Michigan Breaking & Entering Lawyer

Breaking and entering, also known colloquially as “burglary” or “home invasion,” occurs when an individual forces his/her way onto a property or simply enters premises illegally. There are many subtly different charges that can be brought against someone for breaking and/or entering in Michigan and the law can be quite complex. If you have been arrested for breaking and entering, it is important that you discuss your legal options with an experienced attorney.

Call Grewal Law PLLC at (888) 211-5798 for a free consultation with one of our breaking and entering attorneys. We serve clients throughout the state of Michigan.

Common Breaking & Entering Offenses in Michigan

As previously mentioned, there are a number of charges that fall under breaking and entering. These range from general to highly specific and almost always include very serious penalties.

Some of the most common types of breaking and entering offenses include:

• Breaking and Entering (Section 750.110): General breaking and entering charges typically involve “intent to commit felony or larceny” or, in other words, the alleged offender is accused of entering a property/premises with the intention of causing harm, stealing, or committing an illegal act. You can be charged with breaking and entering for illegally being in a home or commercial space, government building or structure, on a boat or train, in a factory or manufacturing facility, or any other type of property.
• Entering without Breaking (Section 750.111): Much like general breaking and entering, Section 750.111 covers illegal entry or presence on/in a structure, building, vessel, or vehicle but without “breaking.” In other words, this charge does not involve forced entry. It does, however, still involve “intent to commit felony or larceny.”
• Burglary with Explosives (Section 750.112): Section 750.112 covers any individual who breaks and enters with the intent to commit an illegal act with explosives. This can include simply being in possession of explosives or attempted use of high explosives. Burglary with explosives is a felony and is typically accompanied by serious penalties.
• Coin or Depository Boxes (Section 750.113): Under this section, anyone who opens or attempts to illegal open a coin or depository box with malicious or willful force can be charged with breaking and entering. This also applies to anyone who removes or attempts to remove money from any type of payment receptacle.
• Enclosed Counter Good (Section 750.114): Individuals who are accused of breaking and entering or entering without breaking any type of enclosed counter or showcase (indoor or outdoor) used for displaying goods can be charged with breaking and entering. This offense is typically charged as a misdemeanor and carries both fines and jail time.
• Entering without Permission, but Lacking Intent (Section 750.115): Entering without permission but without intent to commit a felony or larceny is still considered a crime. In other words, anyone who enters or inhabits a building, structure, or another type of space without permission but does not intend to commit a crime can be charged with breaking and entering.
• Possession of Burglars’ Tools (Section 750.116): Knowingly possessing a tool that is designed for breaking and entering is a crime. This can include explosives, altered items, substances, and similar tools. In order to be charged with a crime under Section 750.116, the person in possession of the tool must also have the intent to use the tool to break and enter a property for the purpose of committing a crime, such as larceny.

By law, “breaking” does not always mean forced entry. A person may be charged with breaking and entering if he or she illegally enters a home through an open window. Additionally, it is not necessary to be fully inside/on a property or structure in order to be charged with breaking and entering. For instance, if a person places just one body part or even an item in or on a property/premises, he or she could face charges.