Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA) BA State Certification Practice Exam

What is the legal term for entering someone's home with intent to steal while falsely representing oneself?

1. Residential Trespass

2. Home Invasion

3. Residential Burglary

4. Breaking and Entering

The correct answer is: Residential Burglary

The legal term that accurately describes entering someone's home with the intent to steal while falsely representing oneself is residential burglary. This crime combines two essential elements: the unlawful entry into a dwelling and the intent to commit a theft or crime inside, while also involving deception or misrepresentation. Residential burglary specifically focuses on the act of illegally entering a home with the intention to commit an offense, which is an important aspect of this definition. This distinguishes it from other similar terms, such as breaking and entering or home invasion, which may lack the specific intent to commit theft or may not involve a residential structure. Residential trespass also does not incorporate the intent to commit theft, as it only addresses entering without permission. Thus, residential burglary is the most precise term in this context.