The Miami Herald has reported about a 12-year old girl who contacted authorities when two men allegedly broke into her Hialeah home.
The young girl stated that during the afternoon on Presidents' Day, two men knocked on her door. She supposedly ran into the closet and called 911 from a cellphone.
The Hialeah Police, responding to the burglary call, surrounded the home while she remained on the phone with the dispatcher.
Two men were arrested and charged with burglary, although it is unlikely that the two accused men will be charged with burglary of an occupied dwelling as there is no evidence that the two men knew that the girl was home. Regardless, burglary of an unoccupied dwelling is a second-degree felony, just like an occupied burglary.
According to reports, the accused intruders had open burglary cases, which means that they were out on bond. Since they have been arrested while out on felony bond, they may remain in custody without a bond.
Burglary of a dwelling is a serious crime. Florida's sentencing guidelines recommend a "bottom of the guidelines" sentence of 21 months state prison, all the way up to 15 years. If a Habitual Felony Offender (HO) you may face upwards of 30 years.
Eric Matheny is a criminal defense attorney who serves Miami-Dade and Broward. Call today to discuss your case.