
The sentencing for second-degree Burglary PC 459 is as follows:
- If charged with second degree burglary as a felony: 16-months, two (2), or three (3) years in a state prison Up to $10,000 in fines
- If charged with second degree burglary as a misdemeanor: Up to one (1) year in a county jail Up to $1,000 in fines
What is the sentence for burglary in California?
First-degree (residential) burglary is always a felony in California. The potential consequences include a state prison sentence of two (2), four (4) or six (6) years. 4 Second-degree (commercial) burglary is what is known as a wobbler in California law. This means that it may be charged as either:
What is the punishment for burglary in the first degree?
The punishment for burglary in the first degree under California Penal Code Section 461 (1) consists of imprisonment in the state prison for two, four, or six years.
What is the punishment for burglary PC 459 in California?
Sentence and Punishment for Burglary in California – PC 459. What is the Punishment for Burglary in California. The punishment for burglary in the first degree under California Penal Code Section 461(1) consists of imprisonment in the state prison for two, four, or six years.
What is 2nd degree burglary in California?
Second-degree burglaryis a wobbleroffense in California, meaning it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. If charged as a misdemeanor, the crime is punishable by imprisonment in the county jail for up to one year. If charged as a felony, the offense is punishable by a county jail sentence of:

What makes burglary a felony in California?
“To Commit a Felony or Theft” Burglary requires the individual to enter the building with the intent to commit theft or any felony. The individual has to intend to commit a felony or theft at the time he or she enters the building.
What is first degree burglary in California?
First-degree burglary under Penal Code 459 PC is any burglary of a residence, while second-degree burglary is burglary of any building that is not a residence. First-degree burglary is sometimes referred to as “residential burglary,” and second-degree burglary is sometimes referred to as “commercial burglary.”
What is considered burglary in California?
California Penal Code 459 defines burglary as breaking and entering a structure with the intent to steal or commit a felony. A structure could include a residence, a business, a cargo container, or even a tent or a storage unit.
Is burglary a violent felony in California?
If you committed burglary of a residential structure (i.e. house, apartment), you w ill be charged with a felony in California and it is considered a first degree burglary....First Degree Burglary.PenaltyFirst Degree BurglaryState Prison2, 4, or 6 yearsStrikeYes1 more row•May 30, 2022
Is burglary a felony or misdemeanor in California?
felonyFirst-degree (residential) burglary is always a felony in California. The potential consequences include a state prison sentence of two (2), four (4) or six (6) years. Second-degree (commercial) burglary is what is known as a wobbler in California law.
What is the difference between theft and burglary?
A person is said to commit the crime of burglary if he or she enters a building with the purpose to commit a crime. While is the unlawfully taken of another man's property without his or her consent. Burglary offense is charged with at least six months, while theft is charged based on the worth of stolen goods.
How can you be charged with burglary?
In order to be convicted of burglary, the defendant must intend to commit a felony (or sometimes any theft or a felony) inside. In most cases, the circumstances of the entry are such that a jury or judge can conclude that the defendant entered into the building with the intent to commit a crime.
Is a tent a building for burglary?
FALSE. Burglary & the term 'building'....as Blackstone's states, tents & marquees are considered to fall outside the term, even if the tent is someone's home (the Criminal Law Revision Committee intended tents to be outside the protection of burglary).
What is residential burglary?
“Residential” burglary includes all buildings or parts of buildings that are within the boundary of, or form a part of, a dwelling and includes the dwelling itself, vacant dwellings, sheds, garages, outhouses, summer houses and any other structure that meets the definition of a building.
How much theft is a felony in California?
$950Obviously, the more serious the crime, the more likely the crime will be charged as a felony. If the item taken is valued at $950 or less, then the crime is considered a California Petty Theft in violation of Penal Code Section 484.
Which is true with regards to burglary?
Which is true with regards to burglary? Burglary may be either a felony or misdemeanor. Asportation is an essential element of burglary.
What does casing the house mean?
The term “casing a house” is used to describe a tactic that burglars use to pick their targets. Most burglars won't randomly choose a home to burglarize. At the very least, even the most inexperienced burglar will watch several homes for several hours before they choose the right home to break into.
Is home invasion a felony in California?
