What Do I Do If I Am Caught Burglarizing a Car?

Two young adults were recently apprehended in College Station after a series of car burglaries. Witnesses who called in to report the burglaries identified an 18-year-old woman and a 19-year-old man wandering an apartment complex parking lot, checking door handles for unlocked vehicles. Once arrested, they were discovered to be in possession of stolen items, including a firearm.

The two were arrested and charged with three counts of criminal attempt burglary of a vehicle and the man was charged with Unlawfully Carrying a Weapon.

Burglary of a Vehicle in Texas

Under Texas law, a person commits the offense of burglary of a vehicle if, without the effective consent of the owner, that person breaks into or enters a vehicle or any part of a vehicle with the intent to commit a felony or theft. In Texas, burglary of a vehicle is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and/or up to a $4,000 fine.

These three elements of the crime (unauthorized breaking and entry, into a vehicle or part of a vehicle, with the intent to commit a crime) can be used in crafting a legal defense for the accused. Prosecutors must prove all three elements beyond a reasonable doubt. If reasonable doubt can be created, the accused can walk free.

The Goolsby Law Firm knows what is at stake for those who are charged with the crime of burglary of a vehicle. Our attorney can guarantee an individual focus on your case and will work for your best interest, beginning with the protection of your legal rights. Attorney Mike Goolsby is familiar with both sides of the legal process involving burglary charges, having once served as a trial lawyer for the District Attorney’s Office in Dallas County. If you have been charged with burglary, our firm is prepared to discuss your case with you in a free legal consultation. We can help build the strongest possible defense for you to have your penalties reduced or dismissed.

Mike Goolsby

A veteran in both civil court cases and criminal defense, Mike Goolsby is a respected lawyer with more than 16 years of experience practicing law. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of North Texas in 1990, followed by his J.D. from the prestigious Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 1994. After earning his law degree, Mr. Goolsby worked as an Assistant District Attorney for the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office. As a trial lawyer, he was able to gain exceptional access to the criminal court system in this major metropolitan area, giving him immeasurable, distinct experience that helped him build a solid foundation for his own private legal practice. Mr. Goolsby went on to practice civil law for Maverick Acceptance Group, a venture capital company. Here, he gained invaluable knowledge of the civil side of the law, adding to his already diverse portfolio of legal expertise. In 1999, he opened the doors of The Goolsby Law Firm and has been successfully serving the residents of North Texas ever since. As an attorney, Mr. Goolsby combines his experience in both the civil and criminal fields to offer unmatched legal representation to his clients. With a long list of satisfied clients, Mr. Goolsby continues to build his practice through fair and aggressive legal defense.