§62. Simple burglary

           A. Simple burglary is either of the following:

           (1) The unauthorized entering of any dwelling, vehicle, watercraft, or other structure, movable or immovable, or any cemetery, with the intent to commit a felony or any theft therein, other than as set forth in R.S. 14:60.

           (2) The unauthorized entering of any dwelling or other structure with the intent to temporarily or permanently deprive the owner, lessee, or tenant of full use of the dwelling or structure or to temporarily or permanently assert any right of ownership or use of such property.

           B.(1) Except as provided in Paragraphs (2) and (3) of this Subsection, whoever commits the crime of simple burglary shall be fined not more than two thousand dollars, imprisoned with or without hard labor for not more than twelve years, or both.

           (2) If the offender, while committing the crime of simple burglary, is armed with a firearm or, after entering, arms himself with or possesses a firearm, the offender shall be imprisoned with or without hard labor for not less than three nor more than twelve years.

           (3) If the offender commits multiple simple burglaries as a part of a continuous sequence of events, the offender shall be imprisoned with or without hard labor for not less than one nor more than twelve years. At least one year of the sentence of imprisonment shall be imposed without benefit of probation or suspension of sentence.

           C. In addition to the penalties provided in Subsection B of this Section, an offender shall be liable for any damage that has resulted from a violation of Paragraph (A)(2) of this Section.

           Amended by Acts 1972, No. 649, §1; Acts 1977, No. 133, §1; Acts 1980, No. 708, §1; Acts 2001, No. 241, §1; Acts 2020, No. 288, §1, eff. August 1, 2020; Acts 2023, No. 417, §1, eff. August 1, 2023; Acts 2024, No. 188, §1, eff. August 1, 2024, "The Louisiana Squatter Prevention Act".