What are the Penalties for Home Invasion? Home invasion – or First Degree Burglary – is a serious crime in California. If convicted of this felony, a person may face between 2-6 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.
Is breaking and entering a felony in California?
Under California Penal Code 459, “breaking and entering” commonly referred to as burglary, is a felony in California. Burglary is the entering of another's residential or commercial dwelling with intent to commit theft or any felony.
Is California Penal Code 422 a felony?
California Penal Code Section 422 is a “wobbler,” that can be filed as either a misdemeanor or felony offense. If you are convicted of misdemeanor criminal threats, the penalties include: Up to one a year in the county jail.
Is 459 PC a felony or misdemeanor?
First degree burglary (residential burglary) is a felony that is punishable by up to six years in prison, substantial fines and a "strike" under California's Three Strikes Law.
How to prove a burglary charge in California?
To prove a charge of burglary, a prosecutor must show that the defendant entered a property without permission and intended to commit a crime after entering the premises. The California Penal Code lists the types of properties which an individual might enter while committing a burglary. These types of premises include houses, apartments, residential rooms, and businesses. More uncommon types of property such as tents, outhouses, and others often also qualify.
What is the first degree burglary in California?
California state laws establish two types of burglary: first-degree and second-degree. State law defines first-degree burglary as any burglary of an inhabited dwelling. During burglary prosecutions, an inhabited dwelling is any house, vessel, or other property designed for habitation and currently inhabited at the time of the burglary. "Currently inhabited" means that the property was used as a dwelling at the time of the burglary, even if nobody was actually occupying the property then. State law also includes properties abandoned due to a natural disaster or local emergency as currently-inhabited properties.
What is the California Penal Code Section 466?
California Penal Code Section 466: (Burglary Tools): Possession of lock picks, crowbars, screwdrivers, master keys, spark plugs, a tin foil-lined purse, or any other tool or instrument with the intent of breaking into a building or vehicle, misdemeanor, up to one year jail, fine, probation
How long is burglary in California?
The punishment for burglary in the second degree under California Penal Code Section 461 (2) consists of imprisonment in the county jail not exceeding one year or in the county jail for a term of 16 months, 2 years or 3 years. Burglary is a serious crime in California.
What is the sentence for first degree burglary?
Sentence and Punishment for First Degree Burglary. First degree burglary, also known as residential burglary, is a serious felony and a strike under California Penal Code section 1192.5. California punishes strike offenses much harsher than regular felonies. A strike conviction can have a devastating and long lasting effect on your future.
What If you’ve been charged with burglary?
If you’ve been charged with burglary, contact Wallin & Klarich today to discuss your options with one of our knowledgeable California burglary defense attorneys. For your convenience, we have offices in the following areas: Orange County, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Ventura, Victorville and West Covina.
How long is commercial burglary in jail?
A felony commercial burglary conviction is punishable by up to three years in county jail under California’s new AB109 sentencing guidelines. At the discretion of the court, you may also be placed on probation for either felony or misdemeanor commercial burglary.
What is the importance of a burglary attorney?
It is important to consult with an experienced burglary attorney to determine the consequences of a burglary charge, especially if you have prior strikes.
What happens if you get convicted of burglary?
Being convicted of first degree burglary also has serious consequences if you’re convicted of another felony in the future. For example, your prison sentence automatically doubles on the second “strike,” and you must serve at least 80% of that sentence. On the third “strike,” you may be in prison for life. It is important to consult ...
Is burglary a felony?
The punishment for burglary in a second degree, also known as commercial burglary, can be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor. How commercial burglary is charged is largely within the discretion of the prosecutor, which is why it’s critical to have proper representation as soon as possible. A skilled California burglary lawyer may be able ...
How long can you go to jail for burglary?
If charged with second degree burglary as a felony: 16- months, two (2) , or three (3) years in a state prison. Up to $10,000 in fines. If charged with second degree burglary as a misdemeanor: Up to one (1) year in a county jail. Up to $1,000 in fines.
What is Burglary Penal Code 459 in California?
Under Penal Code 459, Burglary is the crime of entering a structure (whether residential, commercial, or another type of structure — i.e., a car) with the intent to commit a theft or a felony once inside.
What is the Penal Code 459?
