Massachusetts Breaking and Entering Laws

The economy is bad and the amount of defendants charged with breaking and entering has increased as a result.  Breaking and entering is a serious charge with harsh penalties.  In order for the state to prove that the defendant guilty of breaking and entering, the state must prove that the defendant breaks, enters, a building ship, with intent to commit a crime.

Massachusetts Breaking and Entering Misdemeanor Penalties

The penalty for breaking and entering to commit a misdemeanor is a lot less than for breaking in to commit a felony.  For breaking and entering to commit a misdemeanor, the defendant could face not more than 6 months in jail and or not more than a $200 fine.

Massachusetts Breaking and Entering, Daytime Penalties

The time of day the break in occurred also influences the amount of jail time the defendant could face.  If the defendant is convicted of breaking and entering to commit a felony during the daytime, the defendant could face up to 10 years in state prison, or up to a $500 fine, or not more than 2 years in jail.  If the defendant is armed with a weapon then the defendant faces not less than 5 years in state prison, or not more than 2 ½ years in jail.

Massachusetts Breaking and Entering Nighttime Penalties

If the defendant is convicted of breaking and entering to commit a felony at night, the defendant can face up to 20 years in state prison, or not 2 ½ years in jail.  Nighttime is defined as 1 hour after sunset and until 1 hour before sunrise.

Massachusetts Breaking and Entering Defense Attorney

Attorney Jason Chan have prosecuted and defended many of these cases in district and superior Court.  Attorney Chan’s experience in the area of breaking and entering can help you deal with your legal issues.

Call Attorney Jason Chan today at 508-808-8902 to talk about your breaking and entering case.