The acts of breaking and entering a building were historically part of the definition of the crime of burglary. But most states have since broadened the definition of burglary to include any entry into a building without the permission of the owner and with the intent to commit a theft, assault, or other crime inside the building. But a few states still have a distinct criminal offense of breaking and entering a building.

And some states have a similar criminal offense of forcible and unlawful entry that make it a crime to force entry into an automobile, safe, ATM, parking meter, or vending machine.

Breaking and entering laws (and related property crime laws) are usually located in a state’s penal or criminal code (statutes).

In Maryland, burglary is defined under the state's criminal law statutes, specifically in the Criminal Law Article of the Maryland Code. The definition of burglary has indeed been broadened beyond the traditional concept of 'breaking and entering' at night. Maryland law recognizes several degrees of burglary, which can include entering a building, whether forcibly or not, with the intent to commit theft, a violent crime, or any unlawful activity. For example, first-degree burglary involves breaking and entering into someone's dwelling with the intent to commit theft or a crime of violence. Maryland also has statutes that address the unlawful entry into motor vehicles, with separate laws for theft from a motor vehicle and malicious destruction of property. While the state does not have a distinct offense called 'breaking and entering,' the acts typically associated with breaking and entering are encompassed within Maryland's burglary and related property crime laws.