What is necessary to charge someone with burglary?

To charge someone with burglary, it is essential to establish intent to commit a crime within a structure. This intent is a key element of the offense, as burglary is defined not merely by the act of entering a building but by the purpose behind that entry. Simply entering a property does not constitute burglary unless there is an intention to commit another crime, such as theft, assault, or vandalism, once inside.

While physical evidence of a crime, witness accounts, or the presence of stolen property may support a burglary charge, they are not as fundamental as demonstrating the defendant's intent. The emphasis on intent highlights the importance of the mental state of the accused at the time of entering the premises, which is a pivotal aspect of establishing the crime of burglary under Pennsylvania law.