The Miami-Dade Police Department is searching for burglary suspects in Southwest Miami-Dade. The burglary suspects are alleged to have broken into businesses at night to steal items such as jewelry, phones, and clothing.
One business owner is reporting that thousands of pairs of boxer shorts were taken.
Another store owner is reporting that several computers were taken. The computers are believed to have sensitive customer information stored on their hard drives.
Burglary of a business that is not occupied at the time of the burglary is known as burglary of an unoccupied structure. This is a third-degree felony in Florida punishable by up to 5 years in prison.
Structural burglaries can be solved relying upon store surveillance and physical evidence. Since most businesses take security precautions and have cameras on the property, detectives will analyze and enhance the footage to see if a positive identification can be made.
Also, DNA and fingerprints can lead police to suspects. If a suspect has a prior record and their fingerprints or DNA is on file, state and national databases can be searched to see if a match exists.
With the amount that is alleged to have been stolen, it is unlikely that the suspects - if caught - will face only burglary charges. Criminal mischief and grand theft can be charged for the damage to the property and the items stolen.
Burglary of an unoccupied structure does not score state prison at the bottom of the guidelines for a first-time offender. However, with priors, you can go to prison for this offense. You can also be enhanced as a career criminal on this charge if you have the requisite prior convictions.
Eric Matheny is a Miami burglary attorney and Broward burglary attorney. Call burglary lawyer Eric Matheny to discuss your burglary charges in Miami-Dade County or Broward County.