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Burglary / Break & Enter Offences

Rawlings Criminal Law will help you get the best outcome in your burglary case. Don’t risk your freedom. Act now.

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Burglary

Burglary is one of the most serious offences under the Criminal Code in Queensland. It is an offence to enter or be in the dwelling of another with intent to commit an indictable offence in that dwelling. Indictable offences are serious offences, including rape, assault, robbery and murder.

The maximum penalty is 14 years imprisonment. This increases to a maximum term of life imprisonment if the offender entered the dwelling by means of any break. They may also be liable to life imprisonment if the offence was committed at night, or violence is threatened or used, or if the defendant is or pretended to be armed with a dangerous weapon, is in company with 1 or more other people, or damages or threatens to damage any property.

If the person enters the dwelling and does in fact commit an indictable offence, they are liable to a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

Break & Enter

It is an offence to enter any premises with intent to commit an indictable offence. This is different to burglary because there is no requirement that it is a dwelling. The maximum penalty is 10 years imprisonment.

If the person enters the dwelling and commits an indictable offence, they are liable for up to 14 years imprisonment.

If the offender gains entry to the premises by any break, and then commits an indictable offence, they are liable to a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

Possession of things used in connection with Unlawful Entry

The Criminal Code makes a number of preparatory circumstances illegal, punishable by up to 3 years imprisonment. The penalty is extended to a maximum of 7 years imprisonment if the offender has previously been convicted of a crime relating to property.

The circumstances this section covers include:

  1. Being armed with a dangerous weapon with intent to break or enter a dwelling or premises, and to commit an indictable offence therein
  2. Having in possession anything intended for use in or in connection with the commission of burglary or breaking and entering
  3. Having in possession at night any instrument of housebreaking
  4. Having in possession by day any instrument for housebreaking, with intent to commit an indictable offence
  5. Being masked or blackened, or being otherwise disguised, with intent to commit an indictable offence

We can help

It goes without saying that you should seek advice and representation from professional criminal lawyers who have experience dealing with Burglary charges and, where possible, can negotiate with the prosecution in an effort to have the charges remain in the Magistrates Court.

Have you or someone you know been charged with Burglary? Contact us to secure the services of experienced criminal lawyers who will provide solid, reliable advice and the highest quality court representation.

Have you been charged with burglary?

Our key function as your defence is to argue against the prosecutor’s submissions by presenting your information in a meaningful, relevant, legally admissible, and persuasive way.

 

In building our strongest application for you to be granted bail, we will design and structure your submission so that:

  • all relevant information is well presented and highlighted
  • your application is comprehensive, articulate, and evidence based
  • legal issues are properly identified and argued
  • weaknesses in the prosecution’s case are identified and argued
  • the right people and resources have been coordinated to present a strong release plan
  • where appropriate and/or required, supporting material such as letters of support, the availability of a surety, evidence of a medical condition, employment references, and the impact of a remand in custody are presented in affidavit form

GET HELP NOW – BOOK A CONSULTATION



    If you are looking for a lawyer who will provide you with personal attention and formidable representation, then Rawlings Criminal Law is here for you.

     

    Book your initial free consultation and let’s get your problem sorted.

     

    If you are looking for a lawyer who will provide you with personal attention and formidable representation, then Rawlings Criminal Law is here for you.

     

    Book your initial free consultation and let’s get your problem sorted.