Laney v. State

The appellant, Alfred Laney, was convicted of burglary in the second degree, a violation of § 13A-7-6, Code of Alabama 1975. He was sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment. Section 13A-7-6(b) provides, in pertinent part, that "a person commits the crime of burglary in the second degree if he unlawfully enters a lawfully occupied dwelling-house with intent to commit a theft or a felony therein."

It was not disputed at trial that the appellant entered the apartment of Melanie Reid without permission. What was in dispute was why the appellant entered Ms. Reid's apartment.

The state presented evidence…