What Really Constitutes Burglary in Arizona? Legal Facts You Need to Know

Burglary is one of the most misunderstood criminal charges in Arizona. Many people assume burglary means someone broke into a home or business and stole something, but that’s not always the case. In fact, you can be charged with burglary even if you didn’t take anything at all.

At Grand Canyon Law Group, we regularly defend clients wrongfully charged with burglary and help them fight back against aggressive prosecution. In this blog, we’ll explain how burglary is charged in Arizona, what the law actually says, and how an experienced attorney can protect your rights.

What Is Burglary in Arizona?

Under Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS § 13-1506, 13-1507, and 13-1508), burglary is defined as unlawfully entering or remaining in a structure or property with the intent to commit a crime inside.

Many people wrongly assume that burglary requires theft, but Arizona law says otherwise. You don’t have to steal anything to be charged with burglary. Instead, prosecutors only need to prove that you entered or stayed in a place with the intent to commit a crime.

✔ Example situations that can lead to burglary charges:

• Entering a home or business unlawfully, even without stealing anything.
• Entering a garage, shed, or fenced yard with the intent to commit any crime (not just theft).
• Hiding in a store after closing hours with the intent to commit vandalism or another offense.
• Walking into someone’s open garage without permission and looking inside their car.

Even standing in someone’s front yard or porch under certain circumstances can result in a burglary charge if the prosecution argues you intended to commit a crime.

The Three Degrees of Burglary in Arizona

Burglary charges are broken down into three levels, depending on the location of the alleged offense and the circumstances:

Third-Degree Burglary (ARS § 13-1506) – Class 4 Felony

• Unlawfully entering or remaining in a commercial, residential, or fenced property with the intent to commit a crime.
• This includes businesses, garages, and fenced-in yards.
• Punishable by 1.5 to 3 years in prison for first-time offenders.

Second-Degree Burglary (ARS § 13-1507) – Class 3 Felony

• Unlawfully entering or remaining inside a residential structure (someone’s home) with the intent to commit a crime.
• This is more serious than third-degree burglary because it involves someone’s home or living space.
• Punishable by 2.5 to 7 years in prison for first-time offenders.

First-Degree Burglary (ARS § 13-1508) – Class 2 or 3 Felony

• This charge applies when a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument is involved.
• If the burglary occurs in a home, it’s a Class 2 felony (5 to 12.5 years in prison for first-time offenders).
• If it occurs in a business or other structure, it’s a Class 3 felony (2.5 to 7 years in prison for first-time offenders).

💡 Important: The prosecution does not have to prove you actually stole anything—only that you entered with criminal intent.

Common Defenses to Burglary Charges

Burglary charges often rely on circumstantial evidence, meaning the prosecution is guessing your intent rather than proving it. An experienced defense lawyer can challenge the prosecution’s case and expose weaknesses in the evidence.

Here are some of the most effective legal defenses to burglary charges:

1. You Had No Criminal Intent

• Burglary requires that you intended to commit a crime inside the building or structure.
• If you entered the property by mistake, out of curiosity, or for another innocent reason, you are not guilty of burglary.
• Example defense: You walked into an open garage because you thought it was part of a store or public space.

2. You Had Permission to Be There

• If you had consent from the owner to enter the property, you cannot be guilty of burglary.
• Example defense: A friend or relative invited you inside, but later called the police after a disagreement.

3. You Were Misidentified

• False accusations and mistaken identity happen all the time, especially in cases involving surveillance footage or eyewitness testimony.
• If there is no solid evidence linking you to the scene, your lawyer can argue that the prosecution cannot prove you were the person involved.

4. The Evidence Against You Is Weak or Illegal

• If police violated your rights during the investigation (such as conducting an illegal search or seizure), any evidence they collected may be thrown out in court.
• Example defense: Police searched your home without a warrant and found items they claim were stolen. A skilled attorney can challenge this search and argue for the evidence to be suppressed.

What Should You Do If You’re Facing Burglary Charges?

Burglary is a serious felony offense that can result in years in prison, heavy fines, and a permanent criminal record. If you or a loved one is facing burglary charges, you need to act fast.

✔ What to do immediately after an arrest:

• Remain silent – Anything you say can be used against you.
• Do not talk to police – Even if you’re innocent, wait until you have a lawyer.
• Gather evidence – If you have proof that you had permission to be there, were misidentified, or didn’t commit a crime, save it and share it with your attorney.
• Contact a burglary defense attorney immediately.

At Grand Canyon Law Group, our former prosecutors understand how the state builds burglary cases—and how to fight them. We will examine every detail of your case and build the strongest possible defense to protect your rights and your future.

Why Choose Grand Canyon Law Group?

✔ Former prosecutors who know how the system works
✔ Aggressive defense strategies tailored to your case
✔ Proven track record of reducing and dismissing felony charges
✔ 24/7 availability for urgent legal matters
✔ Personalized attention and a strong commitment to your defense

Facing burglary charges? Do not face this alone. Our attorneys are ready to fight for you.

📞 Call Grand Canyon Law Group at (480) 573-6441 today for a free consultation.