What is burglary of an unoccupied conveyance?

A conveyance includes motor vehicles, boats, trailers, aircraft, and railroad cars. Entering an unoccupied one with intent to commit an offense inside is generally a third-degree felony.

This is the charge behind what's often described as car burglary, and two features surprise people.

Unlocked counts. Opening an unlocked door is entry. No damage required.

Reaching in may be enough. Entry doesn't require the whole body — courts have found that extending part of the body into the vehicle can suffice.

The felony classification is what catches people. A person who went through unlocked cars looking for change is facing a felony, not a misdemeanor, and often multiple counts.

Where these are defended: intent at entry, identification from often-poor surveillance footage, and the constructive possession analysis where a group was involved and the State charges everyone.