Westwood Breaking & Entering Defense Lawyer

A Breaking & Entering (B&E) charge in Westwood can lead to:

• Felony or misdemeanor criminal record
• Lengthy jail time and heavy fines
• Difficulty securing employment and housing
• Severe damage to your reputation and future opportunities

At Marin, Barrett & Murphy Law Firm, we provide aggressive and strategic defense for individuals charged with Breaking & Entering in Westwood.

📞 Call (857) 229-2442 for a Free Consultation.

Understanding Massachusetts Breaking & Entering Laws

Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 266, Breaking & Entering is classified based on the time of day and the intent behind the act.

Types of Breaking & Entering Charges

Breaking & Entering at Night with Felony Intent (M.G.L. c. 266, § 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, § 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, § 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, § 18A)

• Carrying tools commonly used for breaking & entering
• Felony charge with up to 10 years in prison

Penalties for Breaking & Entering in Westwood

The penalties for Breaking & Entering in Westwood 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
• Heavy fines and restitution payments
• 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 develop powerful defense strategies to protect our clients, such as:

• No Criminal Intent – If you entered a property without intent to commit a crime, your charges could be reduced or dismissed
• Mistaken Identity – Weak evidence or false accusations can lead to wrongful arrests
• Consent to Enter – If you had permission, the charges may not hold up in court
• Illegal Search & Seizure – If law enforcement violated your constitutional rights, evidence may be thrown out

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, our legal team will determine if the statute of limitations can be used in your defense.

Dedham District Court – Handling Westwood Breaking & Entering Cases

If you are charged with Breaking & Entering in Westwood, your case will be heard at:

📍 Dedham District Court
Address: 631 High Street, Dedham, MA 02026
Phone: (781) 329-4777
Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

The Dedham District Court handles criminal cases, including Breaking & Entering charges in Westwood.

Westwood Police Department Contact Information

For arrests, police reports, and investigations, contact the Westwood Police Department:

📍 Address: 588 High Street, Westwood, MA 02090
Non-Emergency Phone: (781) 320-1000
Emergency: Dial 911

The Westwood Police Department investigates Breaking & Entering crimes and responds to local reports.

Why You Need an Experienced Breaking & Entering Defense Attorney

A Breaking & Entering conviction can lead to serious legal consequences that impact your entire life. 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

📞 Call (857) 229-2442 for a Free Consultation