Punishments for Burglary in Minnesota Can be Substantial 

We all know it’s a crime to break into a building or somebody’s home to steal from them or violate them in any way. Yet despite this understanding, there are still many people who commit burglary and other property crimes every year.

According to the FBI, there were an estimated 1,117,696 burglaries across the United States in 2019 and nearly 63% of those burglaries were on residential properties. Those numbers were down compared to previous years, but it’s still far too many.

In a general sense, burglary is when a person breaks into someone else’s property without their permission with the intention of committing a crime such as theft, assault, murder or anything other crime.

Burglary is a violation of people’s space and well-being. It can be a traumatic experience for the victim and, fittingly, any level of burglary is considered a felony with serious punishments for those convicted of the crime.

Degrees of Burglary

According to Minnesota Statutes, there are four levels of burglary.

First Degree

This is the most severe version of burglary. In this scenario, a person breaks into a property (home, business, etc.) and commits an additional crime (or has the intent to commit an additional crime). However, one or more additional stipulations need to be met for it to be first-degree burglary:

  • Somebody else (not an accomplice) is in the building at the time of the crime.
  • The burglar has a weapon on them or is making it appear as though they have one.
  • The burglar assaults another person in the building who isn’t an accomplice.

Potential penalties: A person convicted of first-degree burglary could face up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $35,000 or both.

Second Degree

This has the same initial setup as first-degree burglary, but with different stipulations:

  • The building being broken into is a residence.
  • The part of the building being broken into contains a bank or other financial institution, a pharmacy or another business that legally deals with controlled substances.
  • The burglar brings a tool along that helps them get access to money or other property.
  • The building being burgled is a religious facility, a school, a historic property or owned by the government.

Potential penalties: A person convicted of second-degree burglary could face up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $20,000 or both.

Third Degree

This occurs when someone breaks into a property and commits a felony or gross misdemeanor or they break in with the intent to commit those crimes.

Potential penalties: A person convicted of third-degree burglary could face up to 5 years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000 or both.

Fourth Degree

When someone breaks into a building and commits a misdemeanor other than stealing or breaking in with the intent to commit such a crime.

Potential penalties: A person convicted of fourth-degree burglary could face up to one year in prison, a fine of up to $3,000 or both.

Get a Free Consultation With a Criminal Defense Attorney in Elk River, MN

At White & Associates, our criminal defense attorneys and legal team will help guide you through the legal process. Call us at 763-241-0477 or send us a message to schedule your free consultation.

Related Posts