Burglary Charges Defense Attorneys

Facing Burglary Charges is Scary and Serious. The Defense Team with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. is Passionate, Aggressive, Experienced, and Not Afraid To Win

Protect Yourself and Your Future with a Strong, Aggressive Defense

Burglary is a serious felony, and convictions will likely result in serving jail time or even a significant amount of time in prison. The best thing you can do to protect yourself is immediately contact Michigan’s premier burglary charges defense attorneys with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. Our attorneys specialize in defending people charged with criminal offenses like burglary. We have won dismissals and not-guilty verdicts in state and federal courtrooms across the United States. Our attorneys are ready to fight to protect you, defend your rights, and provide you with the strongest possible defense.

We have an excellent track record of successfully defending the most serious criminal matters. Our attorneys often get involved in files before a case goes to court to avoid or lessen charges. Suppose an experienced and savvy attorney is hired proactively. In that case, they might persuade the police and prosecutors to reduce potential criminal charges or consider alternatives. Getting legal help as early as possible is beneficial and can mean the difference between incarceration and freedom.

Burglary Charges in Michigan

The prosecution must prove two elements beyond a reasonable doubt for a burglary conviction. The first element is that a person entered into a structure without permission. The second element is that a person must have intended to commit a felony when entering the building. If the prosecutor cannot prove those elements beyond a reasonable doubt, then the prosecutor can attempt to secure a conviction of a lesser offense, such as trespass.

Potential Penalties for Burglary

• Burglary is a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison. If the crime is committed with a firearm (whether that weapon is used in the commission of the crime or not), the maximum sentence is up to 20 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

• Possession of Burglary Tools — Possession of burglary tools is a felony that often accompanies burglary charges. Essentially, this charge relates to possessing any tool or device that was or could be used to gain access to a structure. The maximum penalty for this offense is ten years in prison.

The penalties are severe, so great legal representation is mandatory if you want your best chance of an acquittal or avoiding incarceration.

Common Defenses Against Burglary Charges in Michigan

When facing burglary charges in Michigan, it’s crucial to have a comprehensive defense strategy. The outcome of your case can significantly depend on the specific circumstances and the skill of your defense attorney. Experienced burglary charges defense attorneys can employ various strategies to challenge the prosecution’s case and protect your rights. Here are some common defenses used in burglary cases:

1. Lack of Intent: Burglary charges require proof of intent to commit a crime once inside the property. If there was no intention to commit theft or any other crime, this can be a strong defense. For example, if the accused entered a building accidentally or without the knowledge that it was off-limits, an attorney can argue that there was no criminal intent.

2. Mistaken Identity: Eyewitness misidentification can occur, especially in high-stress situations. If there is doubt about whether the accused was actually the person who committed the burglary, this defense can be pursued. Burglary charges defense attorneys can scrutinize the evidence and eyewitness accounts to uncover inconsistencies or errors in the identification process.

3. Alibi: Presenting a solid alibi can be a powerful defense. If the accused can provide evidence or witnesses proving they were elsewhere when the alleged burglary occurred, it can create reasonable doubt about their involvement in the crime.

4. Consent: If the property owner gave permission to enter the premises, this can be a valid defense against burglary charges. An attorney can argue that the entry was not unlawful if there was prior consent, which negates the burglary element of unlawful entry.

5. Challenging Evidence: The prosecution’s evidence must be scrutinized for any legal violations. If law enforcement conducted an illegal search and seizure or violated the defendant’s constitutional rights during the investigation, the evidence obtained may be inadmissible in court. This can significantly weaken the prosecution’s case and potentially lead to a dismissal of charges.

6. Lack of Evidence: In some cases, the prosecution may not have enough evidence to prove all the elements of burglary beyond a reasonable doubt. An attorney can highlight gaps or weaknesses in the evidence, such as lack of fingerprints, DNA, or credible witnesses, to argue for a reduction or dismissal of the charges.

Having an experienced attorney who understands the complexities of burglary laws in Michigan is essential. A skilled burglary charges defense attorney can analyze your case’s specific details and develop a tailored defense strategy to achieve the best possible outcome. At LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C., our attorneys have extensive experience in defending clients against burglary charges and are dedicated to fighting for your rights.

Michigan’s Premier Burglary Charges Defense Attorneys

You must have the best legal representation available when faced with a possible loss of freedom. You can protect yourself, your family, your freedom, and your rights when facing burglary charges. The only way to do that is to have Michigan’s elite criminal defense firm, LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C., represent you. Our attorneys pride themselves in standing between our clients and the prosecutors and police trying to convict them. We will do everything humanly possible to ensure that you are given the best defense available. LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. is top of the line in respectability, quality representation, and experience. We do not take your trust in us lightly, and we will provide you with a defense that goes above and beyond what you would get with any other defense lawyer in Michigan. Our goal is a dismissal or a not guilty verdict when possible. Call us for a free consultation to discuss your case.

Call us today at (248) 263-6800 for a free consultation or complete an online Request for Assistance Form. We will contact you promptly and find a way to help you.

We will find a way to help you.
We Are Not Afraid to Win!