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Criminal Defense Firm Secures Acquittal on Unlawful Entry in D.C. Theft-Related Case



When individuals face allegations involving unlawful entry or theft, retaining a Criminal Defense Firm is critical to ensuring that facts not assumptions shape the outcome.

In this case, the client sought legal help after being charged with unlawful entry and theft following a nighttime visit to his former worksite.

The client had repeatedly requested unpaid wages from his employer without success. 

Feeling frustrated and financially mistreated, he entered the site where he regularly worked and removed construction materials as self-compensation.

He maintained that the entry was not unlawful, because the premises were familiar and routinely accessible during his employment. 

The Criminal Defense Firm closely analyzed this claim, aiming to correct any overcharges and secure the least severe outcome.

Their defense ultimately resulted in an acquittal on the unlawful entry allegation, with only a minimal fine imposed for the theft charge.

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1. Criminal Defense Firm Washington D.C. – Understanding the Client’s Charges


During initial consultation, the Criminal Defense Firm reviewed how Washington, D.C. law defines both unlawful entry and theft.

 

  • Unlawful entry occurs when a person knowingly enters or remains on property against the will of the lawful occupant.
  • Theft requires intent to take property without authorization.
  •  

Both charges may escalate depending on nighttime entry, intent, or breach of access restrictions.



Evaluating the Unlawful Entry Elements


The attorney explained that D.C. Code § 22-3302requires proof that the client knew his entry was prohibited.

 

Because the client routinely accessed the facility as part of his job, the Criminal Defense Firm emphasized:

 

  • He used normal entrances
  • There was no forced entry or concealment
  • No signage or instructions barred former employees

 

These details became a central argument to defeat the unlawful entry charge.



Reviewing the Theft Allegation


The Criminal Defense Firm acknowledged that taking construction materials constituted an unauthorized taking under D.C. Code § 22-3211.

 

However, the attorney highlighted important mitigation factors:

 

  • Persistent nonpayment of wages
  • Emotional frustration rather than calculated intent
  • Absence of planning or deceit
  •  

This framing shifted the case toward contextual mitigation, avoiding severe punishment.



2. Criminal Defense Firm Washington D.C. – Defense Strategy and Argument Structure


The firm developed a two-part defense strategy:

 

  • Deny unlawful entry based on legitimate employment-related access
  • Mitigate the theft through context, remorse, and lack of criminal history

 

To support this, the Criminal Defense Firm gathered:

 

  • Worksite access records
  • Statements from coworkers
  • Documentation of unpaid wage disputes


Emphasizing Lawful Access to the Property


The attorney demonstrated that:

 

  • The client commonly entered the premises during employment
  • No barriers prohibited entry that night
  • Nothing indicated that he was unwelcome at the time of access

 

The Criminal Defense Firm argued that prosecution could not establish non-consensual entry, leading the court to find the client not guilty of unlawful entry.



Presenting the Incident as an Impulsive Reaction to Wage Nonpayment


For the theft charge, the Criminal Defense Firm emphasized:

 

  • Months of unpaid wages
  • Abrupt dismissal by the employer
  • spontaneous, emotional reaction, not a criminal plan

 

This narrative helped reduce the court’s perception of seriousness and supported a minimal fine rather than harsher penalties.



3. Criminal Defense Firm Washington D.C. – Evidence Submission and Court Presentation


Criminal Defense Firm Washington D.C. – Evidence Submission and Court Presentation

 

During the evidentiary phase, the firm submitted:

 

  • Employment records
  • Wage dispute documentation
  • Character references
  • Proof of longstanding access to the property

 

These materials strengthened the defense by showing no criminal intent and credible justification for misunderstanding.



Demonstrating Absence of Criminal History and Low Risk of Reoffending


The attorney stressed that the client:

 

  • Had no prior convictions
  • Maintained long-term employment
  • Cooperated fully throughout the investigation

 

The Criminal Defense Firm also provided letters from coworkers confirming late wage patterns by the employer, casting doubt on the employer’s credibility.



Framing the Incident as a Single, Nonviolent, Correctable Mistake


The defense emphasized:

 

  • No violence
  • No forced entry
  • No attempt to hide the conduct

 

It is common for a Criminal Defense Firm to show that the client’s actions were isolated and correctable, which supported the court’s decision to impose only a fine.



4. Criminal Defense Firm Washington D.C. – Final Outcome and Case Resolution


Accepting the defense arguments, the court:

 

  • Acquitted the client of unlawful entry, and
  • Imposed only a minor fine for the theft
  •  

This outcome allowed the client to avoid incarceration and move forward without a significant criminal record.



Importance of Accurate Charge Correction


This case highlights how easily a defendant may be overcharged, especially when emotional or workplace disputes arise.


Criminal Defense Firm can prevent incorrect charges from escalating into severe penalties and ensure that sentencing aligns with the true nature of the conduct.



SJKP Support and How We Can Assist You


If you are facing allegations involving:

 

  • Theft
  • Unlawful entry
  • Workplace-related disputes
  • Property-based criminal charges

 

SJKP offers the comprehensive defense approach expected from a Criminal Defense Firm.

 

We provide:

 

  • Immediate consultations
  • Charge analysis and correction
  • Negotiation with prosecutors
  • Courtroom representation
  • Mitigation-focused strategy

 

Contact SJKP today for tailored legal assistance and a defense strategy designed to secure the best possible outcome.


11 Dec, 2025


The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading or relying on the contents of this article does not create an attorney-client relationship with our firm. For advice regarding your specific situation, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
Certain informational content on this website may utilize technology-assisted drafting tools and is subject to attorney review.

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