Oakland County, MI Burglary Lawyer

One of the most common crimes in Michigan is theft. However, the cousin of theft is burglary, which is a much more serious crime.

Unlike theft convictions, which are generally classified as misdemeanors, Michigan’s burglary laws are classified as felonies, and can have immediate and severe consequences if convicted.

We’ll go over some of those consequences in the following article.

Oakland County Burglary Defense Attorney

If you or someone you know has been charged with a type of larceny, it’s within your best interest to contact Dallo Law, P.C..

J. Dallo of Dallo Law, P.C. is passionate about helping his clients navigate the criminal justice system with promising results. Not only that, but attorney Dallo has been practicing criminal defense for years and has the knowledge needed to fight any type of theft charge no matter the circumstances. Get started on your defense and call Dallo Law, P.C. today for a consultation.

Set up your first consultation by calling Dallo Law, P.C. at 248-283-7000.

Burglary Information Center

Understanding Various Burglary Charges

Generally, burglary is defined as the use of force to commit theft. This could include breaking into a house, shattering a lock, and so on. However, Michigan extends this definition to the use of forceful entry to commit any kind of felony. In this section, we’ll go over some of the more common burglary laws on Michigan’s books.

Breaking and Entering (Section 750.110)

The most common burglary charge, and the one that most people think of, breaking and entering is defined just as it sounds. In order to be charged, the prosecution must prove that the defendant did something other than simply walk into a building. The defendant must also have the intent to commit a larceny (theft crime) or a felony. This section does not cover home invasion, which is a separate charge.

Home Invasion (Section 750.110a)

Home invasion is split into three separate degrees, all of which center on the central premise of entering a person’s home with the intent to assault someone, steal something or commit a felony.

Third Degree: Entering (with or without breaking):
- While intending to commit a misdemeanor or
- While violating the terms of probation, parole or protection order
Second Degree: Entering (with or without breaking) a dwelling with the intent to commit an assault, felony or larceny
First Degree: Entering (with or without breaking) a dwelling in order to commit and an assault, steal something or commit a felony:
- While armed with a dangerous weapon or
- While another person is present in the home (the owner is home)

Entering Without Breaking (Section 750.111)

Entering Without Breaking is exactly as it sounds. Arguing that one did not have to break or pick a lock or a window is not a valid defense against burglary charges.

Tailgating (walking behind someone), taking advantage of poor security or any other manner of entering an unauthorized area with the intent of committing theft or a felony is enough to warrant a burglary charge.

Burglary with Explosives (Section 750.112)

Ever thought of busting open a safe like in the movies? Think again. Michigan recognizes the danger in acquiring and deploying explosives, especially in the area of theft crimes. Using C4, dynamite, nitro-glycerine, gunpowder or any other high-explosive in the course of committing any crime after entering a building is a severe felony punishable by no less than 15 years in state prison.

Penalties for Burglary

Breaking and entering is a felony punishable by not more than 10 years in prison.

Home invasion is a felony and punishable as follows:

First degree: A maximum prison term of 20 years and/or a fine not exceeding $5,000.
Second degree: A maximum prison term of 15 years and/or a fine not exceeding $3,000.
Third degree: A maximum prison term of 5 years and/or a fine not exceeding $2,000.

Entering without breaking is a felony punishable by not more than 5 years in prison or a fine not exceeding $2,500.

Burglary with explosives is a felony punishable by a minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in state prison.

Collateral Consequences of a Felony Conviction

If you are found guilty of any of the above charges, then you may face the following additional consequences:

Difficulty finding employment: Many employers will not consider a candidate if he or she has a felony conviction
Loss of right to vote: While incarcerated, felons are not allowed to vote in Michigan. You can, however, continue voting once you have been released.
Loss of right to bear arms: Felons are not allowed to possess firearms. For many in Michigan, this makes it difficult or impossible to hunt.
Difficulty finding housing: Unless you have a home and enough money to cover mortgage payments while in prison, chances are you’ll need to rent a home or apartment once you get out. This can be difficult since many land-owners refuse to rent to those with felony convictions.
Social Stigma: Felons show up in national database searches, which may make maintaining friend and relationships difficult.

Hire a Burglary Defense Attorney in Oakland County

Set up your first consultation by calling Dallo Law, P.C. at 248-283-7000. Our firm accepts clients throughout the greater Oakland County and Macomb County area including Pontiac, Troy, Waterford Township, Oakland Charter Township, Royal Oak, Clarkston, Southfield, Bloomfield Hills, Warren, Sterling Heights, Romeo, Utica, Roseville, and Eastpointe.

