unlawful entry

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Definition - What does unlawful entry mean?

Unlawful entry is illegal access into a commercial or residential building without receiving official approval from staff personnel and/or a property owner. Individuals who commit unlawful entry can face either misdemeanor or felony charges based on the circumstances surrounding the case. An attorney can provide legal advice about concomitant factors linked to unlawful entry(s) including breaking and entering, burglary, and trespassing statutes.

SureHire explains unlawful entry

Unlawful entry is a violation with distinct consequences that can reflect the severity of the offense. For instance, an individual who commits larceny and/or damages property would be subject to more serious criminal charges. For victims of unlawful entry, the law avails conditional leverage in the use of force to remove a criminal from the premises. As a result, people are constrained to use deadly force unless the perpetrator is armed with a weapon and is posing a legitimate threat.

In other instances, unlawful entries can influence judicial proceedings as a result of negligence. For example, police can encounter impasses where failure to obtain a search warrant to seize property for use as evidence is disallowed. Because unlawful entry carries varying degrees of criminal prosecution, a misdemeanor or felony can be detrimental in finding career opportunities. Unlawful entry cases involving theft of assets are a breach of trust that can preclude employment in industries where financial responsibilities are a key concern.

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