Burglary Defense Lawyer Prince Georges County — Protecting Your Rights
Burglary in Prince George’s County is a serious felony under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 6-202, carrying up to 20 years in prison. A burglary charge defense lawyer Prince George’s County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. builds a strong defense by challenging the State’s evidence of unlawful entry and intent. Our firm has documented results in Maryland courts.
Maryland Burglary Law and Penalties
In Maryland, burglary is defined as breaking and entering the dwelling of another with the intent to commit theft or a crime of violence. The statute, Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 6-202, classifies it as a felony. First-degree burglary involves breaking into a dwelling, while other structures fall under lesser degrees. The prosecution must prove you entered without permission and had a specific criminal intent at the time of entry.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Prince George’s County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official statute, review Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 6-202. Court information for Prince George’s County is available at the District Court of MD for Prince George’s County website.
Defense Strategy for Prince George’s County Burglary Cases
Prince George’s County prosecutors must prove every element of burglary beyond a reasonable doubt. A common defense is challenging the evidence of “breaking”—showing a door was unlocked or entry was permitted. Another is disputing criminal intent, arguing you entered for a non-criminal purpose. The State’s Attorney for Prince George’s County handles these charges, and early intervention by a breaking and entering defense lawyer Prince George’s County is critical to investigate the scene and witness statements before memories fade.
- Initial Consultation: Contact a burglary defense lawyer Prince Georges County immediately after arrest or charge.
- Case Review: Your attorney will obtain police reports, witness statements, and any surveillance footage.
- Defense Investigation: Investigate the scene, identify potential witnesses, and review procedural errors by law enforcement.
- Pre-Trial Motions: File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges if constitutional rights were violated.
- Negotiation or Trial: Work toward a favorable plea agreement, such as reduction to trespass, or prepare for trial.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, advocate for minimal sentencing or file an appeal if legal errors occurred.
Potential Penalties for Burglary in Maryland
In Prince George’s County, first-degree burglary is a felony punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment, while other degrees carry lower but still severe penalties.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary First Degree | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $5,000 | Permanent felony record, difficulty finding housing/employment |
| Burglary Second/Third Degree | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $5,000 | Same as above, possible probation |
| Burglary Fourth Degree | Misdemeanor | Up to 3 years | Up to $5,000 | Misdemeanor record, possible probation |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Maryland Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm-wide experience spans over 120 combined years, with more than 4,739 documented case results and a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We provide full representation for burglary and related theft charges in Prince George’s County.
Case Results
Our firm has a documented history of favorable outcomes in Maryland criminal cases. For example, we have secured dismissals (Nolle Prosequi) in serious charges. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex cases, leveraging his multi-state experience and background in accounting and information systems for cases involving financial or evidentiary details.
Contact Our Prince George’s County Burglary Defense Lawyers
Our Maryland location serves clients in Prince George’s County, accessible via I-495, I-95, Route 301, and Route 4. We are a burglary defense lawyer near Upper Marlboro, Bowie, College Park, and Laurel.
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
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only. We serve Upper Marlboro, Bowie, College Park, Laurel, Hyattsville, Greenbelt, Largo, Fort Washington, Lanham, Clinton, Capitol Heights, Oxon Hill, and Suitland.
Burglary Defense FAQs in Prince George’s County
What is the difference between burglary and breaking and entering in Maryland?
Yes, there is a key difference. Burglary requires breaking and entering with the intent to commit a theft or crime of violence inside. “Breaking and entering” alone may be a lesser charge like trespass. A breaking and entering defense lawyer Prince George’s County can argue the State failed to prove the required criminal intent.
Can a burglary charge be reduced in Prince George’s County?
It depends on the evidence and your history. Prosecutors may agree to reduce a felony burglary to a misdemeanor trespass or theft charge through plea negotiations, especially for first-time offenders or if the evidence of intent is weak. An experienced burglary charge defense lawyer Prince George’s County can negotiate for a reduction.
What should I do if I am arrested for burglary in Prince George’s County?
Remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone. Contact a burglary defense lawyer Prince Georges County as soon as possible to protect your rights and begin building your defense strategy before your initial appearance at the District Court in Upper Marlboro.
Is probation possible for a first-time burglary offense in Maryland?
It depends. For a first-degree burglary felony, incarceration is likely. However, for lower-degree burglary or if the charge is reduced, the judge may order probation, especially with a strong mitigation case presented by your attorney. Outcomes vary based on the specific facts.
How long does a burglary case take in Prince George’s County?
A misdemeanor burglary case in District Court may take 30-90 days from arraignment to trial. A felony burglary case in Circuit Court can take 3 to 12 months or longer, depending on case complexity, evidence, and court scheduling.
Related Legal Information
If you need a Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer, visit our state hub. For defense in nearby areas, see our pages for Montgomery County and Howard County. In Prince George’s County, we also assist with DUI/DWI and Family Law matters. Learn more about Kristen Fisher or our Maryland office location.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.