Although breaking and entering isn’t its own crime in California, understanding what is meant by “breaking” and “entering” can help to explain the actual laws that it typically refers to, specifically burglary and trespassing. “Breaking” refers to gaining entry into a structure with the use of force or fraud. Although “breaking” used to be a requirement of a burglary conviction in California, it was eliminated in the 1800s and you can now be convicted of burglary without breaking into a structure in order to commit theft or another felony. “Entering” refers to entry into a building or structure with any part of your body or another object, whether or not you enter completely or directly. For example, reaching inside a building with the use of a tool is considered “entering” because the outer boundary of the building has been crossed, even if your body still remains on the outside.