Property Crimes

Home Invasion • Burglary • Looting • Trespassing

Property crimes in Louisiana include unlawful entry onto another individual's property either by criminal trespassing, unauthorized entry, burglary, looting, or home invasion. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reports that each year thousands of property crimes are committed in Louisiana.
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If you were charged with a property crime, you may not have had the intent to commit a crime or even believed that your behavior was criminal. It can be advantageous to work with an attorney to try to avoid the harsh penalties that can come with a property crime conviction. 

A property crime criminal defense attorney will evaluate your case and determine the most effective defense strategy so you can secure the best possible outcome under the circumstances.
Depending on the case facts, it could be possible to lessen your charges or have your charges dropped. Innocent people do get brought into the justice system through incomplete investigations and false accusations.  

At the ​Law Offices of Philip B. Adams, LLC, our skilled and competent property crime defense attorney has represented many individuals charged with the most serious crimes.

For more information, contact the Law Offices of Philip B. Adams.

Louisiana Property Crimes


Criminal Trespassing occurs when a party unlawfully and without authorization enters a structure, home, watercraft, or other property.

  • A first offense of criminal trespassing can result in up to 30 days in jail and fines ranging from $100 to $500. 

  • A second offense of criminal trespassing can result in up to 90 days in jail and fines ranging from $350 to $750.

  • Criminal Trespassing subsequent offenses can come with a minimum of two months in jail and up to six months as well as a fine of at least $500 and up to $1,000.


Unauthorized Entry occurs when one party has intent with their criminal trespassing.

  • Unauthorized Entry of an Inhabited Dwelling is charged whether or not the property is occupied. It can come with up to six years of imprisonment and up to $1,000 in fines.

  • Unauthorized Entry of a Place of Business enclosed by a structure at least six feet high can result in up to six years of imprisonment and up to $1,000 in fines.

  • Unauthorized Entry of a Critical Infrastructure, such as a restricted area like a power plant, can come with five years of felony imprisonment and up to $1,000 in fines.


Burglary occurs when one party has both the intent to enter and the intent to commit a felony or theft when they engage in unauthorized entry into an occupied structure.

  • Simple Burglary of an Inhabited Dwelling occurs when a party enters an inhabited property used as a residence, without authorization, and also has intent to commit a felony or to steal. 

    • Penalties can include a minimum of one year imprisonment or up to twelve years.

  • Aggravated Burglary of an Inhabited Dwelling occurs when a party enters into an inhabited or occupied property, without authorization, with the intent to commit a felony or to steal and also is armed with a dangerous weapon or uses violence while committing the burglary. 

    • Penalties for aggravated burglary of an inhabited dwelling can include a minimum of one year imprisonment or up to thirty years.


Home Invasion occurs when one party intends to enter occupied property without authorization and commits violence or damages property. It is only charged when the property occupant is present at the time of the crime.
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  • Penalties for home invasion can include a minimum of one year imprisonment or up to thirty years.


Looting occurs when a party enters into a property without authorization and with intent to unlawfully take property after a natural disaster or another type of emergency event 

  • Penalties for looting can include as many as 15 years imprisonment and fines as high as $10,000. 

Call An Experienced Louisiana Property Crime Defense Attorney Today

Protecting your rights and freedoms from the most grievous penalties when you have been charged with a property crime in Louisiana is Attorney Adams' top priority. 

If you were charged with a property crime in Louisiana, you need a committed and experienced property crime criminal defense attorney on your side. Contact the Law Office of Philip B. Adams today for a case evaluation.