What Is The Penalty For A Home Invasion In Rockland County?

A home invasion in Rockland County is a serious crime. If you have been accused of this offense, you could potentially spend over a decade behind bars. Of course, you might argue that you were not “invading” anyone’s home at all, but merely trespassing accidentally. How can you fight for your rights in this situation? What are the potential penalties for home invasion in Rockland County? You can ask these questions – and many others – during your first consultation with a New York defense lawyer.

Defendant Faces Consequences After Failed Home Invasion in Rockland County 

Even a failed home invasion can lead to serious consequences. In May of 2024, ABC News reported that a suspect had been taken into custody after a failed home invasion in Rockland County. The defendant and one other individual allegedly approached a 64-year-old man inside his garage and brandished a firearm. The senior then reportedly fought back, causing the individuals to discharge rounds and then flee.

Although one individual was eventually apprehended in the area, the other seems to have escaped. Both were wearing ski masks at the time of the alleged home invasion. The individual in custody was then charged with burglary and other unspecified offenses. It is worth mentioning that the suspects may not have broken into the garage. The door might have been open, and the suspects may have simply walked in.

Home Invasions Will Lead to Burglary Charges in New York 

There is no law against “home invasion” in New York. However, there are numerous laws against burglary, and those who attempt home invasions will be charged with these offenses.

There are various types or “degrees” of burglary to consider. These include:

• Burglary in the Third Degree: This is the least serious type of burglary. However, it is also the easiest to commit. As long as you enter any building with the intent to commit any crime, you could face a class D felony. This could lead to up to seven years in prison.
• Burglary in the Second Degree: If you enter a building with explosives or a deadly weapon, threaten someone with a deadly weapon, cause an injury, or display a firearm, you face a class C felony and up to 15 years in prison. If you enter someone’s dwelling with the intent to commit a crime, it is automatically burglary in the second degree – with no additional requirements.
• Burglary in the First Degree: If you enter someone’s dwelling with the intent to commit a crime, you may also face burglary in the first degree. This charge applies if you’re armed with a deadly weapon or you cause injuries. You might also face this charge if you threaten the use of a deadly weapon or display a firearm. You could face up to 25 years in prison for this class B felony in New York.

Contact Phillip J. Murphy, Attorney at Law 

Burglary may lead to serious penalties in New York, but these penalties are far from guaranteed. Defend yourself effectively, and you can mitigate consequences to the best extent possible. To learn more about the crime of burglary in Rockland County and your legal options, contact criminal defense lawyer Phillip J. Murphy today. We have plenty of experience with criminal defense, and we can help you fight for your rights.

Sources: 

nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/PEN/140.20

abc7ny.com/post/shot-fired-frightening-home-invasion-stony-point-rockland/14857453/