Burglary/Trespass

First-Degree Burglary

First-degree burglary in Washington, D.C. is the entering of a dwelling with intent to commit a crime.   While it used to be that the burglary had to be at night-time, the time of day is no longer important.  The entry can be through force, or “breaking.”  Alternatively, entry can be with the permission of the person who occupies the house.  For example, a husband returning home to assault his wife could be convicted of burglary so long as the prosecution can prove that the husband intended to assault his wife at the time he entered.  It cannot be that the husband developed this intent once he was already inside.

Since it is impossible for the judge or jury to read the defendant’s mind, the prosecution will need to make out the defendant’s intent at the time he/she entered the dwelling through circumstantial evidence.  Were there signs of forced entry?  Was the defendant found in possession of any “burglary tools” or stolen goods?  Did the defendant say anything either before or after entry that could suggest intent?

The nature of the crime the person intends to commit is irrelevant so long as it is separate from the entry itself.  For example, the crime the person intends to commit cannot be burglary or unlawful entry.  If the person enters the house illegally but does not have an intent to commit a crime, the person could be found guilty of the misdemeanor crime of unlawful entry.  D.C. Criminal Code 22-801(a).

Burglary is a felony offense.  The penalty for first-degree burglary is 5 to 30 years imprisonment.  D.C. Criminal Code 22-801(a).

Second-Degree Burglary

First-degree burglary applies only to dwellings that are occupied at the time of the entry.  Second-degree burglary applies to all other entries, including entries in unoccupied dwellings and entries into other types of buildings, structures, or vessels whether or not they are occupied.  It would, for example, be a second degree burglary for a person to enter with intent to commit a crime a bank, store, stable, stockyard, or railroad car. The penalty for second-degree burglary is 2 to 15 years.. Criminal Code 22-801(b).

Unlawful Entry on Property

It is illegal to enter or attempt to enter any private dwelling, public building or other property or to remain within such property without lawful authority and against the will of the lawful occupant.  “Private dwelling” is defined as a privately owned house, apartment, condo or any other building used as living quarters.  The maximun penalty for this offense is a $1,000 fine and 180 days of imprisonment. D.C. Criminal Code 22-3302.

Unlawful Entry of Motor Vehicle

It is against the law to enter or to be inside of a motor vehicle of another person without that person’s permission. This offense is punishable by a a fine of up to $500 and/or 90 days of incarceration.  D.C. Criminal Code 22-3323.