Taking justice into your own hands occurs when a person decides to retaliate or take revenge directly against someone they believe has wronged them, without turning to the authorities or following the established legal process. Although it may seem like an understandable response in situations of helplessness or frustration, this practice usually carries serious legal consequences and can escalate into forms of violence.
In Baja California, the crime of burglary of a closed place is regulated by the Penal Code of the State of Baja California, and the penalty varies depending on the specific circumstances of the case, such as the seriousness of the crime, the amount stolen, and whether there were aggravating factors.
Basic Penalty for Burglary of a Closed Place
For simple burglary of a closed place (without violence or aggravating factors), penalties generally range from:
Two to five years in prison.
Factors That May Increase the Penalty
Use of violence: If the robbery is committed using violence or intimidation, penalties may increase significantly.
Robbery in a group or gang: If the crime was committed by several people together, this is considered an aggravating factor that can increase the penalty.
Repeat offense: If the person has already been convicted of theft or similar crimes, penalties may be higher.
Value of the stolen goods: If the value of the stolen items is considerable, penalties may also increase.
Location of the burglary: If the burglary occurred in a special place, such as a protected site, government offices, or financial institutions, the penalty may be more severe.
Alternatives to Prison
In some cases, if no violence was used and the value of the stolen goods was not significant, lesser penalties or even alternatives to imprisonment may apply, such as fines or reparatory agreements, especially if the accused is a first-time offender.
It is advisable to review the Penal Code of the State of Baja California for more precise details on the applicable sanction, or to consult a criminal defense attorney for specific legal advice according to your situation.
📌 If you find yourself in this situation, speak with Lic. Jorge Fernández, a criminal law attorney, so he can advise you on the legal implications of your particular case and the options available to you. It is important to carefully evaluate your situation before making a decision.
