Which offense is characterized by breaking into a dwelling with intent to commit a crime?

Burglary is defined specifically as the unlawful entry into a building or dwelling with the intent to commit a crime, which can include theft or other offenses. The critical element of burglary is the intention to carry out an illegal act after unlawfully entering a structure. This can occur regardless of whether the intended crime is ultimately committed.

While theft, robbery, and assault are all criminal offenses, they do not capture the specific nature of unlawfully entering a dwelling with intent. Theft involves taking someone else's property with the intent to deprive the owner of it, but it does not inherently involve breaking and entering. Robbery includes the use of force or intimidation to take property from individuals rather than entering a building with the intent to commit a crime. Assault pertains to causing or threatening physical harm to another person and does not involve unlawful entry into a structure. Thus, the distinct characteristics of burglary make it the appropriate choice in this instance.