What factors elevate 2nd or 3rd-degree burglary to a 1st-degree offense?

1st-degree burglary is considered a more serious crime than 2nd or 3rd-degree burglary, and certain factors can elevate the degree of the offense. The presence of explosives or dangerous instruments significantly raises the threat to public safety and law enforcement, making it a crucial factor in categorizing the burglary as 1st-degree.

When an offender is found to be in possession of such dangerous materials while committing burglary, it indicates a higher level of intent to harm or intimidate individuals and suggests a more serious risk during the commission of the crime. This increases the severity of the potential consequences for the offender and underlines the need for a robust legal response.

The other factors, while they may play a role in the overall context of a burglary, do not carry the same weight in terms of elevating a burglary charge to 1st-degree status. The presence of witnesses, possession of stolen property, or even the value of goods stolen, does not inherently increase the severity of the crime as directly as the possession of explosives or dangerous instruments in this context.