A person accused of burglary requires a vigorous criminal defense. This crime, which is a felony offense, can sometimes result in jail time. It is common for burglary charges to be filed alongside other charges, such as assault or drug possession. When multiple charges are filed, it is important that the accused has a good understanding of the charges and potential consequences.

A woman is accused of burglarizing a home in Lynnwood, a town near Seattle, Washington, on Aug. 28. The woman allegedly directed her 10-year-old son to climb into one of the home's windows and open the door so she could enter. The woman is accused of stealing a computer and a $2 bill that had been removed from a child's bedroom. When the woman was presented with the bill police had found in her purse, she confessed to the break-in.

Child Protective Services says the woman's son and three other children, who are all between 7 and 11 years old, have been placed with a relative. The woman is currently being held in Snohomish County Jail on warrants related to other crimes; charges in the burglary have not yet been filed, pending an investigation.

In this case, the woman could be charged not only with burglary but also with charges relating to involving a child in a crime. Additionally, police have said they found a suspicious substance in the woman's purse. If that substance proves to be an illicit drug, the woman may also face drug possession charges. The woman should be prepared to address not only criminal charges but also how the accusations could affect her parental rights.

Source: The Seattle Times, "10-year-old allegedly helps mother burglarize Lynnwood home," Christine Clarridge, August 29, 2012