What is 3rd degree burglary?

3rd degree burglary is defined as the act of knowingly entering and remaining in a building unlawfully with the intent to commit a crime therein. This definition is consistent with the legal classification of such an offense as a Class D Felony in many jurisdictions, including New York. In this context, the emphasis is on the unlawful entry and the intent to engage in criminal activity within that structure, which makes it a more serious offense than mere trespassing or a misdemeanor charge.

Identifying the crime as a Class D Felony indicates that it carries significant penalties, which align with the severity of the act, especially since it involves potential threats to safety and property. Other choices describe different types of criminal offenses that do not accurately capture the definition of 3rd degree burglary as specified in the law. For instance, Class C Felony and armed burglary imply higher levels of criminal behavior, which do not pertain to the act described as 3rd degree burglary.