What crime occurs when someone enters a dwelling with intent to commit theft, even if nothing is stolen?

• A. Trespass
• B. Larceny
• C. Robbery
• D. Burglary

Answer: (D)

The main idea is that burglary rests on two elements: entering a dwelling and having the intent to commit a crime inside. The crucial point is the intent at the moment of entry. If someone enters a home with the plan to steal, but no property is actually taken, the offense is still complete because the person entered a dwelling with the unlawful purpose inside. This focus on the combination of unlawful entry and mens rea (intent) inside a dwelling distinguishes burglary from trespass (which is only unauthorized entry without the accompanying intent to commit a crime) and from larceny (which is about taking property, not entering a dwelling with the plan to steal). It also differs from robbery, which involves taking property from a person through force or intimidation.