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Third-Degree Burglary Lawyer in Baltimore County, Maryland

Defense of Criminal Law § 6-204 Charges in the Circuit Court in Towson

Third-degree burglary is a felony under Maryland Criminal Law § 6-204. A person may not break and enter the dwelling of another with the intent to commit a crime. The maximum penalty is 10 years. The charge is a dwelling case. It is not a storehouse case, and it is not first-degree burglary.

First-degree burglary under § 6-202 requires intent to commit theft, or intent to commit a crime of violence. Third degree requires intent to commit a crime, and the maximum penalty is lower. As a result, the State must still prove a dwelling, a breaking and entering, and the intent at the moment of entry. Intent formed after a lawful entry is not burglary.

At Shepard Law in Towson, principal attorney Stephen P. Shepard provides client-centered and compassionate criminal defense representation to individuals facing third-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 6-204 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 dwelling of another. A dwelling is a place where people live or sleep. A store, warehouse, garage, or barn is a storehouse, and that is second-degree burglary under § 6-203.
  • The intent to commit a crime at the time of entry. The intent has to exist when the person enters. Intent formed later does not meet the statute.

In addition, the State must prove identity. A neighbor’s description, 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.

How the Degrees Differ

Maryland grades burglary by the building and the intent. Third degree is a dwelling case with a broader intent than first degree.

  • First-degree burglary, § 6-202. Breaking and entering a dwelling with intent to commit theft. A felony. The maximum penalty is 20 years. Intent to commit a crime of violence in a dwelling is home invasion, with a maximum penalty of 25 years. See our first-degree burglary page.
  • Second-degree burglary, § 6-203. Breaking and entering a storehouse with intent to commit theft, a crime of violence, or second-degree arson. A felony. The maximum penalty is 15 years, or 20 years if the intent was to steal a firearm. See our second-degree burglary page.
  • Fourth-degree burglary, § 6-205. Breaking and entering a dwelling or storehouse, or being in or on the structure, without the specific intent the higher degrees require. A misdemeanor. The maximum penalty is 3 years.

Where the Case Is Heard

Third-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 Third-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 Third-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, our first-degree burglary page, and our second-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 third-degree burglary charge anywhere in Baltimore County.

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