District of Columbia Burglary Laws

At common law, burglary was defined as breaking and entering into a dwelling at night with the purpose of committing a crime. Most jurisdictions have broadened this definition by lifting the requirement that it must be done at night in order to be considered a burglary. Many jurisdictions have also expanded the definition to include any building not just dwellings, although the penalties may be different if the illegal entry involves a dwelling versus a different type of building.

In the District of Columbia, for example, burglary is divided into two degrees. First degree burglary occurs if a person unlawfully enters into a dwelling with people present, while second degree burglary occurs if a person unlawfully enters into any other type of building or a dwelling without people present.

District of Columbia Burglary Laws at a Glance

Reading the actual language of the law is an important part of conducting legal research, but sometimes deciphering legal text can be a daunting task. For this reason, reading a summary of the laws in plain English can be a way to get a quick answer and better understand what a law says. The following chart provides both links to applicable statutes as well as a summary of the burglary laws in D.C.

Note: 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.

District of Columbia Burglary Laws: Related Resources

If you'd like more information and resources related to this topic, you can click on the links listed below.

• District of Columbia Criminal Laws
• District of Columbia Criminal Statute of Limitations
• Property Crimes

Charged with Burglary in the District of Columbia? Talk to an Attorney

The circumstances of a burglary will affect the penalties that may be imposed if you're convicted. If you're facing burglary charges, it's a good idea to get in touch with a local criminal defense attorney to learn about how the District of Columbia burglary laws apply to your specific situation.