In Massachusetts, armed burglary is a grave felony offense defined under General Laws Chapter 266, Section 14. It occurs when an individual unlawfully breaks and enters a dwelling house at night with the intent to commit a felony, while armed with a dangerous weapon. This offense is further aggravated if the perpetrator assaults an occupant or arms themselves after entry.
To secure a conviction for armed burglary in Massachusetts, the prosecution must establish the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
These elements are outlined in Mass. General Laws c.266 § 14.
Armed burglary is among the most severely punished crimes in Massachusetts. Under Mass. General Laws c.266 § 14, the penalties include:
With years of specialized experience, The Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson has established itself as the go-to Boston criminal defense attorney in Massachusetts.
Experienced Criminal Lawyers Ready to Fight for You
Boston Office
55 Union Street, Suite 400 Boston, MA 02108
617-295-7500
Salem Office
15 Church St, Suite 105 Salem, MA 01970
978-607-0034
Office Hours
Mondays – Fridays
24/7 Support
Saturdays – Sundays
10:00am – 2:00pm
Time is of the essence. If you or someone you know is facing an armed burglary charge in Massachusetts, immediate legal intervention is crucial. Delays can compromise your defense, limit your options, and increase the risk of severe penalties. An experienced criminal defense attorney can scrutinize the evidence, challenge procedural errors, and advocate for your rights. Don’t wait—take action now to protect your future.
Yes. Merely being armed with a dangerous weapon during the commission of a burglary qualifies as armed burglary, regardless of whether the weapon was used.
Yes. Under Massachusetts law, the unlawful entry must occur during nighttime to meet the criteria for armed burglary as defined in Mass. General Laws c.266 § 14.
A dangerous weapon includes any item that can cause serious bodily harm or death, such as firearms, knives, or blunt instruments.
Potential defenses include lack of intent, absence of a weapon, mistaken identity, or alibi. An experienced attorney can evaluate the specifics of the case to determine applicable defenses.
A prior criminal record, especially for similar offenses, can lead to enhanced penalties, including longer mandatory minimum sentences.
Experienced Criminal Lawyers Ready to Fight for You
Boston Office
55 Union Street, Suite 400 Boston, MA 02108
617-295-7500
Salem Office
15 Church St, Suite 105 Salem, MA 01970
978-607-0034
Office Hours
Mondays – Fridays
24/7 Support
Saturdays – Sundays
10:00am – 2:00pm
The Right Strategy to Win Your Criminal Case
Disclaimer: Although I am an attorney, I am not your attorney. Please do not rely on anything on our website as legal advice because any specific advice would depend on your situation. Any results posted on this page are not guarantees of outcomes in your case.
Our Locations
Boston Office
(Cheap parking! We validate parking at 136 Blackstone St, Boston, MA 02109 (Haymarket, Parcel 7 parking garage), $3 for three hours.)
Salem Office
Quick Links
The Right Strategy to Win Your Criminal Case
Disclaimer: Although I am an attorney, I am not your attorney. Please do not rely on anything on our website as legal advice because any specific advice would depend on your situation. Any results posted on this page are not guarantees of outcomes in your case.
Our Locations
Boston Office
(Cheap parking! We validate parking at 136 Blackstone St, Boston, MA 02108 (Haymarket, Parcel 7 parking garage), $3 for three hours.)
Salem Office
Quick Links