In Washington State, you can face burglary charges even when you think you’re not breaking any laws. Situations can be confusing and lead to misunderstandings and unintended consequences.
Understanding burglary laws
Burglary isn’t just about breaking and entering. It involves entering or remaining in a building unlawfully with the intent to commit any crime. This means you don’t have to be trying to steal something for the court to charge you.
Simply being in a place without permission can lead to legal trouble. Many people are surprised to learn that they can get charged with burglary without causing any damage or intending to commit theft. Entering a building where a person who has a restraining order against you may be enough.
How misunderstandings happen
It’s easy to find yourself in a situation where you might accidentally break the law. For example, if you’ve lived with someone and moved out, you might think it’s okay to return to get your things. However, if there’s a legal order like a protection order or restraining order against you, entering that property, even to collect your belongings, could result in a burglary charge.
Even if you don’t intend to commit a crime, violating these orders can have serious consequences. You might believe you’re simply retrieving your property, but if you don’t have explicit permission, you could face serious legal ramifications.
Navigating personal property issues
If you need to collect personal items from a place you can’t legally enter, consider alternative options. Unless there is a no contact order prohibiting third party contact, contact the property owner or someone you trust to help retrieve your belongings. You may also consider contacting the police from a non-emergency line and arrange for a supervised belonging exchange or pickup. Of course, you can always seek the assistance of a trusted attorney.
Staying informed and cautious
Being aware of your legal rights and restrictions can prevent unintended legal issues. Knowing how these situations arise can help you make informed decisions and avoid actions that could lead to charges.