Legal Question in Criminal Law in Michigan

misdemeanor breaking and entering - illegal entry

I recently graduated from college. In April, when I was still a student, I went with 9 other friends to play basketball at the campus gym when it had already closed. One of the people in the group had a key. We were caught by the janitor who then notified the campus police. We were questioned individually on the spot, then told that we would be notified by the court. I never received any papers, but I know I am scheduled to appear for an arraignment because I found the court docket online. I am planning on appearing. Some of the group has already appeared for arraignment. We are all pleading not guilty. They say that the judge has scheduled a pre-trial for all of us in September. The problem is that I will have moved by then and really don't want to fly back for this. Is it possible to get a case settled before the pre-trial? Is there any chance for plea bargain, and if so, how does that work? It seems like such a trivial offense for them to pursue. The majority of the group is being represented by the student legal service provided by the school, but I do not know if I am eligible because I already graduated. Should I find an attorney? Do I need one for a pre-trial? Any advice/help would be appreciated. Thanks.


Asked on 7/05/05, 8:40 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Jeffrey Buehner Jeffrey Buehner, PLLC

Re: misdemeanor breaking and entering - illegal entry

I would treat this charge seriously as an illegal entry conviction is certainly not something that you want on your record, particularly as a recent graduate. In all likelihood you are going to have to return to court for the pretrial conference and if the case doesn't get resolved at the pretrial, for subsequent hearings. You should hire an attorney. The sooner you hire an attorney, the sooner the attorney can get to work on attempting to resolve the case for you.

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Answered on 7/05/05, 12:44 pm
William Morrison Action Defense Center

Re: misdemeanor breaking and entering - illegal entry

If you have no prior criminal record, it is possible to resolve this matter without your appearance in court and without any entry of the offense in your record. A local attorney can help you do this. The name of your college would be helpful.

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Answered on 7/05/05, 3:06 pm


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