A Breaking & Entering (B&E) charge in Framingham is a serious offense that can lead to:
- Felony or misdemeanor criminal record
- Significant jail time and hefty fines
- Difficulty finding employment, housing, or loans
- Long-term damage to your personal and professional reputation
At Marin, Barrett & Murphy Law Firm, we aggressively fight to defend individuals charged with Breaking & Entering in Framingham.
π Call (857) 229-2442 for a Free Consultation Today.
Massachusetts Breaking & Entering Laws
Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 266, a Breaking & Entering charge can vary in severity depending on the time of day and intent behind the act.
Types of Breaking & Entering Offenses
Breaking & Entering at Night with Felony Intent (M.G.L. c. 266, Β§ 16)
- Entering a dwelling, building, or vehicle at night
- Felony charge punishable by up to 20 years in state prison
Breaking & Entering During the Day with Felony Intent (M.G.L. c. 266, Β§ 17)
- Entering a structure during the daytime
- Felony charge punishable by up to 10 years in prison
Breaking & Entering with Misdemeanor Intent (M.G.L. c. 266, Β§ 18)
- Entering a property without intent to commit a felony
- Misdemeanor charge punishable by up to 2.5 years in jail
Possession of Burglary Tools (M.G.L. c. 266, Β§ 18A)
- Carrying tools commonly used for breaking & entering
- Felony charge with up to 10 years in prison
Penalties for Breaking & Entering in Framingham
The penalties depend on whether the offense occurred during the day or night, and the intended crime.
Felony Breaking & Entering (Nighttime or Felony Intent)
- Up to 20 years in state prison
- Severe fines and potential restitution
- Mandatory minimum sentences for repeat offenders
Misdemeanor Breaking & Entering (Daytime, Misdemeanor Intent)
- Up to 2.5 years in jail
- Fines up to $1,000
- Probation and community service
Additional Consequences:
- Permanent criminal record affecting job and housing opportunities
- Potential immigration consequences for non-citizens
- Restitution payments to property owners
Defenses Against Breaking & Entering Charges
At Marin, Barrett & Murphy Law Firm, we analyze every aspect of your case to find weaknesses in the prosecution's arguments, including:
- Lack of Intent β If you had no intent to commit a crime, your charges could be reduced or dismissed
- Mistaken Identity β False accusations and weak evidence can lead to wrongful charges
- Unlawful Entry β If you had permission to enter, the charge may not stand
- Illegal Search & Seizure β If law enforcement violated your constitutional rights, evidence could be suppressed
Statute of Limitations for Breaking & Entering
- Misdemeanor Breaking & Entering: 6 years from the date of the alleged offense
- Felony Breaking & Entering: No statute of limitations
If you are facing an old charge, we evaluate whether the statute of limitations applies to your case.
Framingham District Court β Handling Breaking & Entering Cases
If you are charged with Breaking & Entering in Framingham, your case will be handled by:
π Framingham District Court
Address: 600 Concord Street, Framingham, MA 01702
Phone: (508) 875-7461
Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
The Framingham District Court handles criminal cases, including breaking & entering charges.
Framingham Police Department Contact Information
For arrests and law enforcement inquiries, contact the Framingham Police Department:
π Address: 1 William H. Welch Way, Framingham, MA 01702
Non-Emergency Phone: (508) 872-1212
Emergency: Dial 911
The Framingham Police Department investigates Breaking & Entering offenses and responds to local crime reports.
Why You Need an Experienced Breaking & Entering Defense Attorney
A Breaking & Entering conviction can have long-lasting consequences, including prison time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. At Marin, Barrett & Murphy Law Firm, we:
- Analyze the prosecution's case for weaknesses
- Challenge illegally obtained evidence
- Negotiate for case dismissals or reduced charges
- Develop a strategic defense tailored to your case
π Call (857) 229-2442 for a Free Consultation
Contact a Framingham Breaking & Entering Defense Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been charged with Breaking & Entering in Framingham, don't wait to build your defense. The sooner you act, the better your chances of a successful outcome.
Marin, Barrett, and Murphy Law Firm
π 572 Washington Street, Suite 21, Wellesley, MA 02482
π (857) 229-2442
π¨ Facing Breaking & Entering charges in Framingham? Call now for a free, confidential consultation.