Legal Question in Criminal Law in Michigan

Misdemeanor B&E

I recently graduated from U. of Michigan. The new business school is currently under construction. My friend and I entered through a gap in the fence about a foot and a half wide. The door to the building was propped open and no force was used to enter the building. We were arrested but the campus police and cited for ''unlawful entry.'' The campus police officers made it sound like no big deal, but then few weeks later I received a notice to appear in court. My friend and I are being charged with misdemeanor B&E.

I am not eligible for representation from the student legal service because I've already graduated, but an attorney there advised us both to plead not guilty and wait to have an attorney appointed.

It does not seem fair that we are being charged with B&E because force was not used to enter the building and we did not stealing or harming anything within. Could this be reduced to trespassing? Should plead not guilty at the arraignment? I know that will result in a pre-trail hearing being scheduled, but on the 15th district court website I also read that ''bond will be set.'' Does this mean that I will be put in jail if I cannot post bond? Should I get an attorney before my arraignment or wait to have one appointed


Asked on 5/12/08, 8:54 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Re: Misdemeanor B&E

I never recommend waiting for a court appointed lawyer. If you don't have to settle for a court appointed lawyer, I suggest that you hire an experienced and aggressive attorney to try to keep your criminal record clear. You're too young to be burdened with a record.

For more information, go to:

www.AggressiveCriminalDefense.com

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Answered on 5/12/08, 9:21 pm


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