# W. Va. Code § 61-3-11: Burglary; entry of dwelling or outhouse; criminal penalties

> West Virginia · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C61_A3_S11

## Section

- **Citation:** W. Va. Code § 61-3-11
- **Heading:** Burglary; entry of dwelling or outhouse; criminal penalties
- **Jurisdiction:** West Virginia
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** WV Code / Chapter 61 / Article 3 / Section 11

## Text

(a) Any person who breaks and enters, or enters without breaking, a dwelling house of another or outbuilding adjoining the dwelling with the intent to commit a violation of the criminal laws of this state is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be imprisoned in a state correctional facility for not less than one nor more than 15 years.

(b) The term "dwelling house", as used in subsection (a) of this section, includes, but is not limited to, a mobile home, house trailer, modular home, factory-built home, or self-propelled motor home, used as a dwelling regularly or only from time to time, or any other nonmotorized vehicle primarily designed for human habitation and occupancy and used as a dwelling regularly or only from time to time.

(c) For purposes of this section, a dwelling or adjoining outbuilding is considered to be that of another if the person breaking and entering, or entering without breaking, knows that he or she is prohibited from being there.

## Nearby sections

- [W. Va. Code § 61-3-1 §61-3-1. Burning, etc., of a dwelling or outbuilding; first degree arson; penalty; definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C61_A3_S1.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 61-3-2 §61-3-2. Burning, etc., of other buildings or structures; second degree arson; penalty.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C61_A3_S2.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 61-3-3 §61-3-3. Burning personal property of another of the value of five hundred dollars or more; third degree arson; penalty.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C61_A3_S3.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 61-3-4 §61-3-4. Attempt to commit arson; fourth degree arson; penalty.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C61_A3_S4.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 61-3-5 §61-3-5. Burning, or attempting to burn, insured property; penalty.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C61_A3_S5.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 61-3-6 §61-3-6. Willfully, unlawfully and maliciously setting fire on lands; penalty.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C61_A3_S6.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 61-3-7 §61-3-7. Causing injuries during an arson-related crime; penalties.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C61_A3_S7.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 61-3-8 §61-3-8. Recovery of costs incurred in fighting fires caused by arson.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C61_A3_S8.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 61-3-11 §61-3-11. Burglary; entry of dwelling or outhouse; criminal penalties.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C61_A3_S11.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 61-3-12 §61-3-12. Entry of building other than dwelling; entry of railroad, traction or motorcar, steamboat, or other vessel; penalties; counts in indictment.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C61_A3_S12.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 61-3-13 §61-3-13. Grand and petit larceny distinguished; penalties.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C61_A3_S13.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 61-3-14 §61-3-14. Larceny of bank notes, checks, writings of value and book accounts; penalty.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C61_A3_S14.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 61-3-15 §61-3-15. How value of notes, book accounts and other writings determined.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C61_A3_S15.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 61-3-16 §61-3-16. Larceny of things savoring of realty.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C61_A3_S16.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C61_A3_S11. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.