Legal Definitions - break a house

The legal term "breaking a house" refers to the act of using force to unlawfully gain entry into a building, typically a home, by damaging, dislodging, or removing any part of its structure or security features, with the intention of committing a crime inside. This doesn't necessarily mean shattering something; it can include any forceful act that overcomes the building's security to create an opening for entry.

Here are some examples illustrating this concept:

• Example 1: Smashed Window for Theft

  A person attempting to steal valuables from a residence uses a brick to smash a ground-floor window, creating an opening large enough to climb through.

  This illustrates "breaking a house" because force was used (smashing the window) to damage a part of the house's structure, specifically to gain unlawful entry with the intent to commit theft.

• Example 2: Pry Bar on a Locked Door

  An individual uses a pry bar to force open a securely locked back door of an unoccupied apartment, bending the door frame and breaking the lock mechanism.

  Here, the act of prying the door and breaking the lock constitutes "breaking a house." Force was applied to the building's security features and structure to overcome them and gain unauthorized access, presumably to commit a crime.

• Example 3: Removing a Secured Screen

  A suspect carefully removes a securely screwed-in window screen from a bedroom window to access an unlocked window latch, intending to enter and commit an assault.

  Even though the window itself wasn't shattered, the forceful removal of the securely attached screen, which is a part of the house's protective barrier, qualifies as "breaking a house." The intent to commit a crime after gaining entry is also present.