Many people who watch true crime series on television have specific ideas on what burglary of a home looks like. They may think a burglar must violently kick down the door, perhaps with a weapon, stealing what is inside and then running away. However, in Mississippi the crime of burglary of a home need not be so nefarious.
Outlining the crime of burglary of a home in Mississippi
Mississippi law states that burglary is committed under the following circumstances. First, the burglar must break and enter a dwelling. Note that the break need not be violent; simply pushing open a door counts as breaking into a dwelling for burglary purposes. Second, burglary can happen whether the burglar is armed or not or whether the dwelling is occupied or not. Third, the burglar must intend to commit a crime within the dwelling they broke into. Note that this can be any crime, not just theft crimes.
The penalties for burglary of a home in Mississippi
Mississippi law comes down harsh on the crime of burglary. If convicted of burglary, a person can spend three to 25 years in prison. If the burglar terrorizes a person occupying the home at the time of the burglary, then the burglar may spend 10 to 25 years in prison.
Burglary charges carry stiff penalties
As this shows, burglary is a serious crime in Mississippi. While the actual act, even if no weapon or violence is involved, may not seem to be so nefarious, the fact is that it does not take much to commit the crime of burglary in Mississippi. For this reason, if you are facing burglary charges you will want to make sure you understand all your rights and defense options so you can make informed decisions.