Burglary Attorney in Brazoria County

Facing A Burglary Charge And Need A Plan? Contact Us For Support

Burglary in Texas is a serious felony that can threaten your freedom, your record, and your future. If you have been arrested or accused in Brazoria County, you may be worried about prison time, losing your job, and how this will affect your family. You do not have to figure this out on your own.

At Law Office of Steve O. Gonzalez, we represent people charged with burglary and other serious crimes in this area. Our attorneys have more than 32 years of combined criminal defense experience, and we understand how cases move through the county’s criminal courts in Angleton. From the first phone call, our goal is to help you regain some control over a frightening situation.

If you or someone close to you is facing a burglary case, we are ready to listen to your side and explain your options. You can call (832) 900-9867 or reach out online to speak with our burglary defense lawyers in Brazoria County and learn how we can help.

Understanding Burglary Laws in Texas

Burglary is defined under Texas Penal Code § 30.02. Unlike many other states, you do not actually have to steal anything to be charged with burglary in Texas. The law states that a person commits burglary if, without the effective consent of the owner, they enter a habitation or building (not open to the public) with the intent to commit a felony, theft, or an assault.

A Brazoria County burglary lawyer must distinguish between the different classifications of this crime, as the penalties vary drastically based on the location and the intended crime:

• Burglary of a Building: This typically involves non-residential structures like sheds, offices, or detached garages. It is classified as a State Jail Felony.
• Burglary of a Habitation: This is a much more serious charge involving a "habitation," which Texas defines as any structure or vehicle adapted for overnight accommodation. This includes houses, apartments, and even some RVs. This is generally a Second-Degree Felony.
• Enhanced Burglary: If the entry was made with the intent to commit a felony other than theft (such as sexual assault or aggravated robbery), or if a party to the offense committed such a felony, the charge escalates to a First-Degree Felony.
• Burglary of a Vehicle: Breaking into a car or truck with intent to commit theft or a felony is usually a Class A Misdemeanor, though it can be enhanced based on your criminal history.

It is important to understand that "entry" is defined very broadly. If any part of your body—or even an object you are holding—intrudes into the structure, the law considers it an entry.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Burglary Convictions in Brazoria County

Texas does not take kindly to property crimes, and the punishment ranges reflect this "tough on crime" stance:

• State Jail Felony: 180 days to 2 years in a state jail facility and a fine of up to $10,000.
• Second-Degree Felony: 2 to 20 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (prison) and a fine of up to $10,000.
• First-Degree Felony: 5 to 99 years or life in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

The collateral consequences can be just as damaging as the time behind bars. As a convicted felon, you will lose your right to vote and your right to own a firearm. Finding employment becomes an uphill battle, as most employers are hesitant to hire someone with a "crime of moral turpitude" on their record. 

Furthermore, a burglary conviction can lead to the loss of professional licenses and significantly complicate housing applications. Our firm provides bilingual services to ensure that all our clients, regardless of their background, fully grasp these risks and are empowered in their defense.

Why Choose Our Burglary Defense Attorneys in Brazoria County

When you are accused of burglary, the lawyer you choose can affect every part of your case. You need a legal team that focuses on criminal defense, understands Texas law, and is prepared to deal with determined prosecutors. That is how we have built our practice at Law Office of Steve O. Gonzalez.

Our attorneys, Steve O. Gonzalez and Kristina King, lead a team that concentrates on DWI and criminal defense cases. We bring more than three decades of combined experience in Texas criminal courts, including regular work in Brazoria County, Galveston County, Harris County, and Fort Bend County.

We know that no two burglary accusations are the same. The facts, the location, the people involved, and your personal history all matter. Our burglary lawyers in Brazoria County takes time to learn what actually happened and what you are facing in your life outside the courtroom. We then craft a defense strategy that fits your specific situation instead of treating your case like a form on a checklist.

How We Defend Burglary Cases in Brazoria County

Defending a burglary charge starts with a detailed review of the case. Our attorneys examine charging documents, police reports, and any available physical or digital evidence, while also discussing your account of events. This helps identify misunderstandings, credibility issues, or prior relationships that may affect the allegations.

We closely analyze key elements such as identity and intent. This includes questioning whether the state can reliably prove who was present and whether there is clear evidence of criminal intent. We also review searches, seizures, and statements to ensure law enforcement followed constitutional and Texas legal requirements.

Our team evaluates possible defenses such as permission to be on the property, authorization, or errors in how the offense was charged. When appropriate, we challenge weak evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, or argue for reduced charges. Throughout the case, we focus on protecting your rights and building a strong, informed defense.

With over 32 years of experience, our approach to burglary defense is both strategic and exhaustive. We don't just wait for the state to make a move; we build a defense from the ground up:

• Alibi and Identity Verification: We look for GPS data, cell phone pings, and surveillance that proves you were not at the scene.
• Challenging Intent: We work to show that even if an entry occurred, there was no criminal intent involved. This can often lead to a reduction from a felony to a misdemeanor.
• Witness Credibility: We investigate the background of accusers and witnesses to uncover any motives for false accusations, which are common in cases involving domestic disputes.
• Bilingual Services: We bridge the communication gap, providing clear advice in both English and Spanish to ensure our clients make informed decisions.

What To Do After A Burglary Arrest

The hours and days after an arrest can feel chaotic. You may be tempted to explain everything to police or to the alleged victim, especially if you feel misunderstood. What you do during this time can significantly affect your case, so careful steps matter.

Helpful steps to protect yourself after a burglary arrest include:

• Staying silent about the facts of the case until you have legal counsel
• Collecting contact information for anyone who may have seen or heard something important
• Preserving messages, photos, or other digital information related to the situation
• Avoiding any attempt to change or remove physical evidence
• Keeping copies of your bond paperwork and court notices in a safe place

When you contact our team, we work to step in quickly. We can review your bond conditions, help you understand upcoming settings on the criminal docket, and start dealing with the prosecutor’s office so you are not trying to manage these issues on your own. This early involvement can be important in protecting your position and setting the tone for how the case is handled.

Talk To Our Burglary Defense Team

At Law Office of Steve O. Gonzalez, we bring more than 32 years of combined criminal defense experience, a focused practice on DWI and criminal cases, and a strong commitment to personal advocacy for every client. We are familiar with how cases move through the local criminal courts, and we work to protect your future at every stage.

If you are ready to talk with a burglary attorney in Brazoria County, contact our team to discuss your situation in a confidential consultation. Taking this step can help you move from fear and confusion toward a plan.

Call (832) 900-9867 or reach out online to speak with our team about your burglary case.