Burglary Attorney in Grand Rapids

Your Trusted Defense Partners for Home Invasion Charges in Grand Rapids

When you face a burglary accusation in Grand Rapids, formally known as “breaking and entering” or “home invasion,” you need a legal team that understands Michigan's criminal justice system and knows the Kent County court process inside and out. 

At Tanis Schultz, we bring over 50 years of combined legal insight to your defense, providing the full strength of our team approach. We review every aspect of your case, recognizing that small details often make a big difference in burglary cases. 

Local courts in Grand Rapids move quickly, so we prioritize rapid response and proactive planning to help keep your options open. You can count on us to provide both strong advocacy and the sound guidance you need throughout the process.

A burglary charge is a fight for your future. Don't wait. A burglary attorney in Grand Rapids from our firm is ready to begin building your defense. Call Tanis Schultz at (616) 227-3737 or reach out online today and let us start fighting for your freedom.

Understanding Burglary Laws in Michigan

Michigan law does not use the term burglary in its primary statutes. Instead, these offenses are categorized under "breaking and entering" and "home invasion," which are both serious felony crimes. A burglary attorney in Grand Rapids from our firm will help you understand the specific law you have been charged under, as the penalties vary significantly.

• Breaking and Entering (MCL 750.110): This offense applies to breaking and entering a non-dwelling with the intent to commit a felony or a larceny inside. This includes places like a store, office, or warehouse. A conviction can result in up to 10 years in prison.
• Home Invasion: This statute applies specifically to breaking and entering a dwelling (a place where someone lives). Michigan law has three degrees of home invasion:
  • First-Degree Home Invasion (MCL 750.110a): This is the most severe charge. It involves an unlawful entry with the intent to commit a felony, larceny, or assault, while either being armed with a dangerous weapon or when another person is lawfully present in the dwelling. This offense is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
  • Second-Degree Home Invasion (MCL 750.110a): This involves an unlawful entry with the intent to commit a felony, larceny, or assault inside the dwelling, but without the aggravating factors of being armed or another person being present. A conviction can result in up to 15 years in prison.
  • Third-Degree Home Invasion (MCL 750.110a): This offense applies when an individual enters a dwelling with the intent to commit a misdemeanor or violates the terms of their probation or parole. This is a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison.

The key to a successful defense is understanding these different legal definitions and applying them to the facts of your case. A skilled Grand Rapids burglary defense lawyer will be able to challenge the specific charge and work to get it reduced or dismissed.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of a Home Invasion Conviction

A conviction for burglary or home invasion in Michigan can result in severe penalties that will impact your life for years to come.

• Prison Time and Fines: The penalties vary widely depending on the specific charge, from a maximum of 5 years for third-degree home invasion to a maximum of 20 years for first-degree home invasion. Fines can also be substantial.
• Permanent Criminal Record: A felony conviction will stay on your record forever, making it incredibly difficult to find employment, secure housing, or obtain professional licenses.
• Loss of Civil Rights: A felony conviction can result in the loss of your right to vote and your right to possess a firearm.
• Immigration Issues: A felony conviction can have severe consequences for non-citizens, including deportation.

A skilled burglary attorney in Grand Rapids is essential to help you avoid these life-altering consequences.

Understanding the Grand Rapids Burglary Case Process

When law enforcement investigates or arrests someone for burglary in Grand Rapids, the legal process moves swiftly. Most cases begin with an arrest by the Grand Rapids Police Department or Kent County Sheriff’s Office, followed by arraignment in a local court, where charges are formally read.

• Arraignment in the local courthouse initiates the judicial process and defines your next steps.
• Bail or bond hearings assess whether you can await court dates from home or must stay in custody.
• Discovery involves a review of all evidence gathered by law enforcement and the prosecution.
• Negotiated resolutions or scheduled hearings can follow if there is room for reduction or dismissal.
• The case concludes with a trial, plea, or alternative sentencing if needed.

Local Court Details & Timeline

Court schedules in Kent County set important deadlines that shape your defense options. Judges may review bond quickly after arrest, so taking action right away is crucial. Each courtroom in Grand Rapids may handle negotiations and pretrial matters differently, depending on the judge and the type of charge. 

Legal representation that understands these differences helps you pursue the most suitable pathway for your defense. Our team’s experience handling burglary charges in this region means we guide you through these crucial local steps.

Our Comprehensive Approach to Burglary Defense

Our defense strategies are tailored to the specific facts of your case. We are relentless in our pursuit of justice for our clients. As a dedicated burglary attorney in Grand Rapids, our approach includes:

• Challenging the Unlawful Entry: We can argue that you had permission to be on the property, that you were not the person who entered the property, or that you were a victim of mistaken identity.
• Disputing Criminal Intent: This is often the most powerful defense. We can argue that you did not enter with the intent to commit a crime, but for some other reason, such as to seek shelter from a storm or to look for help.
• Violations of Constitutional Rights: We will examine every detail of your arrest to ensure that law enforcement followed proper protocol. If your rights were violated, we will fight to have the evidence suppressed.
• Strategic Negotiations: We will use the weaknesses we find in the prosecution's case to negotiate for a reduction of the charge to a lesser offense, such as trespassing or larceny.

Why Clients Select Our Grand Rapids Burglary Lawyers

Trust matters most when selecting a burglary lawyer in Grand Rapids or anywhere in West Michigan. 

People turn to us for several reasons:

• Dedicated team approach: More than one attorney will review your case, so you never have to worry about delays if someone is unavailable. Our collaborative strategy gives your defense more depth.
• Extensive courtroom experience: We have handled cases before Kent County judges and prosecutors, so we understand which facts and approaches work best locally.
• Direct attorney access: Clients meet and communicate directly with our attorneys, fostering transparency and trust from the first contact onward.
• Secure technology: Our use of advanced systems means your information stays protected and you always have access to important updates.
• Flexible scheduling: Same-day appointments and after-hours options ensure you get answers and advice when urgency matters most.

We believe that open communication and direct access to your attorney make a real difference in every case. Our lawyers adapt strategies to each unique situation, drawing from successful outcomes in both simple and complex defense matters across the area. 

With our firm, you receive the collective insight of a seasoned legal team that has built a strong reputation throughout Grand Rapids and the surrounding region.

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