Second-Degree Burglary Lawyer in Baltimore County, Maryland
Defense of Criminal Law § 6-203 Charges in the Circuit Court in Towson
Second-degree burglary is a felony under Maryland Criminal Law § 6-203. A person may not break and enter the storehouse of another with the intent to commit theft, a crime of violence, or arson in the second degree. That is the ordinary form of the charge. The maximum penalty is 15 years. A person may not break and enter the storehouse of another with the intent to steal, take, or carry away a firearm. That form carries a maximum penalty of 20 years, a $10,000 fine, or both.
The charge is a storehouse case, not a dwelling case. A home is first-degree burglary under § 6-202. As a result, the State must prove a storehouse, a breaking and entering, and the specific intent at the moment of entry. Intent formed after a lawful entry is theft, not burglary.
At Shepard Law in Towson, principal attorney Stephen P. Shepard provides client-centered and compassionate criminal defense representation to individuals facing second-degree burglary charges throughout Baltimore County. With more than a decade of dedicated service defending clients in Towson, Essex, Catonsville, and surrounding communities, our firm focuses on understanding your unique circumstances and protecting your future with thoughtful, personalized advocacy.
Take the Next Step – Contact Shepard Law Today
Call Shepard Law at (410) 648-4008 or complete our secure online contact form for a free, confidential consultation. We also offer jail visits for a fee when needed. Attorney Stephen P. Shepard is prepared to listen carefully to your story, explain your rights, and provide the client-centered and compassionate representation you deserve.
What the State Has to Prove
Section 6-203 has three elements. The State must prove each one.
- A breaking and entering. Maryland does not require damage. Opening an unlocked door can be a breaking. The State must still prove an entry.
- The place was the storehouse of another. A storehouse is a building other than a dwelling, such as a store, a warehouse, a garage, or a barn. A place where people live or sleep is a dwelling, and that is first-degree burglary.
- The specific intent at the time of entry. Intent to commit theft, a crime of violence, or second-degree arson supports the ordinary charge. Intent to steal a firearm supports the higher form. Intent formed after the entry does not meet this statute.
In addition, the State must prove identity. A video that does not show a face, or a statement taken after a long interview, is not the same as proof that this person entered.
Where the Case Is Heard
Second-degree burglary is a felony. The Circuit Court for Baltimore County hears it. That court sits only in Towson. District Court in Towson, Essex, or Catonsville may set an initial appearance or a bail review. The trial is in Circuit Court in Towson. A fourth-degree misdemeanor, if that is the only charge, starts in District Court and can be prayed to Circuit Court because its maximum penalty exceeds 90 days.
Why Choose Shepard Law for a Second-Degree Burglary Charge in Baltimore County
Stephen P. Shepard is a respected Baltimore County criminal defense attorney recognized by Super Lawyers as a “Rising Star,” Avvo with a 10.0 “Superb” rating, Martindale-Hubbell as a “Client Champion Platinum,” and The National Trial Lawyers as a “Top 40 Under 40.” He is an active member of the Maryland Criminal Defense Attorneys Association and regularly appears in Baltimore County courts.
Our Towson office, located at 303 W. Pennsylvania Avenue, Towson, MD 21204, serves clients across Baltimore County. At Shepard Law, you receive client-centered and compassionate representation focused on your individual needs and long-term well-being.
Take the Next Step – Contact a Second-Degree Burglary Lawyer in Towson Today
Call Shepard Law at (410) 648-4008 or complete our secure online contact form for a free, confidential consultation. We also offer jail visits for a fee when needed. The other degrees of burglary are covered on our burglary page and our first-degree burglary page. Attorney Stephen P. Shepard is prepared to listen carefully to your story and provide the client-centered and compassionate representation you deserve on a second-degree burglary charge anywhere in Baltimore County.