Burglary Attorney in Port Orchard
Two Decades in Kitsap County Courts, on Both Sides of the Courtroom
A burglary charge in Washington is a felony accusation that can mean years in prison and a permanent record. How that case gets handled depends heavily on whether your attorney understands how the prosecution built it. At Glisson Legal, Stan Glisson has practiced criminal law in Kitsap County since 1999. He has served as a Kitsap County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, as a public defender, and now in private practice, giving him a firsthand understanding of how burglary cases are constructed and where they can be taken apart.
We take an aggressive approach to challenging accusations and building defense strategies for clients facing criminal charges throughout Western Washington. If you’re facing a burglary charge, the place to start is understanding what the prosecution has to prove.
Call Glisson Legal at (360) 526-8191 to schedule a free, confidential consultation. We can review your situation and explain your options.
Washington Burglary Charges: Degrees, Definitions, & Penalties
Washington law defines three distinct burglary offenses, each carrying different penalties based on where the alleged crime occurred and the circumstances surrounding it.
Burglary in the First Degree
Under RCW 9A.52.020, first-degree burglary applies when a person unlawfully enters or remains in a building with intent to commit a crime and is armed with a deadly weapon or assaults another person. This is a class A felony, punishable by up to life in prison and a $50,000 fine.
Residential Burglary
RCW 9A.52.025 covers unlawful entry or remaining in a dwelling with intent to commit a crime. Because the intrusion occurs where people live, Washington treats residential burglary as more serious than second-degree burglary at sentencing. It is a class B felony.
Burglary in the Second Degree
RCW 9A.52.030 applies to unlawful entry or remaining in a building that isn’t a vehicle or dwelling, with intent to commit a crime inside. Also a class B felony, it carries penalties up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.
Why Kitsap County Clients Trust Our Burglary Defense
Burglary cases turn on two core elements: unlawful entry and intent. Prosecutors must prove both beyond a reasonable doubt. Stan’s background as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney means he knows how that case gets constructed. His time as a public defender and now in private practice means he knows where it can be challenged.
Stan also serves as a Judge Pro Tem in multiple Washington courts, which gives him direct insight into how judges weigh evidence and credibility. That perspective informs the decisions he makes in a case. His reputation among judges and opposing counsel throughout Kitsap County reflects more than two decades of consistent local practice. From DUI cases to homicide, he has handled a broad range of criminal matters, and that depth carries into the burglary defense matters he handles.
Defending Against a Burglary Charge in Port Orchard
Every element of a burglary charge is a potential point of contest. Was the entry actually unlawful? Did the person intend to commit a crime at the moment of entry, or is the prosecution inferring intent from circumstances? If the charge has been elevated to first degree, did the alleged weapon or assault actually occur? The prosecution carries the burden of proving each element, and our job is to scrutinize that proof at every step.
Common defense angles include:
- Challenging whether the structure was entered without authorization
- Disputing the intent element when the evidence is circumstantial
- Contesting the facts that elevate a charge from second degree to first degree
The right approach depends on the specific facts of your case, which is why a direct conversation about those facts matters.
Where Kitsap County Burglary Cases Are Heard
Felony burglary charges, including residential burglary and first- and second-degree burglary, are heard in Kitsap County Superior Court, located in Port Orchard. Glisson Legal is a local firm with a consistent presence in that courthouse. Stan is also licensed to practice in Federal District Courts and the Suquamish Tribal Court, a combination that allows him to handle cases in jurisdictions many local attorneys can’t.
Get a Free Consultation with a Burglary Lawyer
A burglary conviction doesn’t just mean jail time and fines. It follows you. Stan communicates directly with clients, keeps them updated as the case develops, and answers questions honestly.
Call Glisson Legal at (360) 526-8191 to speak with a Port Orchard burglary attorney. The consultation is free and confidential.
