
Many states typically have multiple degrees of burglary, yet all of them require the following three elements to prove the crime:
- A person gains unlawful entry;
- They did not consent to enter the building or area they accessed; and
- They must have had an intent to commit a crime therein.
- (1) A person entering;
- (2) A building, occupied structure, or separately secured portion thereof of another; and.
- (3) With the purpose to commit a crime therein.
What are the basic elements of robbery?
- The defendant took property that did not belong to him or her.
- The property was taken from another person's possession and immediate presence.
- The property was taken against that person's will.
- The defendant used force or fear to take the property or to prevent the other person from resisting.
What are the statutory elements of robbery?
The common elements of robbery are:
- a trespassory
- taking and
- carrying away
- of the personal property
- of another
- with the intent to steal
- from the person or presence of the victim
- by force or threat of force.
What constitutes the crime of burglary?
Burglary is typically defined as the unlawful entry into almost any structure (not just a home or business) with the intent to commit any crime inside (not just theft/larceny). No physical breaking and entering is required; the offender may simply trespass through an open door.
Which are the elements which constitute a crime?
- Intent
- Knowledge
- Criminal negligence
- Recklessness.

What are the element of burglary?
The crime of burglary under California Penal Code Section 459 PC requires a prosecutor to prove the following elements: The defendant entered a building, room within a building or locked vehicle AND. When he or she entered into the building, room or vehicle, he or she intended to commit theft or a felony.
What are the three classification of burglary?
The UCR Program has three subclassifications for burglary: forcible entry, unlawful entry where no force is used, and attempted forcible entry.
What are the 3 elements of a crime?
In general, every crime involves three elements: first, the act or conduct (actus reus); second, the individual's mental state at the time of the act (mens rea); and third, the causation between the act and the effect (typically either proximate causation or but-for causation).
What are the three main elements for the crime of robbery?
Elements of Robbery The crime of robbery involves (1) the taking of the property of another (2) from his or her person or in their presence (3) by violence, intimidation or threat (4) with the intent to deprive them of it permanently. Robbery is thus distinct from the crime of larceny in two important ways.
What is the most essential element of burglary?
Burglary, on the other hand, is defined as the unlawful entry into a building, combined with the intent to steal property or commit a felony. The two parts - unlawful entry and intent of theft/felony - are the essential elements of a burglary.
What is the most common type of burglary?
What do most burglaries have in common?Front door: 34% of burglars twist the doorknob and walk right in.First-floor windows: 23% use a first-floor open window to break into your home.Back door: 22% come in through the back door.Garage doors: 9% gain entrance through the garage.More items...
What are the 3 main purposes of criminal law?
Criminal law refers to a body of laws that apply to criminal acts. The main theories for criminal law include: to deter crime, to reform the perpetrator, to provide retribution for the act, and to prevent further crimes.
What are the 3 basic components of an offense What does this mean quizlet?
Essential Elements of a Crime. 1) Voluntary act/omission (Actus Reus) 2) Certain state of mind (Mens Rea) 3) Harm element.
What are the 4 essential elements of a crime?
Under U.S. law, four main elements of a crime exist:Mental State (Mens Rea) Mens rea is Latin for “guilty mind.” The legal theory of mens rea refers to criminal intent. ... Conduct (Actus Reus) ... Concurrence. ... Causation.
What are the elements of robbery and burglary?
Put very simply, someone is guilty of robbery if he steals from a person using force or makes them think force will be used. Theft means taking someone's property but does not involve the use of force. Burglary means illegally entering a property in order to steal property from it.
What are the elements of burglary quizlet?
elements of the crime of burglary include: - entering a structure, - without the consent of the person in possession, - with the intent to commit a crime therein.
What are the 3 key stages of crime prevention?
Increasing the risks of detection, reducing the rewards for offending and increasing the difficulty of offending are all ways to prevent crime.
What are the 3 types of crime classification?
The categories are usually "felony," "misdemeanor," and "infraction." Decisions on crime classification are made by state legislators; the determination focuses on the seriousness of the crime.
What are Category 3 Offences?
Category 3 offence An offence that is punishable by imprisonment for life or by imprisonment for 2 years or more, except those offences listed in Schedule 1 to the Act (category 4 offences). The defendant may elect a jury trial, in which case the type of trial will be a jury trial in the District Court.
