Possession of Burglary Tools

Possession of burglary tools refers to any person who is in possession of burglary tools, including altered keys or instruments used to defeat locks, with the specific intent to use such tools to break or enter into any building, railroad car, vessel, vehicle, trailer coach or other structure without the authority to do so. "Burglary Tools" are implements used to carry out a burglary. Possession of burglary tools is a misdemeanor offense prosecuted in California under Penal Code section 466 and is punishable by up to 180 days in county jail. The possession of any of these types of burglary tools is not by itself a crime. It is the possession along with the criminal intent that makes it a crime.

Burglary tools used for burglaries including:

• Crowbar
• Picklock
• Screwdriver
• Lock pick gun
• Tubular lock pick
• Slim Jim
• Slide hammer
• Tension bar
• Key bits
• Floor-safe door puller
• Vise grip pliers
• Ceramic or porcelain plug chips or pieces
• Bump key
• Master key
• Water-pump pliers
• Bolt cutters
• Any other tools or instruments possessed with the intent to break or enter a building, vehicle or other specified location.

If you or someone you know is being charged with possession of burglary tools consult with an experienced burglary defense attorney before going to court.