What constitutes a burglary?

Burglary is defined as entering a building or dwelling with the intent to commit a crime inside. This is the core element that distinguishes burglary from other crimes such as trespassing or theft. The focus is on the unlawful entry and the intention to commit an offense, which could range from theft to another criminal act.

The other options do not meet the definition of burglary. Maintaining possession of stolen property addresses the handling of property after theft but does not involve the act of entering a structure with intent. Trespassing without the intent to commit a crime does not fulfill the necessary criteria for burglary since intent is essential. Lastly, stealing items from a public space pertains more to theft, which is a different offense and does not involve unlawful entry into a building or dwelling, a key component of burglary.