The National Trial Lawyers - Top 100 Trial Lawyers
BBB Accredited Business
The National Trial Lawyers - Top 40 Under 40
AV Preeminent badge
The National Trial Lawyers - Top 100 Trial Lawyers
National Association of Distinguished Counsel
USCCA Critical Response team
LawyerCentral.com Featured Lawyer badge
Avvo Rating 10.0 Superb badge
Avvo Client's Choice 2014
USCCA badge
Certified badge
Best DUI Attorney - Top Rated badge
10 Best badge
Expertise.com badge

New York Penal Law § 140.30 – Burglary in the First Degree

Dedicated New York Criminal Lawyers Aggressively Defending Clients Charged with Felony Breaking and Entering Crimes

Burglary in the First Degree is New York’s most serious burglary offense, which imposes harsh penalties on those who commit a burglary of a dwelling while possessing a deadly weapon. It is also considered Burglary in the 1st Degree if the defendant causes physical injury to another person or threatens to use a weapon while engaging in a burglary. Burglary in the First Degree is a Class B felony.

The Elements of Burglary in the First Degree

Before a judge or jury can convict anyone of Burglary in the First Degree, the government must prove each element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt.

The elements of Burglary in the First Degree are:

  • The defendant unlawfully entered or remained in a dwelling;
  • The defendant knew they were not authorized to enter or remain in the building;
  • The defendant did so with the intent to commit a crime inside the building; and
  • One or more of the following applies:
  • The defendant was armed with a deadly weapon or explosives;
  • The defendant caused physical injury to another person who was not a co-defendant;
  • The defendant threatened or used a dangerous instrument; or
  • The defendant displayed something that appeared to be a gun.

In this context, a dwelling is any structure or vehicle, including a boat, that is fit for overnight accommodation.

Examples of Burglary in the First Degree

Examples of Burglary in the First Degree include the following:

  • A person commits a burglary of a home while armed with a gun;
  • A person who is unarmed upon entering another’s home grabs a knife from the kitchen upon hearing the resident wake up; and
  • A person breaks into another’s house to steal jewelry and threatens to shoot the homeowner if they don’t open the safe.

Related Offenses to NY Penal Law § 140.30

Often, prosecutors bring Burglary in the First Degree charges along with one or more of the following:

  • Trespass – NY Penal Law § 140.05
  • Criminal Trespass in the Third Degree – NY Penal Law § 140.10
  • Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree – NY Penal Law § 140.15
  • Criminal Trespass in the First Degree – NY Penal Law § 140.17
  • Burglary in the Second Degree – NY Penal Law § 140.25
  • Burglary in the First Degree – NY Penal Law § 140.30
  • Possession of Burglar’s Tools – NY Penal Law § 140.35

What Are the Defenses to Burglary in the First Degree?

There are several defenses to Burglary in the First Degree that can either reduce your sentencing exposure or result in the prosecution withdrawing the case against you or the jury returning a “not guilty” verdict. The most common defenses include the following:

  • Insufficient evidence that you intended to commit a crime while inside the dwelling;
  • The structure you entered was not a dwelling;
  • The object you possessed, while it looked like a functioning gun, was not “readily capable of producing death or other serious physical injury”; or
  • The allegations against you were fabricated or exaggerated.

What Are the Penalties for Violating NY Penal Law § 140.30?

Burglary in the First Degree is a Class B felony. In New York, Class B felony offenses carry a maximum sentence of up to 25 years in jail and a fine of up to $30,000.

Speak with an Experienced New York Burglary Lawyer About Your Case Today

If you were recently arrested and charged with a burglary crime, the dedicated New York criminal defense attorneys at Tilem & Associates, P.C. are here to help. For more than 25 years, we’ve been aggressively defending the rights and freedoms of clients charged with serious felony offenses. We are immediately available to meet with you to get started working on a compelling defense to the charges you face. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation today, call 877-377-8666. You can also reach us through our online contact form.

Client Reviews

Thank you again for discussing my case with today. I can not stress enough how impressed I am with your services as an attorney. You have gone above and beyond the call of duty to attempt to help me. Thank you again and best wishes.

Rob

I am writing to send you my heartfelt thanks for your work on my father’s case. You are a wonderful attorney. I was very impressed by you from our first meeting. I am so grateful we were referred to you. If I can ever be of help in providing a reference or anything else, please let me know.

Joanna

I wanted to first say thank you for everything you have done for me in the last several months. You made this very difficult ordeal in my life less stressful and easier to bear. I am grateful for having you as my attorney and I truly feel that you helped me above my expectations. I appreciate...

W.S.

Contact Us

  1. 1 Free Consultation
  2. 2 Available 24/7
  3. 3 Over 25 Years Experience
Fill out the contact form or call us at 877-377-8666 to schedule your free consultation.

Leave Us a Message

Online Payments Available

Pre-Paid Legal Service for Gun Owners