Burglary Defense Lawyer Prince Georges County — What Are Your Defense Options?
A burglary charge in Prince George’s County is a serious felony under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 6-202, carrying up to 20 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides strong defense for burglary charges. Our burglary defense lawyer Prince Georges County team, led by former prosecutor Kristen Fisher, understands the local courts. We offer 24/7 consultations at (888) 437-7747.
Maryland Burglary Law and Penalties
In Maryland, burglary is defined as breaking and entering the dwelling of another with the intent to commit a crime inside, typically theft. The severity of the charge and potential penalties depend on factors like the time of day, whether the dwelling was occupied, and if a weapon was involved. First-degree burglary is the most serious classification.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Prince George’s County | Maryland General Assembly
For official statute information, refer to the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 6-202 (official Maryland General Assembly). Court procedures are handled at the District Court of MD for Prince George’s County for initial appearances and the Circuit Court for felony trials.
- Initial Appearance & Bail: After arrest, you will appear before a District Court commissioner in Upper Marlboro who will set bail conditions.
- Formal Charging: The State’s Attorney for Prince George’s County will file formal charges via a criminal information or grand jury indictment for felony burglary.
- Arraignment: You will be formally arraigned on the charges and enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney will review all evidence (discovery) and may file pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Plea Negotiation or Trial: Most cases are resolved through negotiation. If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing will follow, considering guidelines, victim impact, and mitigating factors presented by your defense.
In Prince George’s County, a burglary conviction carries severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, substantial fines, and a permanent felony record that affects employment, housing, and gun rights.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary in the First Degree | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $10,000 | None directly | Permanent felony record, loss of firearm rights, difficulty finding employment/housing |
| Burglary in the Second Degree | Felony | Up to 15 years | Up to $10,000 | None directly | Permanent felony record, loss of firearm rights |
| Burglary with a Destructive Device | Felony | Up to 20 years (mandatory minimum may apply) | Up to $10,000 | None directly | Enhanced penalties, treated as a crime of violence |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Burglary and Breaking and Entering Cases
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and more than 4,739 documented case results firm-wide, we have a deep understanding of Maryland’s criminal justice system. Our firm-wide favorable outcome rate is over 93%. Our lead Maryland attorney, Kristen Fisher, is a former Assistant State’s Attorney who uses her prosecutorial insight to build strong defenses for clients facing serious felony charges like burglary.
Case Results and Defense Strategy
SRIS actively practices in Prince George’s County. While specific local case counts are proprietary, our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our defense strategies for burglary charges often involve challenging the prosecution’s evidence on the key element of intent. We meticulously examine police reports, witness statements, and forensic evidence to find weaknesses. We may argue that you had permission to enter, that you lacked the intent to commit a crime, or that evidence was obtained through an unlawful search. In many cases, we negotiate for reduced charges, such as trespassing, or seek favorable dispositions like probation before judgment (PBJ) where possible.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Burglary Defense Lawyer Near Prince George’s County
Our Maryland location serves clients throughout Prince George’s County, including Upper Marlboro, Bowie, College Park, Laurel, Hyattsville, Greenbelt, Largo, Fort Washington, Lanham, Clinton, Capitol Heights, Oxon Hill, and Suitland. We are accessible via I-495, I-95, Route 301, and Route 4.
Contact a burglary charge defense lawyer Prince George’s County today:
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Burglary Defense in Prince George’s County
What is the difference between burglary and breaking and entering in Maryland?
Yes, there is a key difference. “Breaking and entering” generally refers to the unlawful entry itself. “Burglary” requires breaking and entering plus the intent to commit a crime (like theft) inside the dwelling at the time of entry. A breaking and entering defense lawyer Prince George’s County can argue you lacked this specific intent.
Can I go to jail for a first-time burglary offense in Prince George’s County?
It depends on the degree and circumstances. First-degree burglary carries a maximum of 20 years. Even for a first offense, incarceration is a real possibility, especially if the dwelling was occupied. However, an experienced burglary defense lawyer Prince Georges County can present mitigating factors and negotiate for alternative sentences like probation.
What are common defenses to a burglary charge?
Common defenses include lack of intent (you entered for another reason), mistaken identity, consent (you had permission to enter), and challenging the legality of the police investigation or search that led to the evidence. An attorney will analyze the specifics of your case to identify the strongest defense strategy.
Is burglary a felony in Maryland?
Yes. All degrees of burglary under Maryland law are felonies. A conviction will result in a permanent felony criminal record, which carries long-term consequences beyond any prison sentence.
Should I talk to the police if I’m suspected of burglary?
No. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Politely decline to answer questions and request to speak with a burglary charge defense lawyer Prince George’s County immediately. Anything you say can be used against you.
Related Practice Areas: If you are facing other charges, explore our pages for a DUI lawyer in Prince George’s County or a family law attorney in Prince George’s County.
Other Locations: We also serve clients in neighboring areas. See our criminal defense lawyer in Montgomery County and criminal defense lawyer in Howard County pages.
Learn More: For a broader overview of our services, visit our Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for the most current legal guidance regarding your burglary charge.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.
