One of the most frightening things that can happen to a person is to be the victim of a burglary. Someone invading the sanctity of your home, in particular, can be a scary and traumatizing experience. In Seattle, Marie Whalen experienced just such a harrowing incident, according to King 5 News. She said that she awoke to find a man she didn't know touching her face. Whalen was sleeping on the main floor of her home, with her 5-year old son sleeping beside her. Her husband was upstairs with the couple's daughter.

Whalen said that she first thought the man was her husband. When the man told her he just wanted to lie down, she realized it was not her husband speaking and reached to turn on a light. The man grabbed her arm but Whalen was able to pull away. Whalen then yelled for her husband and turned on a light. She ran upstairs and the couple called 911. However, by the time the police got there the man had left. He had taken Whalen's phone. The man didn't get far though, police found him nearby in an alleyway. He was heavily intoxicated, according to what police told Whalen. The man was arrested and booked into the King County Jail for investigation of burglary.

In Washington, burglary is a serious offense. Burglary falls into different classifications. First degree burglary is a Class A offense, while residential burglary and second degree burglary are Class B offenses.The applicable statutes read as follows:

RCW 9A.52.020: Burglary in the first degree.

(1) A person is guilty of burglary in the first degree if, with intent to commit a crime against a person or property therein, he or she enters or remains unlawfully in a building and if, in entering or while in the building or in immediate flight therefrom, the actor or another participant in the crime (a) is armed with a deadly weapon, or (b) assaults any person.

(2) Burglary in the first degree is a class A felony.

RCW 9A.52.025: Residential burglary.

(1) A person is guilty of residential burglary if, with intent to commit a crime against a person or property therein, the person enters or remains unlawfully in a dwelling other than a vehicle.

(2) Residential burglary is a class B felony. In establishing sentencing guidelines and disposition standards, residential burglary is to be considered a more serious offense than second degree burglary.

RCW 9A.52.030: Burglary in the second degree.

(1) A person is guilty of burglary in the second degree if, with intent to commit a crime against a person or property therein, he or she enters or remains unlawfully in a building other than a vehicle or a dwelling.

(2) Burglary in the second degree is a class B felony.

Class A felonies are punishable by up to life in prison and a fine up to $50,000, while Class B felonies can carry a maximum sentence of ten years in prison and fine of up to $20,000. RCW 9A.20.021.

If you or a loved one is facing burglary charges, please do not hesitate to contact the Law Offices of Steve Karimi today.