Woodburn Burglary Lawyer

Woodburn Burglary Attorney

Being charged with burglary is a serious offense in Woodburn, as burglary is classified as a felony in Oregon and carries severe penalties, including a prison sentence, large fines, and a criminal record that can later affect your ability to find work or housing. It is important to seek help from an experienced Woodburn burglary lawyer when you’re facing charges of this nature. They can build a powerful defense, advocate for your rights, and protect your future.

​Why Clients Choose the Law Office of Amy L. Bingham

​With over 14 years of experience representing clients accused of complex criminal matters, the Law Office of Amy L. Bingham has the knowledge needed to combat felony burglary charges here in Woodburn. Our team understands how daunting facing felony charges in Oregon can be, which is why we work tirelessly to provide compassionate support, aggressive representation, and fierce legal strategies that aim to secure favorable outcomes in your situation.

An Overview of Burglary Cases in Oregon​

Burglary in Oregon is defined as the unlawful entry into any building or structure with the intention to commit a crime. It most often involves some form of theft, but can also include assault and other intended legal activity. In 2024, Oregon had 2,388 property crimes committed for every 100,000 people. Compared to the United States average, Oregon’s property crime rate was 35.7% higher.​

Oregon places burglaries into two different classifications:

• First-Degree Burglary. This is a class A felony and applies if the building was a dwelling (someone’s home), the burglary was committed while armed with a deadly weapon, or caused physical injury or harm to someone involved. First-degree burglary is a Measure 11 crime that carries a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 7.5 years and a fine of up to $375,000.
• Second-Degree Burglary. This is a class C felony. This crime occurs when someone enters or unlawfully remains inside a building or dwelling with the intent to commit a crime. It also comes with prison time and fines, which can vary depending on the severity of your charges.

It is important to understand the distinction between these two charges and the importance of the intent behind the crimes. If there was no intent to unlawfully enter, then entering or staying on a property without permission would be trespassing instead. Burglary is a felony, and trespassing in most cases is charged as a misdemeanor. Your lawyer can evaluate your case to determine the offense involved and its true nature.

​Common Defense Strategies for Burglary Charges in Woodburn

​Just because you’re facing burglary charges in Woodburn does not mean you’ll receive a conviction. Many different defense strategies can be tailored to your situation to protect your rights, mitigate consequences, and advocate for your freedom. Our Woodburn burglary lawyer at the Law Office of Amy L. Bingham can review the unique details of your case and implement a defense such as:​

• Insufficient Evidence. Burglary is different from the average trespassing offense in Oregon because of the intent behind it. The prosecutor must prove that you entered or remained in a building with the intent to do something illegal. If there is not enough evidence to prove that you intended to commit a crime without a shadow of a doubt, then you cannot be convicted of burglary.
• Alibi. If you have a strong alibi that proves that you were somewhere else at the time the burglary occurred, then you may be able to combat your charges. Alibis are an impactful defense, but can be difficult to prove. Concrete evidence that helps prove an alibi includes surveillance footage, GPS data from cellphones, and other witness statements.
• Mistaken Identity. There are times when the wrong person is charged with a criminal offense that they never committed. If your lawyer can prove that you are not the person who committed the burglary and that this is a case of mistaken identity, then you cannot be convicted.
• Consent. If the owner of the property gave you their consent to be on the property, you did not commit the illegal act of burglary. Even if you did intend to commit a crime, being welcomed onto the property or being given a key and entering using that key changes the nature of your charges.
• Illegal Search and Seizure. There are cases when law enforcement obtains evidence through illegal search and seizures, which is a direct violation of your rights. If the police do not have a warrant to perform the search or did not have probable cause to believe that you were guilty of committing the crime, then any evidence found during that search may be inadmissible in court.

The majority of felony charges are resolved before going to trial at the Marion County Circuit Court Annex located in Salem. This is most often achieved through plea agreements or dropped charges. According to a report by the ABA Plea Bargain Task Force, 98% of criminal cases end with a plea bargain. To see what option is right for your case, connect with the Law Office of Amy L. Bingham to see how you can move forward.

​Why You Should Hire a Burglary Lawyer in Woodburn

​A burglary conviction in Woodburn or anywhere throughout Oregon can have a lasting impact on your life, as it will appear on background checks and may hinder your ability to secure employment or secure housing. It can also come with severe criminal penalties, making it key that you hire a burglary lawyer who can defend your rights and advocate for your freedom. At the Law Office of Amy L. Bingham, our compassionate litigators are here for you.

​Contact the Law Office of Amy L. Bingham Today

​With the help of our dedicated criminal defense team, you can rest assured that a committed legal advocate is ready to help you protect your future. If you’re facing burglary charges in Woodburn, don’t wait to contact the Law Office of Amy L. Bingham today to learn more about our fierce defense services.