Michigan Property Crimes Defense Attorney

Expert Legal Defense for All Property Crime Charges

Arson Defense in Michigan

Arson is considered the malicious burning of property. It’s important to understand that it’s still a crime if you set fire to your own property. Arson charges are extremely serious and can result in severe penalties including 20 years to life in prison.

Michigan Arson Charges

Michigan law recognizes several degrees of arson:

• First-degree arson (felony) – Maximum 20 years to life
• Second-degree arson (felony)
• Third-degree arson (felony)
• Fourth-degree arson (felony)
• Fifth-degree arson (misdemeanor)
• Arson under $200 (misdemeanor)
• Arson of property valued between $200 and $1,000 (misdemeanor)
• Arson of an insured dwelling (felony)
• Carelessly setting fire to a hotel (misdemeanor)

Many factors influence how prosecutors charge arson cases, including the size and value of the burned property, whether the fire was set intentionally or with intent to defraud an insurance company, and if the fire injured or killed anyone.

Experienced Arson Defense Representation

Our Michigan arson attorneys understand the complexities of these cases. We know that sometimes insurance companies falsely accuse property owners of arson to avoid paying claims. Our approach includes:

• Aggressive, detail-oriented investigation
• Bringing in independent fire investigation experts
• Examining ALL circumstances surrounding your case
• Providing emotional support during this difficult time

Home Invasion Defense in Michigan

Home invasion is a serious crime in Michigan with a high possibility of prison time upon conviction. Michigan law categorizes home invasion into three degrees:

First-Degree Home Invasion

• Up to 20 years in prison and fines up to $5,000

Prosecutors must prove you:

• Broke and entered into another’s home without permission
• Intended to commit an assault, larceny, or felony once inside
• AND either had a deadly weapon OR another person was lawfully present

Second-Degree Home Invasion

• Up to 15 years in prison and fines up to $3,000
• Involves breaking and entering with intent to commit a crime but without a weapon present.

Third-Degree Home Invasion

• Up to 5 years in prison and fines up to $2,000
• Involves breaking into a home with intent to commit a misdemeanor

Accused of home invasion? Contact us to evaluate your defense strategy.

Malicious Destruction of Property (MDOP) Defense

MDOP charges arise when someone intentionally damages or destroys another person’s property. Michigan law provides specific penalties based on the value of the property destroyed.

MDOP Penalties in Michigan

To secure a conviction, prosecutors must prove you willfully damaged or destroyed someone else’s property and that it wasn’t simply an accident. Penalties vary based on:

• Value of the damaged property
• Prior MDOP convictions
• Circumstances of the case

Michigan MDOP penalties include:

• Destruction under $200 (misdemeanor): Up to 93 days in jail and/or fine of $500 or 3x the property value
• Destruction of $200–$1,000 (misdemeanor): Up to 1 year in jail and/or fine of $2,000 or 3x the property value
• Destruction of $1,000–$20,000 or second offense (felony): Up to 5 years in prison and/or fine of $10,000 or 3x the property value
• Destruction over $20,000 or two prior convictions (felony): Up to 10 years in prison and/or fine of $15,000 or 3x the property value

Beyond immediate penalties, an MDOP conviction can limit employment opportunities, rental options, student loans, voting rights, and firearm ownership.

Vandalism Defense in Michigan

Vandalism often involves the intentional defacement or destruction of another’s property and can lead to criminal charges. While many vandalism offenses are misdemeanors, severe cases may result in felony charges.

Examples of Vandalism

• Graffiti and tagging
• Keying cars
• Slashing tires
• Egging houses
• Smashing windows
• Pushing over headstones
• Carving into public property

Most vandalism cases are misdemeanors, but severe cases can be charged as felonies. Penalties may include jail time, fines, restitution, probation, and community service.

Accused of vandalism? Contact our attorneys for an aggressive defense strategy.

Why Choose The Law Offices of Barton Morris