Burglary

Also known as: Unlawful Entry, Breaking and Entering

In one sentence

Unlawfully entering a building with intent to commit a crime inside.

Plain English

Burglary is the crime of breaking into or illegally entering a building (or sometimes a vehicle or dwelling) with the intention to commit a felony—usually theft, but it could be any crime. You can be charged with burglary even if you don't actually steal anything, because the crime is complete once you enter with criminal intent. It's treated more seriously than simple theft because it involves trespassing and the potential for violence.

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Example

Police found evidence that James broke into a warehouse at night through a side window. Inside, he was caught loading electronics into a truck. He was charged with burglary because he unlawfully entered the building intending to steal.

Used in a sentence

“The homeowner's insurance claim was denied because the loss resulted from burglary, which was excluded under the policy.”

Related terms

Vandalism

Intentionally damaging or destroying someone else's property.

Actus Reus

The guilty act or physical conduct that constitutes the crime itself.

Evidence

Information, documents, or physical items presented in court to prove or disprove facts.

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.

Felony

A serious crime punishable by more than one year in prison or death.

Misdemeanor

A less serious crime punishable by up to one year in jail and/or fines.

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.