Burglary Charge in Manassas
March 2, 2016 by Jean Humbrecht
A Burglary charge in Manassas criminalizes breaking and entering the dwelling house of another at night with the intent to commit a larceny or felony therein. A Burglary in Manassas has been committed when entry is made with felonious intent.
Proof of Burlgary Charge in Manassas
A Burglary Charge in Manassas Can be Punished with High Fines and Prison
To convict an offender of a Burglary charge in Manassas, the Commonwealth must prove every element of the offense, which includes: breaking and entering the dwelling house of another at night with the intent to commit a larceny or felony.
Breaking: Breaking means using force against a dwelling house to gain entry. Pushing a door open or even using a key to unlock a door without permission can be considered a breaking for purposes of a Burglary charge in Manassas.
Entering: Entering is making an intrusion into the interior space of a dwelling house.
Nighttime: A Burglary in Manassas can only be committed at night (between sunset and sunrise).
Dwelling House: A dwelling house is a place that a person usually lodges at night.
Of Another: The structure subject to a Burglary charge in Manassas must be another person’s dwelling house.
Intent to Commit Larceny or Felony: The Commonwealth must prove that the offender intended to commit a larceny or felony to convict an offender of a Burglary charge in Manassas. The intended felony or larceny does not need to be completed to convict an offender of a Burglary charge in Manassas.
Deadly Weapon: Committing a Burglary while armed with a deadly weapon is punished with a minimum of 20 years up to life in prison.
Possession of Recently Stolen Goods: Possessing recently stolen goods taken as a result of a Burglary can be evidence that the person who is in possession of those goods is the person who committed the Burglary.
Possession of Burglarious Tools: Possession of burglarious tools matching the tools used in a Burglary can be evidence of intent to commit Burglary and can even be a separate felony under Va. Code §18.2-94.
Click here for more information on a Possession of Burglarious Tools charge.
Penalty for Burglary Charge in Manassas
A Burglary charge in Manassas is punished with 5 -20 years in prison and a fine up to $100,000. If the offender was armed with a deadly weapon, the crime can be punished with 20 years up to life in prison.