Burglary
Charges & OffensesLegal information only — not legal advice. B-Legal is not a law firm and use of this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Consult a licensed attorney before acting.
Plain-English Meaning
Unlawfully entering a building with the intent to commit a crime inside. You do not have to actually commit the crime — the intent alone, combined with unlawful entry, completes the offense. Burglary is always a felony in New York.
Legal Context
N.Y. Penal Law §§ 140.20–140.30 define burglary in three degrees. Burglary in the Third Degree (§ 140.20, D felony) is knowingly entering or remaining unlawfully in a building with intent to commit a crime inside. Burglary in the Second Degree (§ 140.25, C felony) involves a dwelling, or injury to a non-participant, or a weapon. Burglary in the First Degree (§ 140.30, B felony) involves a dwelling plus a weapon or injury.
Real-Life Example
Robert broke into a closed hardware store at night intending to steal tools. Even though the alarm scared him off before he took anything, he was charged with Burglary in the Third Degree — because he entered unlawfully with the intent to commit larceny inside.
Related Statutes
Related Terms
Source
Based on N.Y. Penal Law §§ 140.20–140.30. Original B-Legal plain-language explanation.
N.Y. Penal Law §§ 140.20–140.30
Definitions are simplified for education. Legal meanings vary by jurisdiction, context, and case facts. This definition is original B-Legal content and is not affiliated with or derived from any proprietary legal dictionary.