North Carolina State Criminal Offense - General Statute 14-54(a)
For a defendant to be found guilty of Feloniously Breaking or Entering with Intent to Commit a Felony, the State must prove four things beyond a reasonable doubt:
(1) First, that there was a breaking or an entering by the defendant.
(2) Second, the State must prove that it was a building that was broken into or entered.
(3) Third, that the owner or tenant did not consent to the breaking or entering.
(4) And Fourth, that at the time of the breaking or entering, the defendant intended to commit a felony therein. The specific felony must be named by the State. At trial, the crime that the defendant allegedly intended to commit is briefly defined for the jury. Failure of the court to define the crime may constitute reversible error on appeal.
A person violating this statute shall be punished as a Class H felon.
At trial, if the jury finds from the evidence beyond a reasonable doubt that on or about the alleged date the defendant broke into or entered a building without the consent of the owner or tenant, intending at that time to commit a specified felony, then it would be the duty of the jury to return a verdict of guilty. If the jury does not so find or has reasonable doubt as to one or more of these things, then it would be the jury’s duty to return a verdict of not guilty.
If you have been charged with Feloniously Breaking or Entering in North Carolina, then you need a lawyer who has extensive experience handling these cases, both before trial in plea negotiations and, if a satisfactory result cannot be reached, in a trial by jury. Attorney Garland Byers is a former police officer, former Assistant District Attorney, and has successfully investigated, prosecuted, and defended, all types of criminal cases in North Carolina Superior Court.
There are very effective defenses to this charge. Each case is, of course, different and the facts of your case are totally unique. Regardless, there are things that can be done to maximize your chances of obtaining a favorable result. But these things must be done early on in your case in order to put your case on the best possible footing.
Whether you want to plead guilty to a lesser offense, to take the case to trial, or you aren’t sure what to do, you should retain an experienced criminal defense lawyer to advise you immediately. Please give the law office of Garland Byers a call and have a consultation about your specific case. If you are a friend or family member reading this because your loved one is in jail, you can make the call on your friend or family member’s behalf to begin the process of turning the ship around.
Any lawyer with a valid law license can represent you. The challenge is to find the right lawyer with the right skills and the right experience for your specific case. Give us a call and let’s see if we are a good fit to guide you through these dangerous legal times. The choice of a lawyer is of critical importance. Make the right one.
Call the Byers Law Firm today.
Rev. 10/11/23