Burglary Lawyer Brooklyn, NY
Burglary charges in Brooklyn, New York, carry significant consequences. The court at 360 Adams Street in Downtown Brooklyn handles felony cases through the Kings County Supreme Court, Criminal Term, while misdemeanor-level accusations are heard in the NYC Criminal Court. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, concentrates its representation on individuals facing these serious criminal prosecutions. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, leads a team of experienced legal professionals who have collected more than 4,739+ documented case results. Results may vary. Across all practice areas since the firm’s founding. The firm serves all of Kings County—from Williamsburg and Park Slope to Flatbush, Bay Ridge, and Coney Island—and provides focused, thorough advocacy for each client. Whether you are charged with a low-level burglary or a first-degree felony, understanding how the local courts work is critical. The Kings County District Attorney’s Office prosecutes these matters actively, making early legal guidance essential. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation about your burglary matter in Brooklyn.
What Burglary Means in Brooklyn, NY
Burglary in New York is not simply a theft. Under the New York Penal Law, the offense involves unlawfully entering or remaining in a building with the intent to commit a crime inside—whether that crime is larceny, assault, or another felony. The specific degree of the charge depends on factors such as the type of building entered, whether it was a dwelling, whether the accused was armed, and whether any person was injured. Kings County regularly prosecutes burglary cases at the Supreme Court building at 360 Adams Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201. The surrounding neighborhoods, including Downtown Brooklyn, DUMBO, Crown Heights, and Bedford-Stuyvesant, generate a substantial volume of criminal complaints each year. The Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office and local precincts actively investigate burglary allegations, often relying on surveillance footage, witness statements, and forensic evidence.
A charge of burglary in the third degree—entering or remaining unlawfully in a building with intent to commit a crime—is a class D felony under the New York Penal Law, carrying a potential maximum prison term of 7 years. When the building is a dwelling, the charge elevates to second-degree burglary, a class C felony with a potential maximum of 15 years. First-degree burglary, which involves being armed with a deadly weapon or causing physical injury to a non-participant, is a class B felony that can result in a sentence of up to 25 years. Importantly, New York’s 2020 bail reform eliminated cash bail for most non-violent felonies; however, first-degree burglary and certain second-degree charges may still support bail or remand. Defendants in Brooklyn courts may also be eligible for an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) for qualifying cases, though this is more common for first-offense or lesser-level charges. Conditional sealing under CPL § 160.59 may be available for some convictions after a ten-year waiting period. The Raise the Age Act of 2017 further influences procedural handling when a young defendant is involved.
Our New York location at 50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142, Buffalo, NY 14202, represents clients throughout the state, including all Kings County communities: Brooklyn Heights, Bushwick, Brownsville, Sunset Park, Bensonhurst, and the rest of the borough. We appear regularly at the Kings County Supreme Court and the NYC Criminal Court and are familiar with the procedural nuances that can affect a burglary defense in these venues.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Burglary Cases
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel approach each Brooklyn burglary case by first examining every facet of the prosecution’s evidence. A burglary allegation can hinge on identification, witness credibility, or forensic records. Our legal team scrutinizes search warrant affidavits, surveillance video, and the statements used to establish probable cause. If procedural errors occurred—such as an unlawful stop or a custodial interrogation without proper Miranda warnings—we seek suppression of the resulting evidence. This early-stage motion practice can sometimes lead to a dismissal or a reduction in charges before a trial date is ever set.
Where the facts warrant negotiation, Mr. Sris and his team engage with the Kings County District Attorney’s Office to explore plea discussions or charge amendments. Because Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor, he understands how the prosecution evaluates a case and can identify weaknesses that may not be obvious to a defense attorney without that background. When a case cannot be resolved through negotiation, the team prepares for trial. Our Of Counsel collectively bring over 120 years of combined legal experience, and each attorney contributing to the defense has substantial courtroom familiarity. Results may vary. Throughout the process, we keep clients informed about the procedural steps—from arraignment through any potential grand jury proceedings—without promising specific timelines, as court scheduling in Brooklyn can be unpredictable. The applicable speedy trial statute requires the People to be ready for trial within a certain period depending on the level of the charge, but actual resolution times vary widely.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced criminal defense since 1997. His own experience as a former prosecutor gives him a distinct understanding of how the state builds and presents its case. He is admitted to practice in New York, Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and New Jersey. In addition to his courtroom work, Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). While that legislative involvement occurred in Virginia, it reflects the same level of engagement with legal policy that he brings to every jurisdiction. Mr. Sris leads a team of Of Counsel—experienced attorneys who are not firm employees but work closely with the firm on complex criminal matters. Together, they bring over 120 years of combined legal experience. Results may vary. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have documented 4,739+ case results. Across all practice areas since 1997.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for burglary in New York?
Burglary penalties are set by degree under the New York Penal Law. Third-degree burglary (class D felony) carries a potential maximum of 7 years in prison. Second-degree burglary (class C felony) can result in up to 15 years, and first-degree burglary (class B felony) up to 25 years. These are statutory maximums; actual sentences often vary based on criminal history and the facts of the case. A conviction can also bring post-release supervision and other collateral consequences. For guidance on the specific penalty you face in Brooklyn, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How does New York’s bail reform affect burglary arrests in Brooklyn?
New York eliminated cash bail for most misdemeanors and non-violent felonies in 2020. Many third-degree burglary charges are considered non-violent, so a defendant may be released on recognizance or under supervised conditions rather than being held on bail. However, for first-degree burglary and some second-degree charges where a weapon or injury is alleged, bail or pretrial detention can still be imposed. The exact outcome depends on the specific allegations and the judge’s assessment. Our firm is experienced in advocating for the most favorable pretrial release conditions possible.
What is an ACD, and can it apply to a burglary charge in Brooklyn?
An Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) is a disposition that allows a case to be adjourned for 6 to 12 months and then automatically dismissed if the defendant stays out of trouble. ACDs are most often available for first-time, lower-level offenses. For burglary charges, a prosecutor may consider an ACD if the facts are relatively minor and there is no significant criminal history. Not every burglary case qualifies, but an experienced lawyer can argue for this relief where appropriate. For a discussion of your options, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
What should I do if I am arrested for burglary in Brooklyn?
If you are arrested, you should immediately ask to speak with an attorney and refrain from discussing the allegations with the police until counsel is present. Do not answer questions, consent to searches, or make any statements beyond identifying yourself. The Kings County courts move quickly; having legal representation as early as possible can significantly affect the course of the case. Preserve any evidence and write down everything you remember about the incident while it is fresh—but share those details only with your lawyer.
How does a Brooklyn burglary lawyer defend against these charges?
Defense strategies in a Brooklyn burglary case may include challenging the identification, attacking the legality of the police search or arrest, and undermining the prosecution’s evidence of intent. If the entry was into a building that is open to the public, or if there was permission to be present, the “unlawful entry” element may be missing. A skilled lawyer will also examine whether the alleged intent to commit a crime inside can be proven. In many instances, the goal is to have charges reduced or dismissed before trial. To discuss the facts of your case, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
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Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary. Attorney responsible for this advertising: Mr. Sris.