Needham Breaking and Entering Lawyer

Being charged with breaking & entering in Massachusetts is a serious criminal offense that can carry severe penalties, including jail time, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record. Whether the incident involved a misunderstanding, mistaken identity, or a wrongful accusation, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney to protect your rights and fight for your future.

At the Marin, Barrett, and Murphy Law Firm, we have a proven track record of successfully defending clients against breaking & entering charges in Needham and surrounding areas. Our aggressive legal approach, combined with our deep understanding of Massachusetts criminal law, allows us to develop strategic defenses aimed at reducing charges, securing dismissals, or winning acquittals at trial.

Understanding Breaking & Entering Charges in Massachusetts

Breaking & entering (B&E) is a criminal offense under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 266. The law defines B&E as entering a building, home, or vehicle without permission, using force or deception, with the intent to commit a crime inside. The severity of the charge depends on factors such as:

• Time of the offense (daytime vs. nighttime).
• Intent (misdemeanor vs. felony crime inside).
• Use of force or weapons.
• Whether the property was occupied at the time.

Common Situations That Lead to B&E Charges

Many people assume breaking & entering is limited to burglary, but the law applies to various situations, including:

• Entering a vacant building or property without permission.
• Forcibly entering a home or business (even if no theft occurs).
• Gaining access to someone else's garage, storage unit, or vehicle.
• Misunderstandings over permission to enter a residence.
• College students entering a dorm or house party without realizing the legal consequences.

Regardless of the circumstances, prosecutors aggressively pursue B&E cases, making it crucial to have a skilled defense attorney on your side.

Penalties for Breaking & Entering in Massachusetts

The penalties for breaking & entering depend on the details of the offense, including whether it occurred at night or during the day, if weapons were involved, and whether the defendant had the intent to commit a felony or misdemeanor.

Potential Consequences of a B&E Conviction

Breaking & Entering with Intent to Commit a Misdemeanor

• Up to 2.5 years in jail
• Fines and probation
• Permanent criminal record

Breaking & Entering with Intent to Commit a Felony (Daytime – M.G.L. c. 266, § 18A)

• Up to 10 years in state prison
• Up to 2.5 years in county jail
• Possible restitution to property owners

Breaking & Entering at Night with Intent to Commit a Felony (M.G.L. c. 266, § 17)

• Considered more severe due to heightened danger
• Up to 20 years in state prison

Breaking & Entering While Armed (M.G.L. c. 266, § 17)

• Minimum 5-year prison sentence
• No eligibility for parole or early release

Statute of Limitations for Breaking & Entering

The statute of limitations for most B&E charges in Massachusetts is six years.

However, if the charge involves serious felonies, such as B&E while armed or with violence, there may be no statute of limitations.

Even if years have passed since the alleged incident, you can still face charges. Do not wait to seek legal representation—contact us today to start building your defense.

Defenses Against Breaking & Entering Charges

At the Marin, Barrett, and Murphy Law Firm, we know that every case is unique. Our attorneys analyze the details of your arrest, evidence, and police procedure to determine the best defense strategy for your case. Some common defenses include:

• Lack of Intent – If you did not intend to commit a crime inside the property, the charges may not hold up in court.
• Mistaken Identity – Many B&E cases rely on weak evidence, and mistaken identity is common.
• Permission to Enter – If you had the owner's permission or a reasonable belief that you could enter, we can challenge the prosecution's case.
• Unlawful Search & Seizure – If police violated your constitutional rights when gathering evidence, we can file a motion to suppress, which may lead to dismissal of charges.

Our goal is to reduce your charges, negotiate for lesser penalties, or get your case dismissed whenever possible.

Where Will Your Case Be Handled?

If you are charged with breaking & entering in Needham, your case will likely be heard in:

Dedham District Court
📍 631 High Street, Dedham, MA 02026
📞 (781) 329-4777

Additionally, the Needham Police Department may have handled your arrest and investigation:

Needham Police Department
📍 99 School St, Needham, MA 02492
📞 (781) 455-7570

Knowing the local court system and law enforcement procedures is crucial when building an effective defense. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling cases in Needham and Dedham courts, giving us an advantage in fighting your charges.

Why Choose the Marin, Barrett, and Murphy Law Firm?

When facing serious criminal charges, you need a defense team that is aggressive, knowledgeable, and committed to your future. At the Marin, Barrett, and Murphy Law Firm, we provide:

• Decades of Criminal Defense Experience in Massachusetts.
• Personalized Legal Strategies for each case.
• Aggressive Negotiation & Trial Advocacy to fight for your rights.
• 24/7 Availability – Call us anytime at (857) 229-2442.
• Local Knowledge of Needham Courts & Prosecutors.

Your future is too important to leave to chance. If you've been arrested for breaking & entering in Needham, let us fight for your freedom and protect your record.