Breaking and Entering Lawyer in Laval

Facing a breaking and entering charge can be overwhelming and leave you unsure of what’s next. The consequences are serious, possible prison time, a lasting criminal record, and long-term damage to your future. Our experienced breaking and entering lawyer in Laval is here to protect your rights, challenge the prosecution’s case, and build a clear, strategic defence to help you move forward.

Breaking and Entering Charges Explained by a Lawyer

Under section 348 of the Criminal Code of Canada, breaking and entering occurs when someone unlawfully enters a home, business, or other structure intending to commit an indictable offence such as theft or assault. In Quebec, this crime is taken very seriously, especially when a dwelling is involved and can result in long prison sentences and a permanent criminal record. At Elhaddad Avocats, our breaking and entering lawyer use deep experience with property crime defence to scrutinize the Crown’s evidence, expose weaknesses in how intent and entry are proven, and build a strategy aimed at protecting your freedom and future.

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Types of Breaking and Entering Charges

Below are the main types of breaking and entering charges recognized in Canada. Understanding how your case is classified is crucial because each type carries different risks and penalties.

Definition

Illegally entering someone’s home or any place where people live with the intent to commit an indictable offence inside, such as theft or assault.

Section

Section 348(1)(a) of the Criminal Code of Canada

Possible Punishment

Indictable offence only, imprisonment for life.

Definition

Entering or breaking into a place that is not a residence, such as a business, warehouse, or storage facility intending to commit an indictable offence.

Section

Section 348(1)(b) Criminal Code of Canada

Possible Punishment

  • Indictable offence: up to 10 years imprisonment.
  • Summary conviction: up to 2 years less a day imprisonment and/or fine.

Definition

Breaking into a home and using or threatening violence against its occupants during or after the entry.

Section

Section 348(1)(d) of the Criminal Code of Canada

Possible Punishment

Indictable offence: imprisonment for life (maximum).

If a firearm is used: minimum 4 years for a first offence and minimum 5 years for a second or subsequent firearm offence.


Elements of Breaking and Entering Charges

If you’re facing a breaking and entering charge in Laval, it’s crucial to know what the Crown must prove before you can be found guilty. These are the key points prosecutors will focus on:

  • Unlawful Entry: Showing you entered a place without permission or legal right.
  • Intent to Commit a Crime: Proving you planned to commit an indictable offence, such as theft or assault, once inside.
  • Nature of the Place: Determining if the location was a dwelling (home) or non-dwelling, which affects penalties.
  • Connection to the Scene: Linking you to the property through evidence like tools, surveillance, or witnesses.
  • Aggravating Circumstances: Highlighting factors such as violence, weapons, or damage caused during the entry.

This is where our work begins. At Elhaddad Avocats, we break down the Crown’s case, challenge weak links, and protect your rights at every step. If you’re accused of breaking and entering, our experienced breaking and entering lawyer in Laval is ready to fight for the best possible outcome.

Defend Your Rights Against Breaking and Entering Charges

We fight breaking and entering charges with proven strategies and dedication. Contact us now for immediate legal support.


thief steeling computer from a house and expecting he will face serious charges and will need a breaking and entering lawyer in laval

How We Defend Breaking and Entering Cases

At Elhaddad Avocats, we understand how devastating a breaking and entering accusation can be — risking prison time, a lasting criminal record, and damage to your reputation and career. Our approach is deliberate and tactical: we look closely at how the alleged entry happened, question whether there was real intent to commit another crime, and break down the prosecution’s evidence piece by piece.

From the moment you reach out, a skilled lawyer for breaking and entering charges in Laval acts fast to secure your rights, explore every option to reduce or dismiss charges, and build a clear, powerful defence for court if necessary. Our focus is to limit the long-term impact of the accusation and protect your future.

Strategies We Use

  • Attack Proof of Entry & Intent: We challenge the claim you unlawfully entered or meant to commit a crime.
  • Undermine Identification: We expose unreliable witness statements, unclear video, or weak forensic links.
  • Expose Charter Violations: We fight to have illegally obtained evidence thrown out.
  • Push for Lesser Charges: Our team works to reduce breaking and entering to a lesser property offence when possible.
  • Exploit Investigation Gaps: We identify mistakes or assumptions in police work to strengthen your defence.

Steps We Take With You

  • Initial Case Assessment: We review every detail — from how the arrest happened to what evidence the Crown intends to use.
  • Defence Planning: We design a custom strategy with input from experts if needed, ensuring your side of the story is clear and compelling.
  • Negotiation or Trial: As your breaking and entering attorney, we push for reduced penalties or dismissal but are prepared to fight in court if required.
  • Support and Guidance: You’ll get transparent updates, practical advice, and the full commitment of our breaking and entering lawyer team at every stage.

