Breaking and Entering Offenses

Articles Posted in Breaking and Entering Offenses

Is Breaking and Entering a Felony?

February 13, 2024

When it comes to navigating the intricacies of Michigan’s legal statutes, particularly those surrounding property crimes, understanding the layers of breaking and entering laws is paramount. In Michigan, breaking and entering is not just a singular action; it can range from unauthorized entry into a structure to entering with the intention of committing a felony or theft. Actions as seemingly innocuous as slipping through an unlocked door or as overt as smashing a window can set the stage for breaking and entering charges. The offense becomes more severe when coupled with the intent to commit a crime. Whether you find...

Posted in: Breaking and Entering Offenses, Criminal Defense

An Explanation of Michigan’s Breaking and Entering Offenses

September 8, 2020

by Michigan Defense Law

Entering the private property of another is a serious crime in Michigan. However, the seriousness of such an offense depends significantly on the type of property at issue, whether force was used, as well as the intent of the person who is alleged to have entered. Michigan lawmakers have created several different crimes, all related to unlawful entry onto another’s property. Each of these offenses is contained in Chapter XVI of the Michigan Penal Code. For example, on the less serious side, there is the crime of opening a coin or deposit box. This offense could apply to breaking into...

Posted in: Breaking and Entering Offenses

Michigan Court Allows Search of Defendant’s Cell Phone GPS Data

June 11, 2020

by Michigan Defense Law

Earlier this month, a state appellate court issued a written opinion in a Michigan breaking and entering case involving law enforcement’s use of GPS data recovered from the defendant’s cellular phone. The case required the court to determine if law enforcement’s search of the defendant’s phone required suppression of the evidence that was on the phone. Ultimately, the court concluded that the search was permissible, affirming the defendant’s convictions. According to the court’s opinion, the allegations in this case spanned from December 22 to December 23, 2016. Evidently, someone broke into a Clinton County business and then stole a car...

Posted in: Breaking and Entering Offenses, Search and Seizure