Wayne Shields, 43, and a co-offender attended the rear entrance of BJT Legal on the evening of March 31 this year and tried to gain entry by jemmying the door open, the Ballarat Magistrates Court heard.

Shields told his co-offender the building was his motel and he was trying to get money out of his room.

After failing to jemmy open the door, Shields smashed a window and reached in to unlock the door, police prosecutor Sergeant Bob Anderson said.

Defence lawyer Jon Irwin said Shields was an alcoholic.

"He has very little, if any, recollection of the night."

Shields pleaded guilty to attempted burglary and possessing house-breaking implements.

Magistrate Kay Robertson convicted Shields and placed him on a six-month good behaviour bond. He was also ordered to pay $150 restitution for the broken window.