What Outcome to Expect With Our Breaking & Entering Lawyer in Laval

If you’ve been charged with breaking and entering in Laval, the outcome of your case can look very different depending on whether you have skilled legal representation. Here’s a clear comparison to understand what’s at stake:

Without a Breaking and Entering LawyerWith an Experienced Breaking and Entering Lawyer
High risk of maximum penalties, including long prison sentences.Defence strategies aimed at reducing or avoiding jail time.
Low chance of charges being downgraded (e.g., to mischief or trespassing).Strong negotiation to reduce charges to lesser offences when possible.
Greater likelihood of a permanent criminal record affecting jobs, travel, and future opportunities.Efforts to protect your record or secure conditional sentences/probation.
No one to challenge weak evidence or unlawful police actions.In-depth review of evidence and Charter rights violations to exclude damaging proof.
Limited understanding of court procedures and deadlines, leading to costly mistakes.Full legal guidance, strategic planning, and step-by-step support through the process.

If you’re facing breaking and entering charges, don’t go it alone. Contact an experienced breaking and entering lawyer in Laval at Elhaddad Avocats today, we’ll protect your rights, push the Crown for better terms, and fight for the best outcome so you can safeguard your future.

What to Do After Being Arrested for Breaking and Entering

Getting arrested for breaking and entering in Laval is frightening and confusing — but what you do next can shape the outcome of your case. Acting quickly and protecting your rights from the start is critical.

  1. Call us immediately so an experienced breaking and entering lawyer can step in before charges solidify.
  2. Do not explain yourself or answer questions, you have the right to remain silent.
  3. Request to speak with a breaking and entering attorney right away before talking to police.
  4. Avoid sharing details with friends, family, or on social media, anything you say could be used against you.
  5. Preserve any helpful evidence (messages, receipts, camera footage) that may support your version of events.
  6. Follow any bail or release terms carefully and attend every scheduled court date.

Our Approach to Your Defense

How it works step 1 breaking and entering lawyer

Facing Accusations or Charges

Navigating the initial shock and uncertainty, we stand ready to offer immediate support and guidance.

How it works step 2 breaking and entering lawyer

Schedule Your Free Phone Evaluation

Connect with our team to discuss your case in a confidential and non-judgmental environment.

How it works step 3 breaking and entering lawyer

Comprehensive Evidence Review

Our approach ensures every piece of evidence is thoroughly researched and examined for your defense.

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Achieving Justice, Side by Side

Together, we’ll present a strong defense in court, aiming for the most favorable outcome for you.


Who We Are, Elhaddad Avocats

Elhaddad Avocats is a well-established criminal defence firm based in Laval, founded in 2014 by Me Anthony El-Haddad. For over a decade, we’ve represented clients across Quebec facing charges ranging from fraud and assault to complex property and violent crimes. Our reputation is built on careful case preparation, strategic legal thinking, and an unwavering commitment to protecting our clients’ futures.

One of our key areas of practice is breaking and entering defence. Our experienced breaking and entering lawyer in Laval works closely with you from the moment charges are filed, reviewing the evidence, challenging the Crown’s case, and building a strong defence aimed at reducing penalties or having charges dismissed.

Relevant Legal Resources

  • The Criminal Code provides the foundation for the prosecution of these crimes.
  • Charter of Rights & Freedoms, provided under this act that everyone has a right to freedom whether in terms of equality, life, judicial rights, political rights, and much more.

Have Any Questions?

We are here to guide you through breaking and entering charges with skill and dedication. Reach out anytime for answers and support. Our team is ready to help!

Your breaking and entering lawyer can challenge illegally obtained evidence. If your Charter rights were violated, we fight to have that evidence excluded, strengthening your defence.

An experienced breaking and entering lawyer in Laval will review the evidence, challenge how entry and intent are proven, and work to reduce or dismiss charges while protecting your rights.

Yes. Our lawyer for breaking and entering charges can negotiate with the Crown to downgrade charges to lesser offences like trespassing or mischief, depending on the evidence.

It depends on the case. A breaking and entering attorney can help avoid prison by negotiating alternatives like probation or conditional sentences, especially for first-time offenders.

Yes. Forcing entry isn’t required. Entering without permission, even through an unlocked door or open window, can result in a breaking and entering charge.

Yes. The charge focuses on unlawful entry with intent to commit an indictable offence. The Crown doesn’t need to prove that property was taken to convict you.


Our Legal Expertise

El Haddad, Avocats

Address:
3090 Boul. le Carrefour bureau 200 Laval, Quebec H7T 2J7
Fax: 450-687-8181
URL: https://elhaddadavocats.com/en/locations/criminal-lawyer-laval/