Possession of Burglary Tools In Florida
The act of burglary is a serious crime in the state of Florida. Did you know, however, that you can also be charged with a crime before you’ve even attempted to commit a burglary? Being caught with tools that you intend to use for burglary is considered Possession of Burglary Tools and is a charge that carries serious penalties.
If you’re facing a potential court date on Possession of Burglary Tools charges, it’s important to know there’s somewhere you can turn for help. In Orlando, the team at The Umansky Law Firm understands the implications of criminal charges and can walk you through the criminal process. With the help of these experienced attorneys, you have the opportunity to return to life as it was before.
How Does the Law Define Burglary Tools?
To understand the implications of a Possession of Burglary Tools charge, you must first understand what the law states and what tools are considered burglary tools in the state of Florida. Possession of Burglary Tools is a unique charge that’s outlined under Florida Statute 810.06 as:
“Whoever has in his or her possession any tool, machine, or implement with the intent to use the same, or allow the same to be used, to commit any burglary or trespass shall be guilty of a felony of the third degree.”
What defines an object as a burglary tool is whether it was intended to be used to trespass on a property or enter into the act of committing burglary. Therefore, a crowbar used to break a window to illegally get into a building would be considered a burglary tool but a screwdriver used to take art off the wall once a person is inside a building would not.
If you’re facing charges for Possession of Burglary Tools, the prosecutors must be able to prove that you intended to use the tool to commit a burglary.
Common Penalties For Possession of Burglary Tools In Florida
In Florida, Possession of Burglary Tools is considered a Third-Degree Felony. Such crimes carry serious implications and penalties that can include fines, incarceration, and probation. The most common penalties for Possession of Burglary Tools and other Third-Degree Felonies are:
- Fines up to $5,000
- Up to 5 years in prison
- Up to 5 years of probation
The sooner you contact a trusted and knowledgeable attorney who understands how to defend you against this charge, the more likely it is you’ll be able to mitigate the charges you’re facing. A good attorney will be able to inform you of the most viable defense strategies for your charges.
The Top Defenses For Possession of Burglary Tools
The most common defense strategy for a Possession of Burglary Tools charge is what’s called Other Intent of Use. This defense strategy is a viable option when the prosecutors have little to no evidence that you intended to use the tool to commit burglary. Other defense strategies that are commonly used for burglary cases include:
- Lack of evidence
- Case of mistaken identity
- Planted evidence
- The tool was not in your possession
When you’re searching for a law firm to represent you and your case, it’s important to ask questions about the defense strategies they know and use in court.
Contact An Experienced Orlando Criminal Defense Lawyer To Assist You
If you’re facing criminal charges, it’s time to find a lawyer to help defend you. Don’t let your life be defined by a single mistake, contact the attorneys at The Umansky Law Firm today. With more than 100 years of experience, our team of former prosecutors provides a unique point of view with every case. They are well-versed in defense strategies for criminal defense cases like Possession of Burglary Tools and more.
Talk to an attorney today. Call 407-228-3838 or contact us online to set up your free consultation.
