Fighting Burglary Charges That Threaten Your Freedom
Burglary defense in White Plains or a surrounding area for individuals accused of unlawful entry with intent to commit a crime
Law Office of Michael D. Litman, PLLC represents clients charged with burglary in White Plains, Greenburgh, Peekskill or a surrounding area, a serious felony offense that involves allegations of unlawfully entering or remaining in a building with the intent to commit a crime inside. You may be accused of breaking into a home, business, or vehicle, or of entering a structure lawfully but remaining inside with criminal intent. Burglary charges carry mandatory minimum sentences in some cases and can result in years in state prison, even for first-time offenders.
The firm examines every element the prosecution must prove, including whether the entry was unlawful, whether you had intent to commit a crime at the time of entry, and whether you were correctly identified as the person who entered the building. Many burglary cases rely on circumstantial evidence such as proximity to the scene, possession of stolen property, or identification by witnesses who saw someone fleeing. Your attorney challenges the reliability of this evidence, files motions to suppress unlawfully obtained statements or physical evidence, and prepares the case for trial when a reasonable plea offer is not made.
If you have been arrested or indicted for burglary in the White Plains area, contact the firm immediately to begin building your defense.
Trial-Ready Representation Focused on Evidence and Intent
Your attorney will review all discovery, including forensic evidence, surveillance footage, witness statements, and any physical evidence recovered from the scene or from your person. The defense focuses on whether the prosecution can prove intent beyond a reasonable doubt, whether the entry was truly unlawful, and whether you were the person who committed the alleged act. In cases involving misidentification, your attorney may present alibi evidence, challenge the conditions under which the identification was made, or introduce evidence that another person committed the burglary.
After resolution, you will know whether the charges were dismissed, reduced to a lesser felony or misdemeanor, or whether the case proceeded to trial and resulted in acquittal. Law Office of Michael D. Litman, PLLC prepares every burglary case for trial from the outset, including witness preparation, cross-examination strategy, and motions to preclude unreliable evidence. In cases where a plea is negotiated, the firm works to avoid mandatory minimum sentences and to structure the outcome in a way that preserves eligibility for parole or alternative sentencing.
The firm does not handle federal burglary cases or charges arising from bank or post office break-ins, which fall under federal jurisdiction. Representation includes all stages of the state criminal process, from arraignment through trial and sentencing.
Clients facing burglary charges often have immediate concerns about the severity of the penalties and what can be done to defend the case.
What You Should Understand About Burglary Defense
Burglary requires proof of intent to commit a crime inside the building. Trespass involves unlawful entry without that intent. Your attorney challenges whether intent can be proven.
What is the difference between burglary and trespass?
Through circumstantial evidence such as tools, stolen property, or statements. Your attorney challenges the inferences drawn from this evidence.
How does the prosecution prove intent?
Witness identifications are often unreliable, especially in low-light conditions or high-stress situations. Your attorney examines the circumstances of the identification and whether it was suggestive.
What happens if I was identified by a witness?
Yes, through negotiation or by challenging the sufficiency of the evidence. Your attorney evaluates whether the case can be reduced to criminal trespass or another lesser charge.
Can burglary charges be reduced in New York?
Prosecutors are more willing to negotiate when they know the defense is prepared to go to trial. Early trial preparation strengthens your position at every stage.
Why is trial preparation important even if I want to plead?
If you are facing burglary charges in White Plains or a neighboring community, and need an attorney who is prepared to fight for your rights in court, contact Law Office of Michael D. Litman, PLLC to schedule a consultation and begin your defense.