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Law Office of Andrew L. Bertrand, PC

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Burglary/Robbery

The Law Office of Andrew L. Bertrand, PC provides criminal defense representation to clients in Fort Collins and throughout northern Colorado. Our experience includes successfully handling burglary and robbery cases.

Burglary

In Colorado, burglary involves the illegal entering of a building or any locked container with the intent to commit a crime. Burglary is often associated with theft and other crimes against property; however, the underlying intended crime may also be a crime against a person, such as assault. You may also be charged with burglary based on the violation of a restraining order if you are prohibited from contacting a person inside the building or from being on the premises, even if you did not intend to commit any other crime.

Burglary may be charged in the first, second, or third degree depending on many factors, such as the type of property entered, the presence of a deadly weapon, and whether a crime of violence occurred.

  • First Degree Burglary - A person commits first degree burglary if he or she knowingly enters unlawfully, or remains unlawfully, in a building or occupied structure with intent to commit a crime against another person or property, and if while entering the building, while in the building, or while fleeing the building, the person or another participant in the crime assaults or menaces any person, or is armed with explosives or a deadly weapon. First degree burglary is a Class 3 felony, but may be elevated to a Class 2 felony if the intent was to steal a controlled substance.
  • Second Degree Burglary - A person commits second degree burglary if he or she knowingly enters unlawfully, or remains unlawfully in a building with intent to commit any crime. The distinction between first and second degree burglary is that you do not have to assault or menace someone, or possess a deadly weapon, to commit second degree burglary. Second degree burglary is generally a Class 4 felony, but may be charged as a Class 3 felony if the burglary was of a dwelling or the intent was to steal a controlled substance.
  • Third Degree Burglary - A person commits third degree burglary if he or she breaks into a vault, safe, or any locked container with the intent to commit a crime. Third degree burglary is a Class 5 felony, but may be elevated to a Class 4 felony if the intent was to steal a controlled substance.

The Law Office of Andrew L. Bertrand, PC has experience defending clients against all degrees of burglary charges. We know when to negotiate with the prosecution to minimize the consequences of a conviction and when to fight the charges at trial. At all stages of the criminal process, your case will be handled according to your best interests.

Robbery

Under Colorado law, a person commits robbery if he or she knowingly takes anything of value from the person or presence of another by the use of force, threats, or intimidation. A person may be charged with aggravated robbery if a deadly weapon is present during the robbery or in the aftermath of the robbery. Simple robbery is a Class 4 felony, while aggravated robbery is a Class 3 felony as well as an "extraordinary risk" crime, which means a defendant is subject to mandatory enhanced sentencing upon conviction.

Seek Experienced, Knowledgeable Defense Representation

Burglary and robbery are serious felony charges that require strong representation to overcome the potentially devastating consequences of a conviction. If you or a loved one faces prosecution for burglary or robbery, do not hesitate to contact the Law Office of Andrew L. Bertrand, PC for a free consultation. We will discuss your options with you with the goal of determining your best course of action.