Question

Would entering a home with the intent to steal victim's property be considered burglary if the defendant dressed as a repairman and the victim invited the defendant in?

Answer 1

Entering a home with the intent to commit theft, even if invited in under a false pretext such as dressing as a repairman, is considered burglary. This is because the intent to commit a crime is present, regardless of the method used to gain entry.

Step-by-step explanation:

Entering a home with the intention to steal property, even if one is dressed as a repairman and invited in by the victim, is still considered burglary. Burglary is generally defined as the unlawful entry into a building with intent to commit a crime, especially theft, within. The false pretense of being a repairman is a method of deceit to gain access, which doesn't change the illegal intent and nature of the act.

Moreover, consent to enter provided by the victim under false pretenses does not legally authorize the action taken by the defendant. Thus, the act of masquerading as a repairman to gain access to someone's home for the purpose of stealing would fulfill the legal definition of burglary. This scenario requires a judgement informed by one's understanding of the law and the facts at hand, as deception is used to commit an intended crime.