The sentencing of first degree residential PC 459 burglary is as follows: Second degree burglary Penal Code 459 is commonly referred to as ‘commercial burglary’ because it’s a burglary Penal Code 459 that takes place in any structure other than an inhabitable dwelling.
Why is it so hard to get a 459 conviction?
Burglary Penal Code 459 cases can be particularly difficult for a prosecutor because they need to prove that prior to entering a structure the defendant had the intent to commit a felony. The intent is the problematic element in the case for the prosecutor, without the proven intent there cannot be a burglary Penal Code 459 conviction.
How long is a 459 burglary sentence?
If there was a person in the house when a defendant committed first degree burglary Penal Code 459 then the defendant will get an additional three (3) year state prison sentence for each California violent felony on his or her record.
What is petty theft in California?
Petty theft is when upon entering a structure a person steals less than $950 worth of goods and services. If this happens in addition to burglary Penal Code 459 a defendant could be charged with PC 459 and petty theft, CA Penal Code 484.
What is Embezzlement in California?
Embezzlement refers to when a person in a trusted position steals money from the person they were trusted by. If during a burglary Penal Code 459 a person uses fear or intimidation to get what he or she wants then that person could be charged with PC 459 and robbery, CA Penal Code 211.
What is the sentence for attempted burglary in California?
Posted on December 28, 2020. The sentence for attempt crimes is typically half that of finished crimes. Under California criminal law, a person is guilty of an attempted burglary if he: intends to commit burglary, and. he takes some act towards committing the burglary (which can be theft or some other felony).
How long is burglary in California?
First-degree burglary is a felony under California law. It is punishable by imprisonment in the state prison for: two years, four years, or. six years.
How long is a second degree burglary in California?
six years. Second-degree burglary is a wobbler offense in California, meaning it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. If charged as a misdemeanor, the crime is punishable by imprisonment in the county jail for up to one year. If charged as a felony, the offense is punishable by a county jail sentence of: 16 months, two years, or.
What is attempted crime?
Under Penal Code 21 (a), attempt is when a defendant: specifically intends to commit a certain crime, and. performs a direct act towards committing that intended crime. 1. Under Penal Code 459, a burglary is when: a person enters any residential or commercial building or room, and.
What are some examples of attempted burglary?
Examples of attempted burglary include: Tom sneaks to the front of his neighbor’s house with the intent to go inside and steal her diamond necklace, but he runs from the home after seeing a police car drive by.
How long can you be in jail for burglary?
If the crime an accused is alleged to have attempted carries a sentence of life in prison or the California death penalty, then he could be sentenced to five, seven, or nine years. Residential burglary is first-degree burglary. All other types are second-degree burglary.
What is the sentence for attempt crimes?
The sentence for attempt crimes is typically half that of finished crimes.
How long can you go to jail for burglary in California?
If you are convicted of California auto burglary as a felony, you may face a jail of sixteen (16) months, or two (2) or three (3) years. 23. There is one exception to the general rule that auto burglary is a form of second-degree burglary.
What is auto burglary in California?
California "Auto Burglary" Laws. In California, the crime of auto burglary takes place when someone enters a locked automobile or its trunk, with the intent either to (1) steal the car, (2) steal property contained in the car or (3) commit any other felony inside the vehicle. This offense can be filed as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on ...
What is grand theft in California?
Grand theft / petty theft. The other crime that is most frequently charged along with burglary of an automobile is theft-either grand theft (California Penal Code 487 PC) or petty theft. Grand theft under Penal Code 487 PC is defined as stealing someone else’s property when that property is EITHER.
What is intent to commit a felony in California?
Intending to commit a California felony or theft. A key part of the legal definition of burglary of an automobile under California law is intent to commit a California California felony or theft. 16 California felonies include crimes such as: Grand theft auto…that is, stealing the car you are breaking into,
What is breaking into a car?
breaking into a car or other vehicle (i.e., auto burglary ), AND. breaking into a car or building to commit felonies other than theft crimes. 3. Another surprising fact about California auto burglary law is that it does not cover the simple act of breaking into someone else’s locked car.
How long is burglary in a trailer coach?
The crime of burglary in an inhabited trailer coach is always a felony. The penalty will be two (2), four (4) or six (6) years in California state prison. 25
Does a burglary arrest in California result in a conviction?
It bears repeating that a California auto burglary arrest does not necessarily have to result in a California auto burglary conviction!
