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Idaho Falls Burglary Attorney

Defending Against Burglary Charges in Idaho

A burglary accusation in Idaho can change your life overnight. You may be facing a felony record, possible jail or prison time, and serious damage to your job, housing, or military career. In this moment, you need clear information and a steady advocate, not more confusion.

At John Malek Law Group, we defend people charged with burglary and related property crimes in and around Idaho Falls. Our firm is led by attorney John Malek, a former active duty JAG officer and military magistrate who understands both civilian courts and the added stakes for service members.

We offer free confidential consultations and a flat fee structure, so you know your legal costs up front. When you reach out, we listen without judgment, explain what your charges mean, and talk through realistic paths forward tailored to your goals.

Call us today at (208) 747-0053 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our burglary attorney in Idaho Falls.

Burglary In Idaho

When you are charged with burglary in Idaho, the state is accusing you of entering a home, building, or other structure with the intent to commit a crime inside. Many people are surprised to learn that burglary can apply even if nothing was taken and even if the building was not occupied at the time.

These cases can arise from a wide range of situations. Allegations often involve entering a residence during a dispute, going into a business after hours, or being found inside a garage or storage area. 

Consequences for a burglary conviction in Idaho can be severe. You may be looking at a felony on your record, time in the county jail or state prison, fines, restitution, and extended probation. A conviction can also make it harder to find housing, pass background checks, or hold certain professional licenses.

Your case may be filed in the district court that serves Bonneville County, which is located in Idaho Falls. You will typically start with an initial appearance or arraignment, then move through pretrial hearings and, if needed, a trial. Each step brings decisions that can affect your future. Having a defense lawyer involved early often allows you to understand your options better, avoid mistakes, and position your case for the strongest possible outcome.

What To Do After A Burglary Arrest

After a burglary arrest, it is normal to feel pressure from many directions. You might be worried about your job, your family, and what to say to law enforcement. Taking a few careful steps now can help protect your rights and avoid making the situation worse.

Be very cautious when discussing the case. Statements to police, the alleged victim, friends, or social media can be used against you later. If the court has issued no-contact orders or other release conditions, it is important to follow them closely. Violations can lead to new charges or a revoked bond.

Try to keep and organize any paperwork you receive, such as charging documents or a notice of your next court date in Idaho Falls. Save texts, messages, or other information that may relate to what really happened. These details can be important when we review your case together.

Here are practical steps to take as soon as you can:

  • Limit conversations about the incident and avoid posting about it online.
  • Follow all court-imposed conditions, including no contact orders and travel limits.
  • Write down your memory of events while the details are still fresh.
  • Gather documents such as tickets, charging papers, and any bond paperwork.
  • Contact our firm promptly to schedule a free confidential consultation with a burglary lawyer in Idaho Falls.

How We Defend Burglary Allegations

Every burglary case is different, and your defense should reflect your specific facts, history, and goals. Our firm takes a careful, detail-oriented approach to evaluating the evidence and building a strategy that fits your situation rather than forcing your case into a template.

We start by reviewing the charging documents, police reports, and any available video, photographs, or digital records. We look closely at how law enforcement claims you entered the property, what they say your intent was, and how they identified you. In many burglary cases, questions about intent, mistaken identity, or the reliability of witnesses can play a central role.

We also examine how officers obtained their evidence. If there are issues with how a search warrant was obtained or how a search was carried out, we may challenge whether certain evidence can be used against you. This can be especially important when the case depends heavily on items found inside a home, vehicle, or phone.

Attorney John Malek’s background as a former active duty JAG officer and military magistrate gives our firm a clear understanding of both military and civilian consequences. He has seen how a single civilian charge can affect security clearances, promotions, and continued service. We draw on that experience when advising military clients who are charged with burglary or other property crimes in this area.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Will I go to jail for burglary in Idaho?

Jail or prison is possible in burglary cases, but it is not automatic. Potential sentences depend on the specific charge, your history, and how the judge views the case. We review these factors with you and work to pursue outcomes that reduce or avoid incarceration when possible.

How soon should I call a burglary lawyer?

It is usually best to contact a lawyer as soon as you know about an investigation or charge. Early involvement allows us to advise you before court hearings and before you make statements. A free consultation with our firm can help you understand your immediate priorities.

How is burglary different from theft or trespassing?

Burglary focuses on unlawful entry with criminal intent. Theft involves taking property, while trespassing generally involves unauthorized entry without intent to commit an additional crime. Burglary charges are typically more severe.

What if I didn’t intend to commit a crime when I entered?

Lack of intent is a common defense. If the prosecution cannot prove intent beyond a reasonable doubt, burglary charges may be reduced or dismissed.

Can burglary charges be reduced?

In some cases, burglary charges may be reduced to lesser offenses depending on the facts, evidence, and your criminal history. An attorney can advocate for reduced charges or alternative resolutions.
Should I talk to police if I’m accused of burglary?
You have the right to remain silent. It’s often best to speak with a criminal defense attorney before answering questions to avoid unintentionally harming your case.

Why is a burglary conviction serious?

A conviction can impact employment, housing, professional licenses, and future opportunities. Early legal guidance is critical to protecting your rights and your future.

Contact Our Burglary Lawyer in Idaho Falls Today

When you schedule a consultation, we typically start by reviewing your charges and any paperwork from the court in Idaho Falls. We ask you to walk us through what happened from your perspective, then outline the general stages of a case like yours and discuss possible paths forward. This meeting is a chance for you to ask questions and for us to determine how we can assist.

If you decide to move forward with us, we explain the flat fee for your case and what it covers. We also talk about how we will stay in touch regarding upcoming court dates, deadlines, and developments. Our aim is to reduce the unknowns, so you can focus on your life while we focus on the legal work.

If you are searching for a burglary attorney in Idaho Falls who combines military discipline with a client-centered approach, we encourage you to contact our firm. We are here to provide clear guidance and strong advocacy when you need it most.

Contact us today to get started with our Idaho Falls burglary attorney.

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Why Choose Us?

  • Hundreds of Defense Cases Handled
  • Setting Clear, Realistic Expectations
  • Personal Care Dedicated to Defending Servicemembers
  • Former Active Duty JAG Lawyer

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At John Malek Law Group, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

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    John Malek has many years of legal experience. In the years I've known him, I've seen his passion for what's right, his enduring loyalty to the people he represents, his strong attention to detail, his clear headedness in tough situations, his continuing commitment to his work, and his optimism throughout it all. He is a good man and I am confident in his work.
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    Having known John personally and professionally for 10+ years, I cannot recommend a more caring, knowledgeable, determined, and driven attorney. John has the convictions of a battleship and will go to war against injustice anytime, anywhere.
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