PEOPLE v. KLOOSTERMAN (2011)

A jury convicted defendant of breaking and entering a vehicle causing damage, MCL 750.356a(3), and the trial court sentenced him as a second habitual offender, a prison term of one to five years. Defendant appeals as of right. We affirm.

Defendant argues the trial court erred when it denied defendant's motion for a directed verdict because the prosecution did not offer sufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt the damage element of MCL 750.356a(3). We disagree.

MCL 750.356a(2) proscribes larceny from motor vehicles or trailers. MCL 750.356a(2)(a) and (b) punish the theft of property from motor vehicles, house trailers, trailers, and semitrailers where the property's value is under $1,000. However, MCL 750.356a(3) imposes an enhanced sentence where damage is done to any part of a motor vehicle, house trailer, trailer, or semitrailer in the commission of MCL 750.356a(2)(a) or (b).

Defendant does not dispute that a padlock securing the trailer's latches trailer was cut. Rather, defendant argues the padlock was not “any part” of the trailer and, therefore, that the trailer was not damaged for purposes of MCL 750.356a(3). This argument presents a question of statutory interpretation that we review de novo. People v. Pitts, 222 Mich.App 260, 265; 564 NW2d 93 (1997).

The primary goal of judicial interpretation of statutes is to ascertain and give effect to the intent of the Michigan Legislature. People v. Droog, 282 Mich.App 68, 70; 761 NW2d 822 (2009). To accomplish that, we begin by examining the language of the statute. People v. Davis, 468 Mich. 77, 79; 658 NW2d 800 (2003). Where the Legislature has not expressly defined terms used within a statute, we may turn to dictionary definitions to aid in construing those terms in accordance with their ordinary and generally accepted meanings. People v. Morey, 461 Mich. 325, 330–331; 603 NW2d 250 (1999).

“Any” is defined to include: “whatever or whichever it may be” and “every; all” and “in whatever degree; to some extent; at all.” Random House Webster's College Dictionary (2000). “Part” is defined as “a portion or division of a whole that is separate or distinct; piece, faction, or section.” Random House Webster's College Dictionary (2000). “Any part of ․ [a] trailer” as used in MCL 750.356a(3) covers every and all portions of the trailer in whatever degree or whatever separate or distinct piece of the trailer that is broken, torn, cut or otherwise damaged.

Here, the victim purchased his trailer and the padlocks for his trailer on the same day from the same trailer company. The latches on the trailer were compatible with the padlocks the victim purchased. The padlocks were intended to be purchased with the trailer in order to lock the trailer. The victim purchased the trailer for the purpose of storing and transporting his tools and used the locks to secure his tools while in the trailer. The padlocks on the victim's trailer were a distinct piece of the trailer that served the trailer's function of transporting and securing tools. The trial judge did not err in denying defendant's motion for a directed verdict because there was sufficient evidence to prove the damage element of MCL 750.356a(3).

Affirmed.

PER CURIAM.