3.315 — BREAKING & ENTERING
Violations of "Statute 3.315" results in a Class B Misdemeanor
(a) Definitions
"Breaking & Entering" refers to the unlawful entry into a building or structure, whether by force, deceit, or without consent, with the intent to commit a crime inside.
(b) Elements
To establish the offense of breaking and entering, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt the following elements:
The defendant entered a building or structure.
The entry was without the consent of the owner or occupant.
The defendant had intent to commit a crime (such as theft, vandalism, assault, or other crimes) once inside the building or structure.
The entry was accomplished by force, deceit, or without consent (e.g., breaking a door, using a key without authorization, or entering through an unlocked window).
(c) Defenses
A defendant may raise the following defenses against a charge of breaking and entering:
Consent: The defendant had permission from the owner or occupant to enter the property.
Lack of Intent: The defendant entered the property but did not have the intent to commit a crime once inside.
Mistaken Belief: The defendant reasonably believed they had legal rights to enter the property.
No Force Used: The defendant did not use force or deceit to enter the premises.
(d) Aggravating Factors
The court shall impose enhanced penalties if the breaking and entering involved:
Use of force or weapons to break into the property.
Entering a dwelling or occupied building, especially when the owner or occupants were present.
Committed during nighttime hours, increasing the potential danger to the occupants.
The defendant has a prior conviction for a similar offense.
Damage caused to property during the act of breaking and entering.
Last updated