In Missouri, what is 'Burglary' legally defined as?

In Missouri, 'Burglary' is legally defined as breaking and entering a building with the intent to commit a crime inside, typically an offense such as theft. This definition emphasizes the combination of the unlawful entry and the intent involved in the act. Unlike options concerning merely entering unlawfully or stealing from a business, which may describe elements of theft or trespass, they do not encompass the full legal framework of burglary.

The notion that there is no distinct legal definition, which suggests that burglary is a broad term encompassing robbery and theft, overlooks the specific requirements that constitute burglary under Missouri law. Burglary distinctly focuses not only on the unlawful entry but critically on the intent to commit a crime once inside, differentiating it from theft or robbery. This precise definition helps in understanding the legal distinctions and potential charges that can arise from separate criminal acts in Missouri.