What intent is required for breaking and entering?

The required intent for breaking and entering is to commit a felony or misdemeanor. This means that the individual must have the intention of engaging in an unlawful act upon entering the property. The legal definition of breaking and entering involves not just the act of entering a building without permission but also the purpose behind that action. If someone enters with the intent to commit a crime, such as theft or vandalism, this fulfills the legal requirements for breaking and entering.

In contrast, entering a property to socialize with residents, check on property or visit a friend does not meet the threshold of criminal intent typically associated with breaking and entering laws. These actions suggest a benign or non-criminal purpose, which is fundamentally different from the necessary intent to commit a crime as defined by the law.