{"id":371740,"date":"2016-03-31T21:34:27","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:34:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/california-law\/california-burglary-laws.html"},"modified":"2018-03-15T11:34:00","modified_gmt":"2018-03-15T16:34:00","slug":"california-burglary-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/california-law\/california-burglary-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"California Burglary Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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California Burglary Laws<\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\n

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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Overview of California Burglary Laws<\/h2>\r\n

To prove a charge of burglary<\/a>, a prosecutor must show that the defendant entered a property without permission and intended to commit a crime after entering the premises. The California Penal Code lists the types of properties which an individual might enter while committing a burglary. These types of premises include houses, apartments, residential rooms, and businesses. More uncommon types of property such as tents, outhouses, and others often also qualify.<\/p>\r\n

Specific Intent<\/h2>\r\n

The prosecutor must show that the defendant entered the premises with a specific intent<\/a> to commit a crime. For example, the defendant may have entered a building with a plan to commit larceny. If the defendant did not intend to participate in criminal activity after entering the premises, the prosecutor might have to pursue an alternate charge such as trespassing. See Can I Be Accused of Stealing Something I Borrowed If I Forget to Return It?<\/a> for related information.<\/p>\r\n

Degrees of Burglary<\/h2>\r\n

California state laws establish two types of burglary: first-degree and second-degree. State law defines first-degree burglary as any burglary of an inhabited dwelling. During burglary prosecutions, an inhabited dwelling is any house, vessel, or other property designed for habitation and currently inhabited at the time of the burglary. "Currently inhabited" means that the property was used as a dwelling at the time of the burglary, even if nobody was actually occupying the property then. State law also includes properties abandoned due to a natural disaster or local emergency as currently-inhabited properties.<\/p>\r\n

Any burglary not qualifying as first-degree burglary will proceed as a case of second-degree burglary such as commercial burglary of a business or store.<\/p>\r\n

California Burglary Laws Overview<\/h2>\r\n

Below you will find key provisions of California\u2019s burglary laws.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Statutes<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

California Penal Code Section 460(a),<\/a> 459<\/a> (Residential Burglary\/First Degree)<\/p>\r\n

California Penal Code Section 460(b)<\/a> (Commercial Burglary\/Second Degree)<\/p>\r\n

California Penal Code Section 464<\/a> (Burglary with Explosives)<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Penalties<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Possible Defenses<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

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  • Permission to enter<\/li>\r\n
  • Lack of intent<\/li>\r\n
  • Building was not a \u201cstructure\u201d under the legal definition<\/li>\r\n
  • Actual Innocence<\/li>\r\n
  • Coercion<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Related Charge<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

California Penal Code Section 466<\/a>: (Burglary Tools): Possession of lock picks, crowbars, screwdrivers, master keys, spark plugs, a tin foil-lined purse, or any other tool or instrument with the intent of breaking into a building or vehicle, misdemeanor, up to one year jail, fine, probation<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n


\r\nNote:<\/i><\/b> State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.<\/i><\/p>\r\n

California Codes and Legal Research Options<\/h2>\r\n