SOUTHERN BORN
TEXAS RAISED
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© 2023 by Thornton Criminal Defense, PLLC.
Atascosa Office:
216 N Bryant St
Pleasanton, Texas 78064
FORMER CHIEF PROSECUTOR
PERSONALIZED ATTENTION TO YOUR CASE
NO HOURLY RATES, ALWAYS A FLAT FEE
CLIENT CENTERED APPROACH TO YOUR CASE
BOARD CERTIFIED IN CRIMINAL LAW
OVER A DECADE OF EXPERIENCE IN CRIMINAL LAW
WHY HIRE THORNTON CRIMINAL DEFENSE?
Attorney Brad Thornton is a highly experienced and Board-Certified criminal defense lawyer. With his background as a former Chief Prosecutor, he has a unique understanding of the criminal justice system and is able to provide comprehensive and effective representation to his clients. He is also deeply committed to ensuring that all individuals receive fair treatment in court, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Brad Thornton is dedicated to helping his clients achieve the best possible outcome for their case, whether it is in San Antonio or elsewhere in South Texas. He recognizes the stress and anxiety that can come with being accused of a crime, and approaches his clients with compassion while keeping them informed at every step of the process. His knowledge and experience make him a strong advocate for his clients.
Burglary
Texas Penal Code § - 30.02 BURGLARY HABITATION; Texas Penal Code § - 30.03 BURGLARY BUILDING-INTENT THEFT; Texas Penal Code § - 30.03 BURGLARY OF VEHICLES;
Attorney for Burglary in San Antonio, Texas
Burglary is a crime that involves breaking into a structure, such as a home or building, with the intention of committing a theft or a felony. In Texas, there are two main types of burglary: burglary of a habitation and burglary of a building.
Burglary of a habitation occurs when a person breaks into a dwelling, such as a house or apartment, with the intent to commit a theft or a felony. This type of burglary is considered a more serious offense than burglary of a building, as it involves the invasion of a person's home.
Burglary of a building, on the other hand, occurs when a person breaks into a non-residential structure, such as a warehouse or office building, with the intent to commit a theft or a felony. This type of burglary is considered a less serious offense than burglary of a habitation.
Burglary to Commit Assault or Other Felony
Burglary to commit assault is a crime that occurs when a person breaks into a structure, such as a home or building, with the intention of committing an assault on someone inside. In Texas, this crime is considered a more serious offense than simple burglary, as it involves the intent to commit violence against another person.
Under Texas law, a person can be charged with burglary to commit assault if they enter a building or habitation without the owner's consent and with the intent to commit an assault. It is important to note that the person does not actually have to commit the assault for the charge to be brought. Simply having the intent to commit an assault is enough to be charged with this crime.
A person can also be charged with burglary if they break into a structure, such as a home or building, with the intention of committing some other felony while they are inside, such as Arson.
Burglary of a Vehicle
Burglary of a vehicle is a crime that occurs when a person breaks into a vehicle with the intent to commit a theft or a felony. In Texas, this crime is considered a less serious offense than burglary of a habitation or a building, as it does not involve the invasion of a person's home or place of business.
Under Texas law, a person can be charged with burglary of a vehicle if they enter a vehicle without the owner's consent and with the intent to commit a theft or a felony. It is important to note that the person does not actually have to commit the theft or felony in order to be charged with this crime. Simply having the intent to do so is enough to be charged with burglary of a vehicle.
Defenses to Burglary in Texas
One of the defenses to the crime of burglary in Texas is the alibi defense, which is based on the idea that the defendant was not present at the scene of the crime at the time it was committed. In order to use this defense, the defendant must present evidence that they were somewhere else when the burglary occurred. This evidence may include witness testimony, video surveillance footage, or other forms of documentation.
If the defendant can successfully establish an alibi and provide enough evidence to show that they were not present at the scene of the crime, they may be able to avoid a conviction for burglary. However, it is important to note that the prosecution may try to challenge the defendant's alibi by presenting evidence that contradicts it or by arguing that the defendant could have still committed the crime despite being elsewhere at the time.
In addition to the alibi defense, there are several other defenses to the crime of burglary in Texas that a person may be able to raise in order to contest the charges against them. These defenses may include lack of intent, mistake of fact, self-defense, and duress, among others.
It is important to note that these defenses are not guaranteed to be successful in all cases, and the specific defenses that may be available to a defendant will depend on the specific circumstances of their case.
