Possession of Burglary Tools Lawyer in San Diego
Many people often confuse the terms burglary and robbery. Although they might seem like essentially the same crime, the law defines them quite differently.
Burglary is the act of breaking and entering without permission with the intent to commit another crime, such as theft. Burglary crimes often don’t occur when a victim is present. Robbery, on the other hand, is the act of using threat or violence against another to steal money or property.
In the State of California, an individual can be arrested both for the act of burglary, but also just for possessing tools that can assist them in committing burglary. Some examples of burglary tools include:
- Picklocks
- Bump keys
- Keybit
- Master key
- Crow
- Crowbar
- Water-pump pliers
- Vise grip pliers
- Screwdriver
- Slim Jim
- Lock pick gun
- Slidehammer
- Tension bar
- Floor-safe door puller
- Spark plug chips or pieces
- Any other instrument to facilitate burglary, such as glass-cutting devices, rocks, knives, etc.
Possessing Burglary Tools with Criminal Intent
In order to charge an individual with the possession of burglary tools, there must be probable cause to believe that the individual possessed the tools with intent to commit a crime. For example, police cannot arrest someone simply for owning a toolbox that contains a variety of tools that could be used for burglary if that individual doesn’t have connection to any past crimes committed, or doesn’t show intent to commit crimes in the future.
However, if police find an individual in the act of attempting to burglarize (i.e.: breaking into a car, picking a lock on a home or building), they can be charged with possessing burglary tools.
Defending Charges of Possessing Burglary Tools
Not everyone who is charged with the possession of burglary tools actually had intent to commit a crime. Others may have had a lapse in judgment that lead to bad decisions, including possession of burglary tools or even actually committing the burglary and associated theft. If you have been charged with this offense, Bradley Corbett can help as an expert San Diego criminal defense attorney, no matter what your situation is.
Bradley Corbett will closely examine all the details of your case and use the most valid arguments to fight for your rights. Possible defenses he can use are 1) proving that you didn’t have intent to commit a crime with the tools, 2) that the tools were not those prohibited by the law, or 3) that the tools were discovered by police during an illegal search and seizure.
Penalties for Possession of Burglary Tools
The unlawful possession of burglary tools is a misdemeanor crime that can result in a maximum fine of $1,000 along with up to six months in a county jail. Contacting a qualified San Diego attorney like Bradley Corbett can help your chances of getting the charges reduced or negotiating a plea deal, or in the best case scenario, getting you acquitted from the charges.
Don’t wait. Call The Law Offices of Bradley Corbett today—day or night—to learn how we can help you get the best outcome for your case.