for future relief.
- Loss of civil rights: Felony convictions in California can result in the loss of your right to vote while incarcerated and your right to own or possess firearms.
These collateral consequences make it even more important to fight the charge and pursue every opportunity to reduce or dismiss it.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Accused of Burglary?
A skilled criminal defense attorney may raise one or more of the following defenses:
- Lack of intent: Burglary charges require proof that you intended to commit a crime upon entering the building. If that intent did not exist, the charge may not hold.
- Mistaken identity: In some cases, surveillance footage or eyewitness testimony may be unreliable. Your attorney can challenge this evidence if you were wrongly identified.
- Consent: If you had permission to enter the property, the charge may not apply.
- Insufficient evidence: If the prosecution cannot prove each element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt, your charges may be reduced or dismissed.
Each case is unique, and the right defense strategy depends on the facts and circumstances involved.
How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help if You’ve Been Accused of Burglary
When you’re facing serious charges, having a knowledgeable attorney in your corner can make all the difference. From the moment you’re under investigation or arrested, a defense lawyer can:
- Advise you on what to say—or not say—to law enforcement
- Investigate the evidence and police conduct for possible violations
- File motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence
- Negotiate with prosecutors to reduce or dismiss charges
- Represent you at trial and present a strong defense before a jury
The earlier you get legal help, the better your chances of protecting your freedom and future.
Schedule a Case Evaluation With Our Burglary Defense Lawyer
At Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys, we’ve dedicated our practice to defending people just like you in San Jose, California, and surrounding communities. Our team will take the time to understand your story, investigate the facts, and fight for the best outcome in your case.
We know how stressful this situation can be—and we’re here to help you move forward. Call today to schedule a time to speak with a San Jose burglary defense lawyer.