Punishment Ranges
Level of Offense
Potential Incarceration
Potential Fine
First-degree Felony
Second-degree Felony
Third-degree Felony
State Jail Felony
Class A Misdemeanor
Class B Misdemeanor
2 - 10 years in prison
180 days - 2 years in jail
Up to 1 year in jail
Up to 180 days in jail
2 - 20 years in prison
5 - 99 years in prison
Up to $10,000
Up to $10,000
Up to $10,000
Up to $10,000
Up to $4,000
Up to $2,000
Punishments for Burglary in Texas
In Texas, the potential punishments for the crime of burglary depend on the specific circumstances of the offense and the type of structure that was burglarized. Some of the most common types of burglary in Texas and their corresponding punishments are:
Burglary of a habitation to commit theft: If a person breaks into a dwelling, such as a house or apartment, with the intent to commit a theft, they can be charged with burglary of a habitation to commit theft. This crime is a second-degree felony and is generally punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
Burglary of a habitation to commit assault: If a person breaks into a dwelling with the intent to commit an assault on someone inside, they can be charged with burglary of a habitation to commit assault. This crime is a second-degree felony and is generally punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
Burglary of a habitation to commit another felony: If a person breaks into a dwelling with the intent to commit any other felony, such as drug possession or manufacturing, they can be charged with burglary of a habitation to commit another felony. This crime is a first-degree felony and is generally punishable by up to 99 years to life in prison.
Burglary of a building: If a person breaks into a non-residential structure, such as a warehouse or office building, with the intent to commit a theft or a felony, they can be charged with burglary of a building. This crime is a state jail felony and is generally punishable by up to 2 years in a state jail facility.
Burglary of a vehicle: If a person breaks into a vehicle with the intent to commit a theft or a felony, they can be charged with burglary of a vehicle This crime is a class A misdemeanor and is generally punishable by up to one year in county jail. The punishment range can increase with each subsequent conviction.
Attorney Brad Thornton
If you have been charged with burglary in San Antonio, Texas, it is important to seek legal representation as soon as possible in order to protect your rights and defend yourself against the charges. One option to consider is board-certified criminal defense attorney Brad Thornton, who has extensive experience handling criminal cases in Texas.
There are several reasons why you should consider calling Brad Thornton for a free consultation if you have been charged with burglary in San Antonio. One reason is his extensive experience as a criminal defense attorney. Brad Thornton has been practicing exclusively criminal law for over a decade.
Another reason to consider Brad Thornton is his background as a former chief prosecutor. Before becoming a criminal defense attorney, Brad Thornton served as a chief prosecutor for the Bexar County District Attorney's Office, where he gained valuable insight into how the prosecution builds and presents its cases. This experience gives Brad Thornton a unique perspective on criminal cases, and can be invaluable in helping him defend his clients against the charges they face.
Finally, Brad Thornton offers a free consultation to anyone who has been charged with a crime. This allows you to discuss your case with him and get a better understanding of your legal options without any financial risk.
If you have been charged with burglary in San Antonio, Texas, it is important to seek legal representation as soon as possible. Board-certified criminal defense attorney
Brad Thornton is an experienced attorney who offers a free consultation to anyone who has been charged with a crime, and his background as a former chief prosecutor can be invaluable in helping him defend his clients against the charges they face.
FORMER PROSECUTOR
San Antonio Criminal Defense Attorney Brad Thornton has spent years in court rooms fighting for justice. As a prosecutor, Brad was a leader on cases ranging from marijuana to murder from arrest to appeal. Who better to fight for your rights than someone who knows the "other side" and has tried the toughest of cases out there. Put his experience and knowledge to work for you.
David I.
Seguin, Texas
Brad was great from the moment he looked at my case. Despite his busy schedule, he made himself easily available, walked us through every detail with care and professionalism, and worked out a great deal with the prosecutor that was much better than any outcome we could have imagined. I don’t plan on needing his assistance again, but if I’m ever unfortunate enough to find myself in another legal bind, Brad will be my first call.
Brian F.
San Antonio, Texas
I have had the opportunity to know Brad both personally and professionally for a while now. As a fellow attorney, I am consistently impressed by his passion and innovative approach to legal issues. He is exceptionally intelligent and is always willing to go above and beyond for his clients. When I refer clients to Brad, I have full confidence that they will receive top-quality representation.
Elaine B.
San Antonio, Texas
Brad is an amazing attorney, and I highly recommend him! He has deep knowledge and understanding how to navigate the law to support his clients. He has a way with people, and truly has his focus on client care and supporting them, during a time that’s usually stressful for clients. He was able to support in getting my case dismissed in less than 2 months and was attentive and personable during the whole process. You have a choice when deciding who’s going to represent you, and to have an attorney that genuinely cares for his clients should be an expectation anyone should set. Brad will meet that expectation 110%!
Kevin E.
Jourdanton, Texas
[Brad] made the process very easy for me, handling everything within a month, with a motion to dismiss all cases against me. I only had to attend court once! The portal he uses to make sure you are aware of everything going on in your case is awesome, I didn’t even have to worry everything got downloaded to the portal with email notifications. I would never use another attorney to represent me, he is the best at what he does.