Burglary Attorney
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Hire an Experienced Burglary Lawyer in Florida Kevin has been involved with hundreds of cases in Florida.


Kevin has handled hundreds of felony charge cases in Palm Beach County and the local court systems. Most of all, he knows how to defend you against burglary charges successfully.

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Former Prosecutor Kevin Peterford, Felony Lawyer Palm Beach County

Burglary Burglary is one of the most serious crimes in Florida, and it can be very confusing for people to understand what exactly constitutes burglary.

Most people think that you are guilty of burglary if you break into a house or building without permission. However, this isn't always true. Many factors will determine whether or not your actions amount to a burglary in the eyes of the law, including whether you entered with the intent to commit a crime inside, how much damage was done while entering, whether anyone saw you enter/leave the property, etc.

Peterford Law, has years of experience dealing with all types of criminal cases in Florida. We know what makes burglary a felony vs. misdemeanor; we work hard to meet your needs as your burglary attorney.


Burglary Defined

In Florida, a burglary can be defined as the act of unlawfully entering a dwelling; structure; or even a conveyance or any combination thereof. Even after permission to occupy has been revoked, unauthorized occupants may continue to live in the dwelling, structure, or conveyance.

Florida Has Three Types of Burglaries

Dwellings are structures or conveyances with roofs intended to be occupied by those living there with the surrounding landscaping.

Penalties for burglary in a dwelling

In Florida, burglary of a dwelling is a second degree felony punishable by 15 to 20 years in prison, 15 to 20 years probation, and a fine of up to $10,000.

Dwelling burglaries are considered second degree felonies, and Florida's Criminal Penalty Code rates them as Level 7 offenses. Suppose there is no ground to issue a downward departure sentence; in that case, any person convicted of burglary in a dwelling must be sentenced to at least 21 months imprisonment, or at most 15 years imprisonment.

A burglary takes place when an individual unlawfully enters or remains in a structure without permission. A second degree felony is the burglary of an occupied building.

Any building with a roof and surrounding grounds are considered a structure.

Penalties for burglary to a structure

Burglary penalties depend on whether a structure is occupied or unoccupied.

Burglary of an unoccupied structure

Burglary of an unoccupied structure is a third degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison, five years probation, plus a $5,000 fine in Florida.

Florida's Criminal Penalty Code classifies burglary of an unoccupied structure as a Level 4 crime. In the case of a burglary of an unoccupied structure, a judge can impose a maximum five-year sentence.

Burglary of an occupied building

Burglary of an occupied building, a second degree felony in Florida, is punishable by up to 15 years in prison and 15 years probation, as well as a $10,000 fine.

Burglary of an occupied building is a Level 6 crime under Florida's Criminal Penalty Code. A judge may impose probation for burglaries of occupied structures. Nevertheless, a judge may impose a maximum sentence of 15 years of imprisonment.

Burglary of a conveyance refers to entering, remaining inside, or staying inside a conveyance with the intent to commit a crime. Conveyances can include:

  • Vehicles
  • Ships
  • Vessels
  • Railroad cars
  • Trailers
  • Aircraft
  • Sleeping cars
Burglary of conveyances penalties

Penalties for burglary by conveyance depend on the circumstances surrounding the crime.

Burglary of an occupied conveyance

Burglary of an occupied conveyance is Florida's second degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years in jail, a year of probation, as well as a $10,000 fine.

By Florida's Criminal Penalty Code, burglary of an occupied conveyance is classified as a level 7 offense. Burglary in an Occupied Conveyance requires a minimum of 21 months in prison, or if there are no grounds for a downward departure, the maximum of 15 years in prison.

Burglary of an unoccupied conveyance

Burglary of an unoccupied conveyance, Florida's third degree felony, is punishable by up to five years in prison, five years probation, as well as a $5,000 fine.

Burglary of unoccupied conveyance is ranked as a Level 4 offense under Florida's Criminal Penalty Code. Burglary in an Unoccupied Conveyance can bring a probation sentence or a maximum five-year term from a judge.


What Is Considered "Entry"?

Any part of the defendant's body can enter a building, structure, or conveyance. The crime occurs when the defendant extends any part of his body into a building or vehicle with the intent to commit a crime. This entry can also suggest criminal intent to a jury.

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DUI and Criminal Defense Attorney Near Palm Beach County

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Kevin Peterford is a former prosecutor and has been on the other side of the courtroom. He has handled hundreds of DUI cases and tried over 30 trials to verdict.

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Peterford Law Top Google Rated Burglary Attorney Palm Beach County

Peterford Law Top Google-Rated DUI & Criminal Defense Attorney in Palm Beach County

Kevin Peterford is a former prosecutor and has been on the other side of the courtroom. He has handled hundreds of criminal cases and tried over 25 trials to verdict. With his extensive experience in criminal and DUI prosecution, Kevin presents a winning argument every time.

0+ Jury Trials

Kevin has tried over 25 cases to verdict. In 2018 he was recognized for handling the most trials in Palm Beach County.

0+ Years Former Prosecutor

Extensive knowledge of the court system which helps provide clients with the best defense possible.

0+ Cases Handled

As a former prosecutor and now defense attorney, Kevin has been involved with hundreds of cases in Florida.

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 Burglary Defense Lawyer Near You in Palm Beach County, Peterford Law

Kevin Peterford

If you’ve been charged with a felony in Florida, you need solid representation from an experienced felony lawyer. Kevin Peterford can help fight your case, protect your rights, and ensure the best outcome for you.

