How is burglary in the third degree defined?

How is burglary in the third degree defined?

• A. Remaining illegally in public properties
• B. Unlawfully entering a building to commit theft
• C. Entering a dwelling with intent to commit a crime
• D. Both B and C

Answer: (D)

Burglary in the third degree is defined by both unlawful entry and the intent to commit a crime once inside. The components of this definition highlight that burglary does not solely pertain to residential properties; it also applies to unlawful entry into buildings generally to commit a crime, such as theft. Option B identifies the act of unlawfully entering a building specifically to commit theft, which falls under a common understanding of burglary. Meanwhile, option C adds another dimension by mentioning the intent to commit any crime—not just theft—when entering a dwelling. By choosing both B and C, it encapsulates the broader legal definition of third-degree burglary appropriately, acknowledging that the crime can occur in various types of buildings and includes different criminal intents, not limited strictly to theft. This comprehensive approach aligns with how legislatures typically define burglary offenses.

Burglary in the third degree is defined by both unlawful entry and the intent to commit a crime once inside. The components of this definition highlight that burglary does not solely pertain to residential properties; it also applies to unlawful entry into buildings generally to commit a crime, such as theft.

Option B identifies the act of unlawfully entering a building specifically to commit theft, which falls under a common understanding of burglary. Meanwhile, option C adds another dimension by mentioning the intent to commit any crime—not just theft—when entering a dwelling.

By choosing both B and C, it encapsulates the broader legal definition of third-degree burglary appropriately, acknowledging that the crime can occur in various types of buildings and includes different criminal intents, not limited strictly to theft. This comprehensive approach aligns with how legislatures typically define burglary offenses.