If you think that vehicle burglary in Oklahoma is no big deal, think again.
All burglaries in Muskogee, Oklahoma are felony crimes. If you are convicted of a felony in Oklahoma, you will serve time in jail.
Burglary is a Felony
Burglary in Oklahoma is categorized as either of the first or second degree. While both are serious charges, burglary of the second degree is the less serious of the two.
Vehicle burglary in Oklahoma is second-degree burglary.
Under the statute, if you break and enter into a vehicle or into any of the following with the intent to steal something from inside or commit a felony inside, you may be found guilty of second-degree burglary: building, room, booth, tent, railroad car, automobile, truck, trailer, vessel, or other structure.
In addition, if you forcibly open any coin-operated or vending machine or device, you could be convicted of second-degree burglary. Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 1435
So what is included in breaking and entering a vehicle? The most obvious example is what is commonly called a smash and grab. The perpetrator smashes a window and grabs a purse or backpack left on a seat.
But what about the less obvious examples? You have a fake key that you know will open the door of a car that belongs to someone else. A wallet has been left on the gear box. Well, that too is breaking and entering.
Even if you enter an unlocked car, if you are entering the car with the intent to take something for it that belongs to another person or you have the intent to commit another felony in the car, you could be convicted of second-degree burglary.
Penalties for Burglary in Oklahoma
Burglary in Oklahoma is a felony crime, whether of the first or second degree.
Second-degree or vehicle burglary is punishable by a prison term of between two and seven years. Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 1436
Low-cost Consultation: Muskogee Felony Defense Lawyer
It is critical that you hire an experienced Muskogee criminal defense attorney if you are being investigated for or have been charged with burglary in Oklahoma.
Let a Muskogee felony defense attorney speak for you and protect your rights.
For a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney call 918-913-0725 or toll free at 1-888-Wirth-Law (1-888-947-8452).
