Being charged with Breaking & Entering (B&E) in Wayland can have life-changing consequences, including:
- Felony or misdemeanor criminal record
- Lengthy jail time and substantial fines
- Negative impact on employment, housing, and future opportunities
- Immigration and travel restrictions for non-U.S. citizens
At Marin, Barrett & Murphy Law Firm, we have a proven track record of successfully defending B&E cases throughout Massachusetts.
π Call (857) 229-2442 for a Free Consultation.
Understanding Massachusetts Breaking & Entering Laws
Massachusetts law defines Breaking & Entering as the unlawful entry into a building, vehicle, or structure with or without force. The severity of charges depends on factors such as:
- Time of day (Day vs. Night)
- Intent (Felony vs. Misdemeanor)
- Presence of burglary tools
Types of Breaking & Entering Charges
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 Wayland
The penalties for Breaking & Entering in Wayland depend on the time of day and intent of the accused.
Felony Breaking & Entering (Nighttime or Felony Intent)
- Up to 20 years in state prison
- Heavy fines and 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
- Court-ordered restitution to property owners
Defenses Against Breaking & Entering Charges
At Marin, Barrett & Murphy Law Firm, we build customized defense strategies for each client. Common defenses include:
- No Criminal Intent β If you entered a property without intent to commit a crime, your charges could be reduced or dismissed
- Mistaken Identity β Weak evidence or false accusations can lead to wrongful arrests
- Consent to Enter β If you had permission, the charges may not hold up in court
- Illegal Search & Seizure β If law enforcement violated your constitutional rights, evidence may be thrown out
Statute of Limitations for Breaking & Entering in Massachusetts
- Misdemeanor Breaking & Entering: 6 years from the date of the alleged offense
- Felony Breaking & Entering: No statute of limitations
If you were recently charged or facing an old accusation, our legal team will determine if the statute of limitations can be used in your defense.
Framingham District Court β Handling Wayland Breaking & Entering Cases
If you are charged with Breaking & Entering in Wayland, your case will be heard at:
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 all criminal cases, including Breaking & Entering charges in Wayland.
Wayland Police Department Contact Information
For arrests, police reports, and investigations, contact the Wayland Police Department:
π Address: 38 Cochituate Road, Wayland, MA 01778
Non-Emergency Phone: (508) 358-4721
Emergency: Dial 911
The Wayland Police Department investigates Breaking & Entering crimes and enforces local laws.
Why You Need an Experienced Breaking & Entering Defense Attorney
A Breaking & Entering conviction can have severe consequences. At Marin, Barrett & Murphy Law Firm, we:
- Analyze the prosecution's evidence for weaknesses
- Challenge illegally obtained evidence
- Negotiate for case dismissals or reduced charges
- Create a strong, strategic defense based on your specific situation
π Call (857) 229-2442 for a Free Consultation
Contact a Wayland Breaking & Entering Defense Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one is facing Breaking & Entering charges in Wayland, don't delay seeking legal help. The sooner you reach out, the stronger your defense can be.
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 Wayland? Call now for a free, confidential consultation.