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Defenses For Burglary

There are many ways to defend a burglary offense. A qualified burglary attorney such as Peterford Law should be consulted as soon as possible after the crime.

Possible defenses include:

  • Consent, permission, or invitation: This is a defense against burglary. The accused must have entered the area in question and remained there with permission, consent, invitation, or both from the dwelling’s owner, tenant, occupant, structure, conveyance, or building.
  • Insufficient evidence to support the identity of the accused
  • Innocent with Non-Criminal Intentions: Entering a dwelling or building with intentions unrelated to committing a crime. In certain circumstances, however, the defendant's actions may be considered trespass.
  • Mistaken as someone else
  • Implied invite to a public building: A business or residence that had been open to the public could be used as consent defense in a burglary case because of an implied invitation. This defense is not available to closed businesses.
  • Legitimate presence
  • Mistaken permission
  • Implied Permission

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Burglary is not an offense to be taken lightly. Start building your defense today with a skilled and experienced burglary attorney . Peterford Law will fight to have your rights protected throughout the legal proceedings. Call or request a consultation now!

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DUI and Criminal Defense Attorney Near Palm Beach County

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Kevin Peterford is a former prosecutor and has been on the other side of the courtroom. He has handled hundreds of DUI cases and tried over 30 trials to verdict.

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very good experience
— karina marquez, Posted May 23rd 2023 on google
Kevin is such an experienced attorney! THANK YOU MR Peterford
— Antony Perez, Posted May 24th 2023 on google
I’ve collaborated with several attorneys over the years and they do not hold a candle to the steadfast, capable approach Mr. Peterford offers his clients and colleagues. He is nothing but efficient and professional; he does not make empty promises nor does he send you on a goose chase in order to communicate the nuan...
— O Cas, Posted May 23rd 2023 on google
Kevin is the best Attorney for criminal cases he is friendly I can not just call him an attorney but a Friend! If you get a DUI Kevin is you best choice!
— Jimmy Guzman, Posted May 23rd 2023 on google
Working with Kevin at Peterford Law has been such a great experience. From the get go he was confident and transparent with his plans and what was needed from me. His secretary Erika was also such a pleasure to work with and very attentive and polite. Finding a lawyer is daunting and not always what we plan on doing ...
— Erin Nolan, Posted May 2nd 2023 on google
Kevin added a level of insight & knowledge of the Justice system unparalleled to any other lawyer that I have had the pleasure of working with! He is truly one of the best! Can’t recommend him enough.
— Matthew Sweeney, Posted April 28th 2023 on google
Kevin is a highly skilled attorney, and is well qualified in criminal defense. I have seen him in the court room and he is aggressive, detail oriented and respected by the Judges. Outside of the court room, he is also on point. He is very timely and always takes the time to listen and explain things. Kevin is humble, ...
— Rochelle silver, Posted April 20th 2023 on google
Great with communication and very helpful.
— Jesus Becerra, Posted March 24th 2023 on google
Kevin is so great! And I feel lucky to have had his representation. He handled my situation in Palm Beach County for me, even though, I’m currently residing states away. He was very professional and kept me updated throughout the entire process. My issue was extremely time sensitive, and Kevin made it/me a priority. ...
— Thea Puliatti, Posted March 16th 2023 on google
Kevin is a highly skilled and professional lawyer , who is on point and very attentive with all matters in his work. He is sharp, fast paced and always attended to whatever was presented to him; and He did this without any hesitation. He is down to earth, friendly and genuinely listens. He is also very ethical, str...
— Rochelle silver, Posted March 16th 2023 on google
I highly recommend Peterford Law. Kevin was professional, quick to respond at any time of the day, answered any and all questions and was motivated with the best intentions to ensure my family’s case was taken care of. If you’re looking for someone you can trust, rest assured that Peterford Law will take on all the...
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I will definitely recommend Peterford law to anyone in need of a lawyer they were very helpful and professional on explaining to me all my options on handling my case.
— Reggie Damus, Posted February 28th 2023 on google
My experience with Kevin was nothing less than exceptional! His communication was amazing and he was there through every step of the process.
— Nick LeBeau, Posted February 18th 2023 on google
I had the opportunity to observe the exceptional skills of Mr. Peterford in action during my time as a prosecutor. While we were on opposite sides of the courtroom, I was impressed by his professionalism, knowledge, and dedication to his client's cause. Kevin is a true advocate for his clients and works tirelessly to d...
— Rocco Scarfone, Posted February 17th 2023 on google
First he picked up the phone Saturday morning at like 6am! From our first conversation on the phone I had a good feeling about him. Thru out the whole process he kept me calm and with good feelings of the out come. He did everything he talked about on the phone and then some. Planned out things before the state could e...
— Alejandro Saldana, Posted February 13th 2023 on google
Professional, courteous, quick to respond, honest, will definitely keep Mr. Peterford number on file for any future legal issues
— Robert McKenzie, Posted February 11th 2023 on google
Kevin and his team have been amazing. Everything seemed impossible and very stressful. Kevin’s professionalism and efficiency have been a pleasure. Thank you!
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Kevin is the man, he hands down made the very best of my situation. He kept me well informed and handled everything efficiently. Thank you !
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Kevin Peterford is responsive 100percent of the time, he is timely, knowledgeable and resourceful- we had a very difficult case that he helped us with and I highly recommend him.
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Working with Peterford Law has been nothing but a blessing. Kevin helped me get my case worked out and tickets dropped with no points on my license. He made the whole process extremely easy for me and went the extra mile from the beginning to the end. I’ve never had such a kind and considerate lawyer, all in all it w...
— brittney jones, Posted January 31st 2023 on google