Dating relationship does not confer the right to be present in partner’s home
In People v. Dunigan, the Michigan Court of Appeals rejected the defendant’s argument that he could not properly be convicted of home invasion because his status as the victim’s boyfriend gave him the right to be present in her home. The Court found it immaterial that defendant spent some nights at the victim’s home and that she considered him to be her boyfriend. According to the Court, a “dating relationship” alone does not “entitle[] a person to be present in their partner’s dwelling at will.” The Court also found it significant that the victim repeatedly refused defendant’s requests for a key, garage door opener, and access codes to her home.
