breaking and entering

In one sentence

Unlawfully entering a building or dwelling with intent to commit a crime.

Plain English

Breaking and entering is the crime of going into a building (or sometimes a vehicle or other structure) without permission, especially when you plan to commit another crime inside, like theft or assault. The 'breaking' part originally meant forcing your way in, but modern law often includes simply opening an unlocked door. The crime is complete once you enter with criminal intent, even if you don't actually commit the other crime.

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Example

A person pries open a window to a house and climbs inside planning to steal electronics. This is breaking and entering. If the person had found the door unlocked and walked in with the same intent, it would still be breaking and entering even though no lock was broken.

Used in a sentence

“The suspect was arrested for breaking and entering after police found him inside the vacant warehouse.”

Related terms

Warrant

A guarantee or promise that something is true or will work as stated.

hate crime

A crime motivated by prejudice against a person's race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristic.

criminal intent

The mental state or purpose required to commit a crime.

accessory before the fact

Helping someone plan or prepare to commit a crime before it happens.

Duress

Forcing someone to sign a contract through threats or coercion.

Stand Your Ground

A law allowing a person to use force, including deadly force, to defend themselves without a duty to retreat.

Castle Doctrine

A law stating that a person's home is their castle and they can use force to defend it without duty to retreat.

Expungement

A legal process that erases or seals a criminal conviction from your record.

This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney.