The Lancaster County, SC Sheriffs Office arrested a man who is alleged to be involved in a string of burglaries. He has been charged with 3 counts of Burglary in the 2nd degree and one count of receiving stolen goods. These burglaries occurred last summer.
On June 7th, 2012 the man broke into and entered into Deal One Auto located at 1381 W. Meeting St. and carried away property from the business. Two days later, the man broke into and entered into North Corner Grocery located at 3647 Charlotte Highway and carried property away from the business. The following day, June 10th, the man attempted to break and enter into the Stop and Shop on McIlwain Rd. When the deputies searched the man’s home, stolen property from all three locations was recovered.
He was charged with receipt of stolen goods after the man attempted to sell the goods on ebay. The man is currently incarcerated at the Lancaster County Detention Center.
Burglary in the first degree v. Burglary in the second degree
SECTION 16-11-311. Burglary; first degree
(A) A person is guilty of burglary in the first degree if the person enters a dwelling without consent and with intent to commit a crime in the dwelling, and either:
(1) when, in effecting entry or while in the dwelling or in immediate flight, he or another participant in the crime:
(a) is armed with a deadly weapon or explosive; or
(b) causes physical injury to a person who is not a participant in the crime; or
(c) uses or threatens the use of a dangerous instrument; or
(d) displays what is or appears to be a knife, pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun, machine gun, or other firearm; or
(2) the burglary is committed by a person with a prior record of two or more convictions for burglary or housebreaking or a combination of both; or
(3) the entering or remaining occurs in the nighttime.
(B) Burglary in the first degree is a felony punishable by life imprisonment. For purposes of this section, “life” means until death. The court, in its discretion, may sentence the defendant to a term of not less than fifteen years.
SECTION 16-11-312. Burglary; second degree.
(A) A person is guilty of burglary in the second degree if the person enters a dwelling without consent and with intent to commit a crime therein.
(B) A person is guilty of burglary in the second degree if the person enters a building without consent and with intent to commit a crime therein, and either:
(1) When, in effecting entry or while in the building or in immediate flight therefrom, he or another participant in the crime:
(a) Is armed with a deadly weapon or explosive; or
(b) Causes physical injury to any person who is not a participant in the crime; or
(c) Uses or threatens the use of a dangerous instrument; or
(d) Displays what is or appears to be a knife, pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun, machine gun, or other firearm; or
(2) The burglary is committed by a person with a prior record of two or more convictions for burglary or housebreaking or a combination of both; or
(3) The entering or remaining occurs in the nighttime.
(C) Burglary in the second degree is a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than fifteen years, provided, that no person convicted of burglary in the second degree shall be eligible for parole except upon service of not less than one-third of the term of the sentence.
If you or a loved one has been charged with Burglary of the first or second degree, you are definitely facing jail time. This is why it is so important to get an attorney who is willing to fight for you. Call the law offices of Reeves, Aiken & Hightower, LLP at our Baxter Village office in Fort Mill, South Carolina at 803-548-4444, or toll-free at 877-374-5999.