Burglaries on the Rise in Las Vegas
Despite a nationwide dip in violent crimes, there has been an increase in the Las Vegas crime of burglary. According to the 2010 Preliminary Annual Uniform Crime Report, 312 more burglaries occurred in 2010 than in the previous year. Nationally, however, property offenses showed a 2.8 percent decline.
The Las Vegas crime of burglary is defined as the entry into any residential or commercial structure, vehicle, plane or rail car while having the intent either to steal, commit battery or assault, or carry out a felony. Note that breaking and entering is not a requirement--burglary may be accomplished by walking through an unlocked door. Common defenses include lack of intent, mistaken identity and false allegations.
The Las Vegas crime of burglary is punished as a category B felony. The standard prison sentence is between one and ten years, plus a fine of up to $10,000. However if the defendant had a gun or other deadly weapon during the commission of the burglary, then the prison range is increased to two to fifteen years.
For more on this story go to: http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2011/may/23/assaults-burglaries-rise-las-vegas-despite-dip-vio/
For more information on the Las Vegas crime of burglary, view our informational video:
