When Accusations Involve Property and Entry
Theft & Burglary Defense in Madison for charges including shoplifting, property theft, or unlawful entry allegations
Law Office of Alexandr Matt, LLC represents individuals charged with theft or burglary in Madison. You may be dealing with allegations that arose from retail loss prevention reports, surveillance footage reviewed after an incident, property reported missing from a residence or vehicle, or accusations that you entered a building without permission with intent to commit a crime. These charges range from misdemeanor theft to felony burglary, and the legal consequences depend on the value of the property involved, prior convictions, and whether the state alleges you entered a dwelling or a commercial structure.
Theft cases often rely on video evidence, witness identification, inventory records, and statements made to police during or after arrest. Burglary charges require proof that you entered a building or occupied structure with intent to steal or commit a felony inside, which means the state must show both the entry and the intent at the time of entry. Defense work includes reviewing how the evidence was collected, whether the identification was reliable, and whether your intent can be proven based on the circumstances rather than assumptions.
If you have been charged with theft, burglary, or a related property offense in Madison, contact the office to discuss what the state is alleging and what the evidence actually shows.
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How These Cases Are Built and Challenged
Your attorney will request all surveillance video, loss prevention reports, receipts, transaction records, and police reports related to the charge. In shoplifting cases, the video may not clearly show concealment or may reveal that you left the store intending to pay. In burglary cases, the state must prove that you did not have permission to enter and that your purpose was criminal, which often depends on circumstantial evidence such as time of day, forced entry, or items found on your person.
After reviewing the evidence, you will see whether the state can meet its burden of proof, whether the value of the property was accurately assessed, and whether procedural errors occurred during the arrest or search. Law Office of Alexandr Matt, LLC works to challenge weak identifications, dispute the alleged value of stolen items, and negotiate outcomes that avoid felony convictions when possible. In some cases, restitution and pretrial diversion can resolve the charge without a conviction appearing on your record.
Representation includes motion practice to suppress evidence obtained through illegal searches, cross-examination of loss prevention staff or property owners, and trial preparation if the case cannot be resolved through negotiation. Not all theft and burglary charges proceed to trial, but the strength of the defense often determines whether the prosecutor offers a reasonable plea agreement or pursues maximum penalties.
At Law Office of Alexandr Matt, you’re not just another case file — you’re a valued member of our community, and your success is our mission.
Questions Clients Ask About Theft and Burglary Charges
Clients want to know what the charge means, how prior offenses affect sentencing, and whether they can avoid jail time or a permanent criminal record.
What is the difference between theft and burglary under Wisconsin law?
Theft involves taking someone else's property without consent and with intent to deprive the owner of it, while burglary involves entering a building without consent with intent to steal or commit a felony inside. Burglary is generally charged as a felony regardless of whether anything was actually taken.
How does the value of the stolen property affect the charge?
In Wisconsin, theft is classified by the value of the property: under a certain threshold it is a misdemeanor, and above that threshold it becomes a felony. The state must prove the value through receipts, appraisals, or witness testimony, and your attorney can challenge inflated or unsupported valuations.
Can I be convicted of burglary if I had permission to enter the building?
If you had actual or implied permission to enter, the state cannot prove the unlawful entry element of burglary. The defense may involve showing that you were invited, that the door was unlocked and open to the public, or that you reasonably believed you had permission based on past conduct or relationships.
What happens if the surveillance video does not clearly show me taking anything?
If the video is inconclusive or does not show concealment or removal of property, the state's case may rely solely on witness identification, which can be challenged based on lighting, distance, or opportunity to observe. Your attorney will compare the video timestamp with other evidence and question the reliability of any identification made after the fact.
How do theft and burglary cases typically resolve in Madison courts?
Outcomes vary based on the defendant's criminal history, the strength of the evidence, and the value of the property involved. First-time offenders may be eligible for deferred prosecution or reduced charges, while repeat offenders face enhanced penalties and less favorable plea offers. Many cases resolve through negotiation, but some require motion hearings or trial to protect the defendant's rights.
If you are facing theft or burglary charges and need to understand your options, reach out to review the evidence and discuss how the case can be defended.