Baton Rouge, LA asked in Criminal Law and Insurance Bad Faith for Louisiana

Q: What constitutes burglary in Louisiana? Does there need to be evidence of forced entry to prove burglary?

I have been told that I have burglary coverage, but not theft coverage and that is why they cannot honor my claim. The "theft" occurred inside my locked door to my apartment bedroom. The representative told me because there is no proof of forced entry into my room it is therefore, theft and not burglary. Everything I'm reading is saying burglary can still occur without forced entry because of unlawful entry and committing a crime in once in.

1 Lawyer Answer
Ellen Cronin Badeaux
Ellen Cronin Badeaux
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Covington, LA
  • Licensed in Louisiana

A: Burglary can be of a "dwelling" not a "room". But it does not require forced entry, only unauthorized entry.

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