Latest Blog Posts

Can CSC Charges Be Reduced or Dismissed in Michigan?

May 14, 2026

What happens after a DUI arrest in Michigan?

May 8, 2026

View More Posts

Reviews

      Excellent rating  
 Based on 586 reviews 
    
  
 
 
      Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mr. Dallo has been absolutely great and made a huge difference when handling the legal process and judges. He is helpful, educational, and most of all effective. He also helps so much with understanding the legal system, how it works, and the best ways to go about certain courts and judges.
     
   Tony Lehnert 
 
 
 
 
 
    Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I never hired this lawyer, but I appreciate his transparency
     
   Lence Lazoroski 
 
 
 
 
 
    Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. very fast response and knowledgeable. 👍
     
   Tim stanfield 
 
 
 
 
 
    Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mr Dallo recently took on my boyfriend’s case, the time I met him before going into court to support my boyfriend, Mr Dallo greeted me with the up most respect, told us what to expect, and was there every step of the way. When my boyfriend was in jail, I got ahold of his assistant and told them what was going on, it was a matter of minutes before Mr Dallo contacted me regarding my boyfriend and said we will take care of this and apologize for this manner. Mr Dallo is a man of his word, Mr Dallo and his team are truly amazing, we couldn’t thank Mr Dallo enough after the case was over, he will fight til he gets the results he wants, if you need a professional, promising, dedicated attorney, Mr Dallo should be your only call to make, you won’t be disappointed, Thank you again Mr Dallo and your team for the services you were able to provide for my boyfriend
     
   Kim Persails 
 
 
 
 
 
    Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. J did an amazing job helping us with our case. He immediately responded to our call for help, late on a Sunday night, and swiftly and completely took care of everything. I have total trust in him and will definitely use him again, if something else were to happen. Very professional and knowledgeable, I highly recommend him!
     
   Julie Edmonds 
 
 
 
 
 
    Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Definitely recommend dallo law after a recent fender bender, Jay was very involved as soon as we called and I could even over the phone completely trust him to represent me. He was very easy to talk to and kept me updated as soon as he knew anything. Hopefully I don’t have this situation again but if I do I know who to call.
     
   Landon Soest 
 
 
 
 
 
    Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Awesome team here at dallo! I contacted them regarding a traffic incident and told them my CDL license is extremely important to me, they were able to take care of me beyond what i had expected! Awesome group of people here and couldn’t recommend them enough to anyone who is looking for a attorney!
     
   adam khammanivong 
 
 
 
 
 
    Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. JJ and his team make you feel like family when he takes your case.  No matter the situation he approaches resolution in a thoughtful, composed way.  While you wish you didn’t need an attorney, if you find yourself in need you’d be a fool not to consider the Dallo team.
     
   Vito Gioia 
 
 
 
 
 
    Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I truly cannot say enough good things about Jay Dallo. From the very beginning of my case all the way through the end, Jay was absolutely incredible. I came to him during an extremely stressful and overwhelming situation, and from our very first conversation, he gave me a sense of reassurance that I desperately needed.

Throughout the entire process, Jay was supportive, confident, attentive, and always on top of everything. He never made me feel like I was just another case or another client. He always answered my phone calls, took the time to answer every single question I had, and made sure I understood what was happening and what to expect. No matter how many questions or concerns I had, I never felt like I was bothering him or being rushed.

What stood out to me the most was the confidence and reassurance he gave me from beginning to end. There was never a point where he gave me even the slightest reason to doubt him or feel like my case wasn’t being handled with the utmost care. When you are dealing with something that can have such a serious impact on your life and your future, having an attorney who makes you feel that secure is priceless.

Today, my case was completely dismissed, and I genuinely could not be more grateful that Jay was the attorney standing beside me throughout this process. He did exactly what he said he was going to do, and he was there for me every step of the way.

Jay is not only an exceptional attorney, but truly a remarkable person. His professionalism, dedication, communication, compassion, and commitment to his clients are unmatched. I will forever be grateful for everything he did for me and for the peace of mind he gave me during one of the most difficult and stressful situations I have ever dealt with.

If you are looking for an attorney who will genuinely fight for you, communicate with you, reassure you, and make you feel like your case truly matters, I cannot recommend Jay Dallo enough. Choosing him to represent me was one of the best decisions I could have made. Five stars does not feel like enough. Thank you, Jay, for everything.
     
   Carmen Ball