The "Bel-Air Burglar" is finally behind bars. After a three-year investigation, Los Angeles, California police announced they have arrested one of two men believed to be responsible for a multi-million dollar crime wave in L.A.'s toniest neighborhoods. Troy Thomas, 45, one of the suspected masterminds of a burglary gang the media dubbed the "Hillside Bandits" was arrested Saturday. Thomas pleaded not guilty to two charges of residential burglary in January and March of last year, according to the Los Angeles Times. He is being held in lieu of $2 million bail. More charges are expected.
Preying on L.A.'s elite, Thomas and his cohorts are suspected of committing more than 150 burglaries and taking more than $10 million in valuables. Using sophisticated technology, the burglary crews were able to bypass elaborate security systems and surveillance cameras.
Under California law, entering a building with the intent to commit theft or another felony is classified as burglary. Residential, or First Degree, burglary can involve a home, attached garage, boat, trailer, railroad car, aircraft, warehouse or the inhabited portion of a building. You don't have to actually steal anything to be charged with burglary; intent is enough to bring a charge.
First degree burglary is a serious felony. A "strike" offense under California's tough Three Strikes law, a conviction doubles the sentence of subsequent offenses. In California, burglary generally carries of sentence of 2, 4 or 6 years in state prison.
In defending burglary, the key is intent, said Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Stephen Rodriguez. If the person intends to steal or commit a felony when entering a residence or other structure, then burglary has occurred. "The prosecutor does not have to prove that the theft or felony occurred;" Rodriguez explained, "only that it was intended at entry." Lack of stolen goods can make it difficult for the prosecution to prove intent and often provides the best defense against a burglary charge, Rodriguez noted.
Other common burglary defenses include cases where the defendant has a legitimate reason to be on the premises and mistaken identity. Burglary and other theft crimes -- including robbery, shoplifting, identity theft, embezzlement and grand theft auto -- require immediate and astute criminal defense representation. For more information on theft crimes, visit the website of Rodriguez, Lewis & Kahn.
[...] Los Angeles Bel-Air Burglar Behind Bars Under California law, entering a building with the intent to commit theft or another felony is classified as burglary. Residential, or First Degree, burglary can involve a home, attached garage, boat, trailer, railroad car, … In defending burglary, the key is intent, said Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Stephen Rodriguez. If the person intends to steal or commit a felony when entering a residence or other structure, then burglary has occurred. [...]