Breaking and entering is defined as the forcible entry into a building or vehicle with the intention of committing burglary or another crime. When charged with breaking and entering along with other offenses, the person may need the help of a Silver Spring Bondsman to secure release from jail before trial.
Reasons for Forcible Entry
Forcible entry is most often connected with theft crimes, but sometimes a person does this to commit an act of violence against someone, to vandalize the building or to complete a drug-related transaction there. A person might break in to commit arson. Someone charged with arson or a serious act of violence against another person may have bail set very high or a judge may not allow release on bail at all.
Degrees of Severity
In Maryland, charges of breaking and entering are assigned various degrees of severity. Even a misdemeanor can bring a prison sentence of up to three years. Entering a building or vehicle unlawfully even without committing another crime is a misdemeanor, for example. A person who breaks into a building just to hang out there may still face a jail sentence. Bail is generally set lower for misdemeanor offenses than for felonies, but many defendants still need the services of a Silver Spring Bondsman.
Proving Intent
It can be difficult for a prosecuting attorney to prove intent if a trespasser has been caught without actually stealing or damaging anything. The charge may be lowered from a felony to a misdemeanor if there is not enough evidence, or if the defendant and his or her lawyer accepts a plea bargain offered by the prosecution.
As long as the defendant has already secured release through an agency like 1st Class Bail Bonds, the pressure to make a fast decision is lessened. The lawyer will have time to present reasons at a hearing as to why the charges should be dropped altogether or the case dismissed. A judge may agree. In contrast, a plea bargain may be the best solution when the defendant was caught with stolen goods or with equipment typically used for burglary or destruction of property.
