Shoplifting is one of the few offenses that is actually more commonly associated with juveniles than adults. In Kalamazoo, shoplifting is referred to as retail fraud under criminal legislation, and carries very serious criminal penalties, increasing in severity as the value of stolen goods increases. For adult retail fraud offenses, penalties often include jail time and monetary punishment; however these often aren’t on the table in juvenile courts, or at least are only available to a diminished extent. This opens up a much wider variety of potential penalties to the courts, and makes having a defense attorney on your side even more crucial. Working with a lawyer can not only help you ensure your case stays in the juvenile system, but will help you structure your case to progress towards the results that match up with your best interests. Our attorneys have extensive experience working with those accused of shoplifting, theft, and other juvenile criminal offenses in Kalamazoo, and our team is prepared to begin working with you or your loved one immediately as you fight back against potentially damaging penalties. Contact our firm through our toll free hotline and learn more about the steps you can take in order to defend yourself throughout the juvenile defense process, and to gain insight into the legal issues affecting your unique case. The Grabel & Associates team is ready right away to begin fighting for you.
Grabel & Associates was established over 15 years ago by trial attorney Scott Grabel, who has remained committed to providing top-level defense to clients statewide ever since. Under his direction, our attorneys have handled numerous serious theft cases, including cases of shoplifting by a juvenile in Kalamazoo. When you work with our experienced team, you gain access to unrivaled knowledge gained through actual experience working in Kalamazoo juvenile courts. With so much at stake, it is critical that you do all you can to gain an edge on police and prosecutors, and our trial lawyers know exactly what you have to do in order to make that a reality. For a free initial case analysis, call 1-800-342-7896 toll free now. Let our attorneys provide you with confidential guidance as you prepare to fight shoplifting charges in juvenile court.
In the criminal realm, there are three degrees of retail fraud charges that a person can face. For theft of amounts under $200, third degree retail fraud charges can result. Amounts between $200 and $1,000 will result in second degree charges, and amounts over $1,000 lead to first degree charges.
Retail fraud is not just called shoplifting because it encompasses more than just taking something from a store. If you alter or misrepresent the price in any way, retail fraud charges will result, with the degree determined by the resulting or attempted difference in price paid.
In juvenile cases, the courts aren’t bound to the degrees and sentencing guidelines as they would be in adult criminal court, but the laws are still important and do guide juvenile court decisions at least to some extent. Work with a lawyer who knows the law and similarly understands the juvenile court system so that you can be fully protected against allegations of shoplifting.
It is hard to predict juvenile penalties simply because there is such a wide variety of potential sanctions available to the court. You could face fines, restitution, written apologies, community service, institutionalization, or any combination of these and other penalties. In many cases, a juvenile can be placed on the juvenile consent calendar, which means the sentence and record is suspended provided certain probationary restrictions are met. Our attorneys can advise you on the many options available to you, and will do whatever it takes to help you fight for the best possible result in your case. Call or contact us online now for a free initial case consultation and learn more about the steps you can be taking now and throughout your case.
Our attorneys know what it takes to win, as evidenced by our proven results. Past clients can tell you that our lawyers really do care, and that makes a big difference in serious criminal cases. Defend against shoplifting and act fast to begin protecting yourself by our team advising you on what to say and do throughout your defense.
Learn more about what our firm can do to protect you by calling 1-800-342-7896 or by contacting our team online. We are available 24/7 to provide free, confidential, consultation concerning your specific case, and will immediately begin providing actionable advice so that you can move forward.