Which legal term describes an unlawful entry into a dwelling with the intent to commit a crime?

The legal term that describes an unlawful entry into a dwelling with the intent to commit a crime is burglary. Burglary involves both the act of trespassing into a structure—such as a dwelling, building, or other enclosure—and having the specific intent to commit an illegal act, such as theft or another crime, once inside.

This distinction is crucial because it separates burglary from other crimes. For example, robbery involves taking property from a person using force or intimidation, not merely entering a property unlawfully. Kidnapping refers to the unlawful taking and carrying away of a person against their will, while false imprisonment involves the unlawful confinement of a person without consent. Burglary specifically targets unlawful entry with criminal intent, making it a distinct and significant offense in the realm of property crimes.