What constitutes 2nd degree burglary?

Second-degree burglary typically involves unlawfully entering a building with the intent to commit a crime, usually theft, once inside. This means that the key element is the intent to commit a crime at the time of entry. Unlike first-degree burglary, which may involve entering a dwelling or includes additional factors such as armed entry or the presence of occupants, second-degree burglary covers scenarios where the entry is without the use of force, or where the premises entered may not be a dwelling.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of second-degree burglary. Entering a building without intent to commit a crime does not constitute burglary, as the intent is a critical component. Similarly, breaking and entering with violence pertains more to first-degree burglary, and committing theft in the first degree is an entirely separate offense focused on the act of stealing rather than the act of unlawful entry.