How long is a burglary sentence in California?
Pursuant to California Penal Code 667.5, if you are convicted of felony burglary (residential or commercial) and a state prison sentence is imposed, you will receive an additional 1-year prison sentence for each of your prior felony convictions. Violent Felonies.
What happens if you strike a burglary in California?
Having a strike on your record will result in severe consequences on any future felony convictions, including doubling the prison sentence.
What Is Considered Residential Burglary?
Residential burglary is always charged as a felony under California penal code 459 PC. This type of burglary occurs in a structure where the victim lives rather than a commercial establishment.
How Does the Prosecutor Prove Burglary Under Penal Code Section 459 PC?
To prove that you are guilty of “burglary,” the prosecutor has to prove the following facts or elements 4:
How Can You Fight Burglary Charges?
The most common defenses that a skilled criminal defense attorney can use to defend you from “burglary” are as follows:
What is a 459 in California?
What Is Burglary In California Under PC 459? California Penal Code Section 459 PC – California’s law on burglary defines the offense as entering a room, structure, or locked vehicle with the intent to commit a felony therein. Depending on the type of structure involved, burglary can be charged as a felony or a misdemeanor.
What is considered a first degree burglary in California?
First Degree Burglary. If you committed burglary of a residential structure (i.e. house, apartment), you w ill be charged with a felony in California and it is considered a first degree burglary. Penalty. First Degree Burglary.
How long is burglary in California?
First-degree burglary is punishable by imprisonment in the California state prison for: two years, four years, or. six years. Second-degree burglary is punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for up to three years. 1.
What is first degree burglary in California?
California criminal law says that first-degree burglary is burglary of a residence. “ Residences ” here may include any of the following:
How long is Phillipe in jail?
The crime is punishable by imprisonment in the California state prison for: two years, four years, or. six years. Second-degree burglary can be a felony or a misdemeanor in California.
What is second degree burglary?
California criminal law says that second-degree burglary is the burglary of any structure other than a residence.
What is the value of the property that the defendant stole or intended to steal?
the value of the property that the defendant stole or intended to steal was more than $950; the structure that the defendant entered was not a commercial establishment; or. the structure that the defendant entered was a commercial establishment, but the defendant entered it outside of business hours.
What are some examples of first degree burglary?
Some examples of first-degree burglary are: John enters his neighbor’s home with the intent to kidnap the owner. Michelle climbs aboard her ex-boyfriend’s floating home with the intent to willfully commit the crime of arson. Phillipe breaks into a woman’s hotel room with the intent to commit rape.
How long is a felony in jail?
If charged as a felony, the offense is punishable by imprisonment in the county jail for : 16 months, two years, or. three years. If charged as a misdemeanor, the crime is punishable by imprisonment in the county jail for up to one year.

Overview of California Burglary Laws
- To prove a charge of burglary, a prosecutor must show that the defendant entered a property without permission and intended to commit a crime after entering the premises. The California Penal Code lists the types of properties which an individual might enter while committing a burglary. These types of premises include houses, apartments, residentia...
Specific Intent
- The prosecutor must show that the defendant entered the premises with a specific intent to commit a crime. For example, the defendant may have entered a building with a plan to commit larceny. If the defendant did not intend to participate in criminal activity after entering the premises, the prosecutor might have to pursue an alternate charge such as trespassing. See Ca…
Degrees of Burglary
- California state laws establish two types of burglary: first-degree and second-degree. State law defines first-degree burglary as any burglary of an inhabited dwelling. During burglary prosecutions, an inhabited dwelling is any house, vessel, or other property designed for habitation and currently inhabited at the time of the burglary. "Currently inhabited" means that the property …
California Burglary Laws Overview
- Below you will find key provisions of California’s burglary laws. Note:State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify th…
California Codes and Legal Research Options
Additional Resources
- If you have additional questions about California’s burglary or home invasion laws, click on the following links: 1. Burglary Defenses 2. California Criminal Statute of Limitations 3. California Criminal Laws
Get Legal Help with Your Burglary Case in California
- Proving the crime of burglary in California, particularly the element of intent, can be a huge hurdle for the prosecutor. If you have questions about how to win your case or want to know about any possible defenses, you can learn more by contacting an experienced criminal defense attorneyin California today.