Which offense is described as breaking into or entering a vehicle or any part of a vehicle with the intent to commit theft or a felony?

• A. Criminal Trespass - Class C Misdemeanor
• B. Theft- State Jail Felony
• C. Robbery
• D. Burglary of a vehicle

Answer: (D)

Entering a vehicle with the purpose to commit theft or a felony inside is burglary of a vehicle. The key element is unlawful entry of the vehicle combined with the intent to commit theft or a felony inside at the time of entry. The entry can be into any part of the vehicle, and force isn’t required.

This differs from criminal trespass, which is simply entering or remaining on someone else’s property without permission, not necessarily with the specific intent to commit theft or a felony inside. Theft alone is taking someone else’s property and does not involve the act of entering a vehicle with such intent. Robbery involves taking property from a person through force or intimidation, which is a different type of offense altogether.