Burglary lawyers in Pierce County, WA take criminal defense seriously
Residential burglary rates in Tacoma have increased by 15 percent in the first nine months of 2012. At The Woods Law Office, PLLC, we know that crime statistics like these prompt the police to react by increasing their rate of arrest. Neighborhood Watch groups have become an additional set of eyes and ears for law enforcement, adding to the likelihood that those who break and enter homes or businesses will be apprehended.

In Washington, breaking and entering is always considered to be burglary, whether property was stolen or not. Residential burglary is treated differently — and more severely — than breaking into a store, an unattached garage or a shed, for instance. Both, however, are considered to be felonies and require solid representation by burglary lawyers in Tacoma.

If you or your child has been charged with a breaking and entering burglary, an experienced criminal lawyer at The Woods Law Office, PLLC can offer you the representation you will need. Founding attorney Doug Woods is a burglary attorney and a former prosecutor who understands how the district attorney thinks and how to help keep you out of jail.

A breaking and entering conviction comes with legal penalties and personal consequences
What most people think of as breaking and entering is usually a Burglary 2, or Burglary in the Second Degree, crime. This means that the residence was broken into and that the person who entered the house remained there unlawfully, usually with the intent to commit a crime.

Burglary 1, or Burglary in the First degree, means that the person who broke into and entered a house with the intent to commit a crime was armed.

In addition to the prison terms and fines that go along with a charge of Burglary 2 or the more serious Burglary 1, there are other consequences. These include the inability to get a professional license, job loss, difficulties obtaining future employment, mandatory community service and, in the case of non-citizen residents, the possibility of deportation.

You need to know what to do when charged with a crime — and that includes getting the help of experienced criminal defense attorneys. As your legal advocates, our Tacoma breaking and entering lawyers negotiate the best possible outcome for you and fight for your rights.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and evaluation of your case with Tacoma burglary attorney Doug Woods

Before you talk to the police or the prosecutor, talk to us. To schedule a free consultation, please contact us online. Weekend or evening appointments can be arranged. We also offer flexible, affordable payment plans.