What are the 2 classification of robbery?
The crime of robbery is found under Chapter One, Title Ten [Crimes Against Property] of the RPC. Chapter One is composed of two sections, to wit: Section One - Robbery with violence against or intimidation of persons; and Section Two - Robbery by the use of force upon things.
What are the 3 categories of crimes including its subtypes?
Many types of crime exist. Criminologists commonly group crimes into several major categories: (1) violent crime; (2) property crime; (3) white-collar crime; (4) organized crime; and (5) consensual or victimless crime.
How many percent of burglars use force?
Being aware of the circumstances of burglary may help homeowners protect themselves from becoming victims. In over 60 percent of burglaries the offender uses force to gain access. More than 30 percent of burglars enter a home through an unlocked door, window, or other access point without using force.
What is a burglary?
Burglary is a crime defined as unlawful entry into a building or structure with the intent to commit a crime. Physically breaking and entering is not a requirement for a person to be charged with burglary. The offender only has to enter a structure, even if it is through an open door, with the intent of stealing something or causing harm ...
What is a third degree burglary?
Third Degree Burglary. Entering any structure, whether residential or commercial, with the intent to commit any crime other than theft, violence, or arson, may be considered third degree burglary. Third degree burglary is a felony charge in many jurisdictions.
What are the elements of burglary?
Such elements generally include: (1) unauthorized entry, (2) into a structure, (3) with intent to commit a crime.
What did John do to Bob's motorcycle?
John forces Bob’s garage door open and enters with the intent of stealing Bob’s motorcycle. Upon entering the garage, John sees the motorcycle is gone, so he returns home empty handed. Even though he did not actually steal anything, John is later charged with burglary after Bob realized what he attempted to do and called the police.
What is the element of breaking and entry?
Breaking and Entry. This element of burglary involves a person breaking into or entering a structure using force or without authorization from the owner. Simply creating an access does not fulfill the breaking and entry element, as the offender must physically enter the structure.
Why is Helen charged with burglary?
Helen may be charged with burglary because she entered the store with the intent to obtain an item without paying its full price.
What is considered burglary?
To qualify as burglary, the defendant must also have intended to commit a criminal act in the space, like stealing or destruction. The prosecution may not need to prove this element beyond reasonable doubt, but they do need enough evidence for it. If the defendant entered an area or space without criminal intent, such as to take a nap, then criminal charges would not apply under burglary laws.
What happens if a defendant breaks into a fenced off space?
For instance, if the defendant broke into a fenced-off space that was not capable of housing people, animals or property, under criminal defense laws, the charges against them would likely be weak.
Can a burglar get acquitted?
As you can see, it’s possible for a suspect to get acquitted of criminal charges for burglary if the prosecution does not have enough evidence. These three elements have to be very clear and evident in order for the defendant to get convicted.
Is burglary a felony in Georgia?
Burglary is a criminal offense that can get charged as either a felony or misdemeanor in Georgia. Whether you are facing criminal charges for burglary or you have a loved one accused of this crime, it is important to understand the three main elements of burglary.

Definition of Burglary
Residential Burglary vs. Commercial Burglary
Elements of Burglary
Degrees of Burglary
Differences Between Theft, Burglary, and Robbery
Sentencing For Burglary
Real-Life Examples of Burglary
- John forces Bob’s garage door open and enters with the intent of stealing Bob’s motorcycle. Upon entering the garage, John sees the motorcycle is gone, so he returns home empty handed. Even though...
- Jim enters Joe’s house with the intent of stealing his new television. When Jim arrives at the house he finds the garage door unlocked, enters the home, and takes the TV. When Joe com…
- John forces Bob’s garage door open and enters with the intent of stealing Bob’s motorcycle. Upon entering the garage, John sees the motorcycle is gone, so he returns home empty handed. Even though...
- Jim enters Joe’s house with the intent of stealing his new television. When Jim arrives at the house he finds the garage door unlocked, enters the home, and takes the TV. When Joe comes home, he ca...
- Helen enters a store through the front door, uses a small pair of scissors to scrape the price tag off an item, and replaces the sticker with one showing lower price. Helen then pays for the item a...
Burglary Statistics
Protection Against Burglary
Related Legal Terms and Issues