Break & Enter

Break and enter offences are treated seriously in British Columbia and can result in significant criminal penalties upon conviction. These charges arise when an individual is alleged to have entered a dwelling house, business, or other property without lawful authority and with the intent to commit an indictable offence. Depending on the circumstances, a person may also face related charges such as theft, mischief, possession of break-in instruments, or possession of stolen property.

The Crown must prove more than simply being present at a location. The prosecution must establish each element of the offence beyond a reasonable doubt, including unlawful entry and the required criminal intent. Many break and enter cases involve:

  •  Forensic evidence

  •  Surveillance footage

  •  Eyewitness testimony

  •  Fingerprint or DNA evidence

Police investigations that must be carefully examined as mistaken identity, insufficient evidence, and unlawful police conduct can all become important issues in the defence of these charges.

A conviction can lead to imprisonment, probation, restitution orders, and a permanent criminal record. It may also impact employment opportunities, immigration status, professional licensing, and future travel. Because of these potentially serious consequences, obtaining experienced legal representation as early as possible is important.

Our Approach

Our firm carefully reviews every aspect of the Crown’s case, including witness statements, surveillance footage, forensic evidence, police reports, and disclosure materials. We assess whether the investigation was conducted lawfully, whether your Charter rights were respected, and whether the evidence is sufficient to establish the offence beyond a reasonable doubt.

Where appropriate, we challenge the admissibility of evidence, identify inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case, and negotiate with Crown Counsel to pursue favourable resolutions. If your matter proceeds to trial, we provide thorough preparation and strategic advocacy while ensuring you understand each stage of the court process.