Bloomfield Hills Burglary Lawyer

Burglary crimes in Michigan are governed by Michigan common law (case law) as well as by multiple statutes related to breaking and entering crimes. It is also a criminal offense in Michigan to possess burglary tools.

Many burglary charges are classified as felonies under Michigan law. However, the severity of the charge and sentence often depends on factors such as whether the alleged crime occurred in a home or commercial building, whether weapons were involved, whether anyone was home at the time, and other factors.

If you have been accused of a burglary crime, you need the expert assistance of a Bloomfield Hills burglary attorney. Penalties for burglary crimes can be extremely harsh, with some charges carrying up to 20 years jail time.

It is not worth the risk to try to defend against these charges alone. A Bloomfield Hills burglary lawyer understands the law and will make sure your rights are protected and your best interests are served. Seek the services of a determined theft lawyer who can fight for you.

There are many charges related to breaking into a car. However, the specific charge and penalty will depend on the value of what is taken, any prior offenses, and whether the vehicle is damaged during the break-in. In the case of someone committing a spree of car break-ins, the value of what they take in multiple cars can be combined to justify a higher degree charge. Vehicular invasion sentences can range from misdemeanors with $500 fines and 90 days jail time to felonies with up to ten years in prison and fines in the tens of thousands of dollars.

The home invasion statute applies when a burglary/break-in charge relates to a residence, whether owner-occupied or rental property. There are three degrees of home invasion charges which a burglary lawyer can work to defend:

First degree home invasion charges are the most serious of the charges and applies when an armed person breaks into and enters a home with the intent of committing a theft, assault, or other felony while inside, and there is at least one other person in the home at the time. First-degree home invasion is a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison and $5,000 in fines. A qualified Bloomfield Hills burglary lawyer can attempt to mitigate the penalties you face.

This charge applies when a person breaks and enters a home with the intent to commit theft, assault, or another felony while inside. The accused does not need to be armed, and it does not matter whether anyone is home at the time. It also does not matter whether the accused actually succeeds in committing a crime while inside – the intent alone is enough to be charged. Second-degree home invasion is a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and $3,000 in fines.

This charge is the least severe of the three charges. It applies when a person breaks into and enters a home with the intent of committing a misdemeanor. It also applies when breaking and entering the home while the accused is violating probation, parole or pre-trial release, or a protective order. Third-degree home invasion is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and $2,000 in fines.

Burglary charges are extremely serious and the penalties are steep. If you have been accused of burglary, contact an experienced Bloomfield Hills burglary lawyer to discuss your situation, evaluate your defenses, and ensure that your rights are effectively represented.